The Digital Design short course at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago offers students a broad range of skill development in a variety of digital design disciplines.

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers skill-based professional advancement courses for adults covering digital design programs including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and InDesign, as well as color theory, architecture, interior design, designed objects, graphic design, and typography topics to students from across the globe in spring, summer, fall and winter sessions.

On-campus and online courses are offered in multi-week sessions, one-week and two-weekend intensives, and weekend workshops starting throughout the year.

Both emerging and established artists are welcome, and courses accommodate various experience levels from beginner to advanced.

SAIC also offers a Graphic Design Certificate designed for students with an interest in exploring graphic design with an emphasis on print media.

Participants employ analogue and digital processes and may elect to work across disciplines as they develop a portfolio of work that represents their personal voice and demonstrates the technical, critical, and analytical skills required of the field.

Programs take approximately one year to complete at a rate of one to two courses per term, and courses are offered year-round in a variety of formats, including semester-long options, intensives, and both online and on-campus offerings.

School: School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Course: Digital Design Course, Adult Continuing Education
Location: Chicago, USA – online and in-person options available
Course dates: variable, with courses commencing in spring, summer, fall and winter
Application deadline: continuous enrolment

Find out more about the course and apply ›

What will I learn during this course?

Students will develop advanced practical skills in graphic design, digital photography, typography, videography, color theory, interior design, and brand identity using the Adobe Creative Suite and other software to create polished, professional visual communications.

You will learn how to use industry-standard creative tools, apply principles of composition and design, capture and edit digital images, and develop cohesive visual identities for professional and creative projects.

Through hands-on practice, you will build a versatile set of skills that can be applied to marketing, communications, portfolio development, and other professional settings.

What are the requirements?

Students must be 18 or older.

What facilities and resources are available?

Students enjoy access to SAIC’s world-class facilities and technology resources, including remote access and on-campus computer labs equipped with digital imaging software, use of SAIC’s Advanced Output Center (laser-cutting, 3D printing), Service Bureau (professional quality printing, binding, vinyl cutting) access to SAIC's many research and learning databases, free membership to LinkedIn Learning, parking discounts, and more.

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

Students will gain practical, career-ready skills that will prepare them for a wide range of professional settings.

Students will gain proficiency in industry-standard software and processes, and will build a portfolio of professional-quality visual materials, learn how to communicate ideas effectively, and will be prepared to contribute to creative projects across marketing, communications, business, and other fields.

The skills and portfolio-ready work developed through the courses can support career advancement, expanded responsibilities, career transitions, freelance opportunities, and continued professional growth.

Who teaches this course?

Courses are taught by world-renowned faculty, who are practicing artists, designers, and scholars, many of whom also teach in SAIC's degree programs.

Instructors provide an environment where students can thrive and flourish while seeking personal enrichment, nurturing creative development, and learning new professional skills.

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