Graphic Design

Do you want to get a blazing start in the world of graphic design? No fluff, no long-winded explanations, we teach you everything you need to know and nothing you don’t. This is the course that will take you from creative soul who likes playing around on the computer to confident, successful, and profitable graphic designer.

You’re creative and love playing around with tech. Oh, and you work filing papers all day. Is there something you can do that plays to your strengths — and lets you make money?

You’ve dabbled with the software programs a bit. But when it comes to actually designing, you’re at a loss. How should you know what works and what doesn’t?

You don’t have time to waste. It’s time for a career change, but you can’t devote months and months to learning something new. How can you learn a new skill without wasting time?

Is design calling your name?

We’ve taught hundreds of students, and we’d love to turn you into a pro designer, too. Here’s how we do it:

Support is a huge element of our students’ success.

We’re always there to answer questions, even after the course is over. We’re also invested in continuing education so you keep learning, and even help our grads find jobs!

We give you options for learning.

Classes are available online and via USB, so you can learn in the way that works best for you. Oh, and both options include bonus resources, swipe files, and fonts + images for you to use.

We don’t let you slack off (but in a nice way).

We want our students to gain everything they can from this course. We keep you on track with our accountability system, using weekly Zoom calls, and check in by email and phone.

Let’s get the details

The who, what, where and when
  • In a nutshell

  • Start date: You can start this course throughout the year

    Format: Online or via USB/downloads

    Time investment per week: 8-10 hours

    Length of course: 6 months

  • Instructor and Mentors

  • Instructor

    Malkie Scholnick, Chief at The Bold Edge, has over 20 years of experience as a Graphic Designer and 15 years as a Web Designer.

    She brings her talent for delivering easy to understand classes that make people feel like she is in the room with you! She is always consulting with experts in the field in topic creation so that her students are up to date with current market trends.

    She has helped many businesses through her marketing advice and has written numerous articles for Mishpacha Magazine. She has been invited to speak at many venues on both design and marketing topics.

    Oh, and sidenote, she loves Torino Mousse chocolate and hot pink of course! 

    Mentors

    Shanie Cooper is a graphic designer with over 18 years of experience in the industry, both teaching and designing. She specializes in book design, and has worked with many publishers and self-published authors, including Menucha Publishers, Flashlight Press, Feldheim, Israel Bookshop, Judaica Press, Ktav, Jewish Self-Publishing, Urim, and more. She enjoys anything that starts with raw ingredients. That could be designing a book, baking bread or creating homemade hummus from scratch!

    Zehava Pasternak has over 15 years of experience as a freelancer in the Graphic Design field. She has also worked at Forbes Magazine for over 10 years where she has designed branding, marketing materials and magazine spreads. She also teaches in the Graphic Design honors program at HAFTR. She completed her BS in Design at Touro College

    Yehudis Blicksilber has over 10 years of experience as a Graphic Designer. She received her training at Compuskills in Jerusalem. She has worked with clients such as Woodmont College, Simchas Hachaim, Newcomers Guide and many other small businesses.  She definitely has bragging rights: Bragging rights: she designed her first published book cover when she was only 14!

  • Job and Salary

  • Average beginning rate:
    $30-$40/hour, freelance
    $25-$35/hour, in-house

    Typical positions include:
    Freelance: be your own boss
    In-house: handle all the design for one company
    Print Shop: join the production staff at a print shop
    Publishing: work on the layout staff at a newspaper, magazine, or publisher
    Agency: collaborate with the creative team at a marketing or ad agency

Start date: You can start this course throughout the year

Format: Online or via USB/downloads

Time investment per week: 8-10 hours

Length of course: 6 months

Instructor

Malkie Scholnick, Chief at The Bold Edge, has over 20 years of experience as a Graphic Designer and 15 years as a Web Designer.

She brings her talent for delivering easy to understand classes that make people feel like she is in the room with you! She is always consulting with experts in the field in topic creation so that her students are up to date with current market trends.

