Looking to become a graphic designer? Start here.
- Deena Englard
- Mar 16
- 4 min read
Considering a career in graphic design?
Whether freelancing or at an agency, there are so many pros such as flexible work environments, being able to set your own hours and income, and creative fulfillment.
You don't need an extensive education compared to other careers such as Speech Therapy or Accounting. If you're passionate and dedicated, you can become a great designer from the comfort of your living room.
Not to undermine the amount of work it takes - you will still need to learn the software, learn design principals, learn marketing strategy, and apply them all. It takes time and work to build up your skills and train your eye for design to be able to come up with great ideas and bring them to life just like you imagined them.
The fastest route is being by taking a course or program.
While you can learn by watching over the shoulder of a mentor/sibling or by watching LOTS of YouTube videos and taking lots of mini Udemy courses, a comprehensive course is fastest way to learn all of the software and the design fundamentals you need to take your skills to a professional level.
The dedication these frum teachers have to their students beyond graduation is incredible. They have alumni email newsletters, community boards where you can network and ask questions, job forums, and ongoing support as you navigate starting your new business (or career).
Here are the top 6 frum design courses for beginners:
Design Alive
Zippy Thumin
At a glance:
Design software + theory + business
Bonus courses from guest professionals
2 years of access to the course
Live, cohort, or self-paced options
PS Design School
Chaya Murik
At a glance:
Design software + theory
4 month course + 4 month extension course
Live or recorded options
1-on-1 mentoring
The Bold Edge
Malkie Scholnik
At a glance:
Design software + theory
Approximately 8 months long
Feedback and support
Student Slack community
Bonus workshops with professionals in the field
2 years of access to the course recordings
Online and USB access
Bright Brush Academy
Baily Biederman
At a glance:
Design software
Online and USB access
Pre-recorded classes
Online community
WITS/Maalot
At a glance:
Design software + theory
1 year of classes, 25 college credits
Evening classes
Small class size for individualized attention (max of 15 students)
Live classes, in-person and remote
TTI
At a glance:
Design software + theory
Live classes in the evening
5 month course, 15 college credits
Weekly 1-on-1 mentoring
With so many great options, how do you decide which course to take?
I know, I would be overwhelmed as well! I asked how others made this decision and these were the common answers:
Referrals A lot of people went with what their friends or family members recommended or went with them.
Reaching out Some people reached out to each course to ask their questions. This gave them the opportunity to get the know the instructor and find the person who best fit their personality and energy.
Meet experienced designers Design Alive and The Bold Edge both offer masterclasses with designers and marketers currently in the field. This was extremely attractive to some people who wanted to get that exposure to those who are already successful.
Pacing Another factor people considered was the length of the course and whether it was live or recordings. Some prefer the interaction, feedback, and motivation that comes from a live cohort. Some prefer being able to go at their own pace and fit classes and homework into their personal busy life schedule.
Extra topics covered Some courses cover just design itself such as branding and layout. Others have additional classes they've added over the years on topics such as interior design, 3D, AI, etc. If checking out other areas of design is something interesting to you either for creative fulfillment or possible future career directions or even just for the confidence boost, then it's a factor worth considering.
If you're already familiar with the basics and looking to get to the next level in terms of skill and strategy, check out:
DesignPro
Malky Schlesinger
At a glance:
Advanced branding course focused on skills, strategy, and business
4 months live or 6 months self-paced
1-to-1 critique
Private community
Masterclasses with pros in the field
When I was in college (I went to Touro LAS in Flatbush and highly recommend it if it's an option for you!), we had one evening where classes were canceled due to weather. I don't remember if it was too hot and the AC was broken or it was too cold and the heating was broken. Point is, I had a whole evening of extra time all of a sudden.
I had been brainstorming ideas for my new homework for Typography class to create an image out of text and stumbled upon some really cool portraits created out of thousands of words at different sizes. So I tried it out.
3 hours later and I had an image coming to life out of typography. And I couldn't stop now and let all that time go to waste. So I continued and ended up with this final product:
It looks intense - and it was. But it didn't have to be. The assignment was just to create an image out of text.
I could have done something simple.
Instead I spent hours pasting in lines of text and sizing them to create shading and texture.
And it just goes to show, 2 people can take the same class, get the same homework assignments, learn from the same teachers, and come out with vastly different portfolios.
You only get out of your education as much effort as you put into it.
So take the time to hone your craft - no one achieved great levels of skill by taking shortcuts. So spend the time to try out sketch out dozens of logo options, try out multiple layouts, and experiment with different techniques and styles.
Future you will thank you.
