The Bold Edge takes you from creative hobbyist to working professional — with real projects, real feedback, and a real portfolio to show for it.
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?
We’ve taught hundreds of women to design professionally.
This is how we do it differently:
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!
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 want our students to gain everything they can from this course. We keep you on track with our accountability system, using biweekly Zoom calls, and check in by email and phone.
Industry experts, ongoing classes, and full access to past recordings.
Start date: Open enrollment
Your education shouldn’t be limited by rigid timetables. With our flexible start dates, you’re in control of when your learning begins.
Ready to start today? Or planning for next month? The choice is yours.
Format: Online or via USB/downloads
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.
Zehava Pasternak
has 15+ years of experience as a freelance Graphic Designer, plus 10+ years at Forbes Magazine designing branding, marketing materials, and magazine spreads. She also teaches in the Graphic Design honors program at HAFTR.
Your projects aren’t reviewed by a teaching assistant. They’re reviewed by someone who has worked at Forbes.
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
Already know Adobe? Skip the software and go straight into professional design training
Get the full scoop on what you will be learning in each module PLUS which modules are included in each course!
Design principles GDE, GDM, GDLU
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 GDE, GDM, GDLU
Know what needs to be done before you can start designing anything, and the complete process to follow throughout.
Typography GDE, GDM, GDLU
Learn the art and technique of selecting the right fonts, spacing, and hierarchy.
Color theory GDE, GDM, GDLU
Which colors work well together? Learn what emotions colors evoke and how to choose the correct ones.
Creative idea machine GDE, GDM, GDLU
We’ll teach you tips and tricks to get those ideas coming, complete with an actionable workbook you can use over and over.
Marketing GDE, GDM, GDLU
The strategy behind design, and thinking of creative concepts that match a brand’s goals.
Branding/Logo GDE, GDM, GDLU
Everything you need to know to create effective brands from scratch, including what to use in a logo.
Advertising GDE, GDM, GDLU
From concept to sketching to presentation, master the entire process of creating digital and print ads and billboards.
Brochure GDE, GDM, GDLU
Learn about different purposes brochures serve, and how to think of unique ideas and use atypical sizes and fold styles.
Packaging GDM, GDLU
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! From custom dielines to design for paper and plastic bags, and labels.
Communication GDM, GDLU
A picture is worth a thousand words — make sure it’s the right picture! Learn how to design visuals-heavy projects for easy communication such as Postcards, Pitch decks and Infographics
Media GDM, GDLU
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.
Publications GDM, GDLU
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 from our mentor who has over 10 years’ experience with magazine design. She’ll teach you everything you need to know.
Photoshop GDE, GDM
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 GDE, GDM
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 GDE, GDM
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.
GDM, GDLU
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.
GDE, GDM, GDLU
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.
GDE, GDM, GDLU
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.
Design isn’t standing still, and neither are we. That’s why we’ve built AI training directly into the curriculum, not as an add-on, but woven into how you actually work.
AI isn’t here to replace designers. It’s here to make you a sharper, faster, more strategic one. We’ll show you exactly how to use it.
This module is included with no extra charge for all students signing up June 2025 and onwards.
AI tools are optional. The core design curriculum stands fully on its own.
Industry experts, chosen specifically to prepare you for the professional world. You get access to all past recordings too.
Enjoy unlimited access to 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.
Past sessions include:
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.
You’ll need the Adobe CC student subscription (available here). This subscription includes all the programs you’ll learn during the course.
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.
Every one of our programs is taught from beginner through advanced level within each module. That means you don’t just “learn the basics” — you build up to pro-level skills in every topic we cover. The difference between the options is how many areas of design you’ll study (and how many portfolio projects you’ll graduate with):
Graphic Design Essentials
Covers all the software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and our Design Core (typography, color, principles, creative idea machine, marketing). You’ll also learn branding, advertising, brochures, business design, and print prep. You’ll finish with a professional portfolio built from these projects.
Graphic Design Masterclass
Includes everything in Essentials, plus additional modules in areas like media design, publication design, packaging, 3D design, and more. Since you’re covering more topics, you’ll also build a larger, more varied portfolio that showcases a wider range of professional projects.
Graphic Design LevelUp
For students who already know Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. It skips the software modules and focuses on design theory and application — including typography, branding, advertising, communication design, media, packaging, business design, and more. You’ll still graduate with a portfolio of professional-level projects, just without the software learning curve.
💡 Note: If you already know one of the software programs, you may be able to test out of that module and receive a discount. Just contact us and we’ll go over the details with you.
Yes! You don’t have to commit to a full track if you only want one software program. We offer standalone options for Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
👉 Get the package (Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign)
👉 Learn Photoshop
👉 Learn Illustrator
👉 Learn InDesign
(Each link takes you to the checkout page, where you’ll see both the online and USB pricing options.)
8 portfolio projects · branding, advertising, brochures, print prep, and business of design
19 portfolio projects · everything in Essentials plus packaging, publications, media design, communication design, and 3D
Already know Adobe? Skip the software and go straight into professional design training
Phone/email support + feedback on projects
Learn from the comfort of your home with your preferred method
Rewatch and review as often as you like within this time
Our proven system to help you stay on track
Every project reviewed by professionals with real client experience.
Your impressive projects converted into a digital and online portfolio
We research and send job leads directly to graduates. Employers also contact us when they're hiring.
Stay current on trends with exclusive classes
Connect and gain from like-minded design enthusiasts from all over the world
Get early access to interviews with frum industry experts
Not just skills. A complete foundation for a working design career.
You know the Adobe design programs cold. Go and use them!
You use colors, fonts like a pro, and know how to generate unique ideas.
You’re not just an expert when it is on the screen; you know the whole print process.
Designs created by you are your biggest salesperson. Show them to the world!
You’ve got the processes and the smarts so you stand out as a professional.
You’ve received invaluable feedback from design pros and you know your worth.
The videos, articles and freebies in design, marketing and business you must have, so that you stay on top of your skills and market trends.