She has helped many businesses through her marketing advice and has written numerous articles for Mishpacha Magazine. She has been invited to speak at many venues on both design and marketing topics.

Oh, and sidenote, she loves Torino Mousse chocolate and hot pink of course! 

Mentors

Shanie Cooper is a graphic designer with over 18 years of experience in the industry, both teaching and designing. She specializes in book design, and has worked with many publishers and self-published authors, including Menucha Publishers, Flashlight Press, Feldheim, Israel Bookshop, Judaica Press, Ktav, Jewish Self-Publishing, Urim, and more. She enjoys anything that starts with raw ingredients. That could be designing a book, baking bread or creating homemade hummus from scratch!

Zehava Pasternak has over 15 years of experience as a freelancer in the Graphic Design field. She has also worked at Forbes Magazine for over 10 years where she has designed branding, marketing materials and magazine spreads. She also teaches in the Graphic Design honors program at HAFTR. She completed her BS in Design at Touro College

Yehudis Blicksilber has over 10 years of experience as a Graphic Designer. She received her training at Compuskills in Jerusalem. She has worked with clients such as Woodmont College, Simchas Hachaim, Newcomers Guide and many other small businesses.  She definitely has bragging rights: Bragging rights: she designed her first published book cover when she was only 14!

Average beginning rate:
$30-$40/hour, freelance
$25-$35/hour, in-house

Typical positions include:
Freelance: be your own boss
In-house: handle all the design for one company
Print Shop: join the production staff at a print shop
Publishing: work on the layout staff at a newspaper, magazine, or publisher
Agency: collaborate with the creative team at a marketing or ad agency

Part 1

Design Theory

A deep dive into the basics (and not so basics) of design

Part 2

Software

Master the software programs every designer uses and get lots of hands-on practice

Part 3

Preparation for print

Let’s take your projects from the screen to real life

Part 4

Business

Setting you up for a successful, profitable and rewarding career.

Design principles
How does design work? Learn the complete design process, plus how to work with the most basic dots and get to gestalt, grids, and more.

Design process
Know what needs to be done before you can start designing anything, and the complete process to follow throughout.

Typography
Learn the art and technique of selecting the right fonts, spacing, and hierarchy.

Color theory
Which colors work well together? Learn what emotions colors evoke and how to choose the correct ones.

Creative idea machine
We’ll teach you tips and tricks to get those ideas coming, complete with an actionable workbook you can use over and over.

Marketing
The strategy behind design, and thinking of creative concepts that match a brand’s goals.

Branding/Logo
Everything you need to know to create effective brands from scratch, including what to use in a logo.

Advertising
From concept to sketching to presentation, master the entire process of creating digital and print ads and billboards.

Brochure
Learn about different purposes brochures serve, and how to think of unique ideas and use atypical sizes and fold styles.

Photoshop:
You’ll go from beginner to Photoshop pro, with the images to prove it. We go into basics up to advanced topics such as the pen tool, masking and actions

Illustrator:
Create beautiful projects from scratch as you get familiar with the software. Learn how to use illustration tools, create sophisticated patterns and other advanced topics

InDesign:
Become a master of multi-page documents with expert knowledge of all the tools, tips and tricks. Topics include styles, master pages, special characters and more.

Getting ready to print
Mistakes can be costly, which is why we’ll teach you everything you need to know before a design you’ve created gets printed. Whether it’s an ad, poster or brochure, you’ll learn bleeds, sizing, and how to get it perfectly ready.

Specialty printing
You won’t get stuck when it comes to unique print methods such as foil stamping or embossing, because we teach you about this too!

Print in action
You get access to our complete video library showing printers on the job! You’ll get a virtual tour of a printing shop and see all the machines at work, and the different jobs that each one does. This fascinating peek shows what happens to your assets once they’re out of your hands.

Pricing
What’s the magic number that makes clients — and you — happy? No need to fumble, we’ll teach you the formula.

Proposals
There’s an art to effective proposals that makes them more likely to be accepted, and you’ll learn it here.

Contracts
Learn what to include so that you and your clients are protected, and you’re not just making rules up on the fly.

Portfolio creation
Graduate the course with a polished PDF + website portfolio, showcasing work you’ve done — and helping you get hired.

Email swipe files
We’ve done the work so you don’t need to deliberate over that sticky email for hours. Simply… swipe!

Image sourcing websites
Think you have to create every image from scratch? Think again. We’ll show you how to use popular sites to speed up your work.

Marketing tips
Learn how to market yourself effectively. Because you’re only a great designer if you have the clients to prove it.

Modules

Design principles
How does design work? Learn the complete design process, plus how to work with the most basic dots and get to gestalt, grids, and more.

Design process
Know what needs to be done before you can start designing anything, and the complete process to follow throughout.

Typography
Learn the art and technique of selecting the right fonts, spacing, and hierarchy.

Color theory
Which colors work well together? Learn what emotions colors evoke and how to choose the correct ones.

Creative idea machine
We’ll teach you tips and tricks to get those ideas coming, complete with an actionable workbook you can use over and over.

Marketing
The strategy behind design, and thinking of creative concepts that match a brand’s goals.

Branding/Logo
Everything you need to know to create effective brands from scratch, including what to use in a logo.

Advertising
From concept to sketching to presentation, master the entire process of creating digital and print ads and billboards.

Brochure
Learn about different purposes brochures serve, and how to think of unique ideas and use atypical sizes and fold styles.

Photoshop:
You’ll go from beginner to Photoshop pro, with the images to prove it. We go into basics up to advanced topics such as the pen tool, masking and actions

Illustrator:
Create beautiful projects from scratch as you get familiar with the software. Learn how to use illustration tools, create sophisticated patterns and other advanced topics

InDesign:
Become a master of multi-page documents with expert knowledge of all the tools, tips and tricks. Topics include styles, master pages, special characters and more.

Getting ready to print
Mistakes can be costly, which is why we’ll teach you everything you need to know before a design you’ve created gets printed. Whether it’s an ad, poster or brochure, you’ll learn bleeds, sizing, and how to get it perfectly ready.

Specialty printing
You won’t get stuck when it comes to unique print methods such as foil stamping or embossing, because we teach you about this too!

Print in action
You get access to our complete video library showing printers on the job! You’ll get a virtual tour of a printing shop and see all the machines at work, and the different jobs that each one does. This fascinating peek shows what happens to your assets once they’re out of your hands.

Pricing
What’s the magic number that makes clients — and you — happy? No need to fumble, we’ll teach you the formula.

Proposals
There’s an art to effective proposals that makes them more likely to be accepted, and you’ll learn it here.

Contracts
Learn what to include so that you and your clients are protected, and you’re not just making rules up on the fly.

Portfolio creation
Graduate the course with a polished PDF + website portfolio, showcasing work you’ve done — and helping you get hired.

Email swipe files
We’ve done the work so you don’t need to deliberate over that sticky email for hours. Simply… swipe!

Image sourcing websites
Think you have to create every image from scratch? Think again. We’ll show you how to use popular sites to speed up your work.

Marketing tips
Learn how to market yourself effectively. Because you’re only a great designer if you have the clients to prove it.

What you get during the course

Support and Feedback

8 months of phone/email support + feedback on projects

USB and online access

Learn from the comfort of your home with your preferred method

2 yrs rewatch access

Rewatch and review as often as you like within this time

Flexibility + accountability

Our proven system to help you stay on track

Live group critique sessions

Benefit from peer insights (for the cohort courses only)

Professional portfolio creation

Your impressive projects converted into a digital and online portfolio

Plus the forever perks long after graduation

Quality job leads

We support you on the journey to setting up a career

Live Design Power classes

Stay current on design trends with exclusive bimonthly classes

Student Slack community

Connect and gain from like-minded design enthusiasts

Power Your Edge podcast

Get early access to interviews with frum industry experts

You’re ready to work as a design pro!

You have the right design skills. You have an amazing portfolio.

Plus all the attributes to take you from designer to talented professional.

You’re a software pro

You know the Adobe design programs cold. Go and use them!

You think like a designer

You use colors, fonts like a pro, and know how to generate unique ideas.

You know all about print

You’re not just an expert when it is on the screen; you know the whole print process.

You have a professional portfolio

Designs created by you are your biggest salesperson. Show them to the world!

You can run a business

You’ve got the processes and the smarts so you stand out as a professional.

You’re confident in your skills

You’ve received invaluable feedback from design pros and you know your worth.

Do you want to

design for companies you admire?

Some of the amazing brands our students work for

Want to become a designer?

If you’re willing to put in the work to make it happen, we can’t wait to teach you.

Total course investment:

$2649

Includes

They’ve worked with our design students and this is what they say

I just want to give you feedback on the amazing experience I had with your design student. The thing that impressed me the most is that you gave her the skills to be able to figure out what the client wants. I really didn’t have anything specific in mind but the process that you have created really helped us figure out what I like.

The end result is exactly what I want. It’s so “me”! I’ve gotten so many compliments as well. Thank you!

Shulamis Weil, Real Life Organizing

Dassy took the time to understand who we are and developed a logo and branding that was unique and embodied the company in so many ways. I’d definitely recommend her work, and found her dedication and attention to detail something special.

The finished product is polished yet refined, understated yet definitive. Thank you so much.

Rivka Goldblatt, Jewish Family Research

So you know the software…

But you still don’t feel like a designer.

Nobody taught you how design elements come together and the process behind creating great designs (no guesswork here, only proven methods)

We’ll teach you how to create masterpieces, not just fiddle around with the Adobe design programs (hoping that the designs look good)

$1299

Take the design-only course:

View actual projects

They were designed by our students. Looking forward to having yours here too!

bonus 1

expert workshops

Each expert is carefully chosen to give you extra bonus knowledge, so that you stand out in the field when you graduate and are in the field.

Learn from industry experts their personal tips and tricks. Get access to all past year’s workshop recordings as well!

bonus 2

design power series

Enjoy unlimited access to monthly/bimonthly classes, just for our students and alumnae.

You’ll stay current on the latest design trends and gain valuable marketing and business tips from experts in their field plus our in-house instructors and mentors.

Here are some of our past guest experts (you’ll get access to their class recordings):

Want even more?

Get these epic add-ons to take you from ‘designer’ to ‘someone who knows all her stuff’

3D is trending in design now, and you want to join the party!

Give your work that up-to-date vibe with your own customized 3D compositions.

  • 7 modules with over 4 hours of super clear video lessons
  • 1 month of our signature support via email
  • Lesson files for practice, plus bonus files to spark your creativity
  • Complete portfolio-worthy projects perfect to show off your skills

It’s not always what’s on the inside that counts! Learn how to design eye-catching packages that compel people to buy… or make them excited that they did!

  • What makes packaging design effective
  • Box dielines
  • Designs for paper and plastic bags, and labels

A picture is worth a thousand words — make sure it’s the right picture! Learn how to design visuals-heavy projects for easy communication.

  • Postcards
  • Pitch decks
  • Infographics

Sure, you can apply general design principles to project types you’ve never learned, but having a robust education in each medium comes across in the quality of the work.

Our mentor with over 10 years of experience in book design will guide your process and give you valuable insight.

  • Book cover
  • CD cover
  • Podcast art

Yes, you can design a complete catalog and magazine — with the right training! We’ll give you advanced lessons on both so you can ace these big projects.

Get guidance our mentor who has over 10 years’ experience with magazine design. She’ll teach you everything you need to know.

  • Catalog
  • Magazine

Add on to your skillset

You can register to all the add-ons at any time. Finished the course and decided that you’d like to know even more? It will still be here, waiting for you.

Total investment for the add-on package:

$1199

Includes

Thank you so much for the wonderful course I went from knowing nothing to taking jobs! I actually recommended your course to someone-just yesterday! I was very pleased with the service and clarity your course gave me and I appreciated that I was able to learn at my own pace, at a convenient time for me. I also liked that you included design in the course- not just learning to use the programs, but fundamentals of any kind of graphic work. Thank you again!

Silky S, Brooklyn NY

FAQ

(Yes, we’re mind readers on the side 😁)

What do I need to know before taking the course?

As long as you’re very comfortable using a computer, you’re good. We’ll teach you the specific design programs as part of the course.

Which software will I need?

You’ll need the Adobe CC student subscription (available here). This subscription includes all the programs you’ll learn during the course.

How does the course work?

Each lesson is delivered in a video recording where you’ll hear the instructor talk while you view what she’s doing on her screen. You can pause, rewind and rewatch. (You can even watch at double speed in the online version, though we don’t recommend that. 🙂

The lessons come with files (also included on the USB drive) so you can try out the skills on your own.

Most lessons have homework assignments. These are design projects similar to those a graphic designer might create as part of her job. These projects help you practice what you’ve learned, and you’ll even have a chance to work with real clients.

If you have any questions during the course you can always reach us via phone or email during our tech support hours.

You’ll have access to the course videos for two years.

Can I access the classes if I don’t have internet?

Definitely.

We have two packages so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Online Package: You’ll receive your course login information by email within 24-48 business hours of registering. Your student portal will contain:
  • all course outline booklets
  • instructions and videos
  • lesson files 
PLUS contact information for any questions; we’re here for you all the way.

USB Package: Your course materials are packed into our signature stylish folder, including:
  • A course outline booklet describing what we’ll cover in each lesson along, with that lesson’s homework assignment.
  • A QuickStart guide which walks you through the process of getting started with the course. (Of course if you have any questions you can contact us!)
  • Your USB drive, which contains all of the course videos, design videos, and all files discussed during the lessons so that you can follow along on your own computer. You’ll also find a bonus section with lots of free downloaded images you can use in your projects, plus many beautiful free fonts
  • Various modules will be accessed through a monthly download link (you can be offline the rest of the time). You will need at least email access to send and receive your project feedback.

What kind of computer do I need?

You need a computer with (at least):

  • I5 processor
  • 8 GB RAM
  • USB drive
  • Mouse (not just a trackpad)
  • 15-inch screen
  • The ability to play audio and videos

We also recommend email or internet access if you plan to send in your projects for comments

 

For the USB package you will need a Windows computer, since the video files we send aren’t compatible with other models. (Sorry! You can still watch the videos online and get all other files by USB.)

Do you offer college credits

In short: No.

During your time at The Bold Edge, you will get intense training in the essential software, design and business skills you need to succeed in the field.

Credits? Not needed to get a great job as a graphic designer. You’ll graduate with a professional portfolio and the confidence gained from hands-on practice. And don’t forget, our dedicated job placement team will work on getting you jobs after you graduate.

What happens if I have a question during the course? And what about afterward?

Glad you asked. 🙂 Support is one of the hallmarks of The Bold Edge courses. We believe in being there for any questions you have. The Graphic Design Masterclass includes a FULL year of support and project feedback. (OK, that’s not really accurate. We actually answer our graduates’ questions way after they finish the course, too!)

What if I just want to refresh my knowledge of one of the software programs?

You can purchase a standalone mini-course on Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign. This covers only the specific software, not design skills. Contact us for more info

How will I find work?

This course has a lot of success converting raw talent into professional design skills. Businesses know this and reach out to us all the time when they’re looking for fresh talent.

We also have a dedicated Job Development team that networks, makes connections, and develops job leads for our students. Our team sends out regular emails with job leads, and posts job openings that we find all over the world.

Over the past year alone, we have sent out over 300 job leads!

What will I complete the course with?

Aside from knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, in-depth knowledge of key design topics and basic knowledge of the business of design, you’ll also have a professional portfolio of designs you’ve created, PLUS a valuable course certificate from The Bold Edge.

This course is an investment. How do I know if it’s a good fit for me before I commit?

Not sure if you should go all in? Take a test drive by watching a complete course lesson. Just contact us to get your first taste!

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