r/cartography • u/orvillebach • Nov 07 '24

Graphic design course

I am a gis analyst with quite a bit of experience in cartography already. I typically use arcpro then export to illustrator and photoshop. I am a motivated self teacher and watch a lot of tutorials to improve my skills. However, I do well in a formal setting and am looking to grow my skill set specifically in adobe products. Do folks have suggestions for online graphic design courses or something similar? I took an advanced cartography class in school and don’t want to focus on gis, strictly design. I could use more formal education around design principles and getting better at photoshop/illustrator. In my opinion, the best cartographer are those that have both the gis skills and the art/graphic design. Basically, if I wanted to do freelance or get a dream job at natgeo, I want to fill in those gaps to help me get there. Any other similar insight of suggestions given my situation would be great. Thanks!

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u/Rover8091 Nov 07 '24

I am not sure about courses but check out John Nelson Maps on YouTube

https://youtube.com/@johnnelsonmaps?si=FqX6vyyBkwF980jL

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u/acomfysweater Nov 07 '24

following this thread

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u/westerngrit Nov 07 '24

Is "pro" what your base vector maps are created in? And what is "pro".

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u/JingJang Nov 07 '24

Great post and I'll be watching responses as well.

In addition to all you've said, I'd also recommend any courses that specifically leverage ArcGIS Online and Web Map cartography.

Online maps including field applications could use serious cartographic attention to say the least.

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u/AbrasiveSandpiper Nov 07 '24

Funny. I’m the exact opposite of you. I’m a graphic designer/illustrator and I just started working on a cartography/gis certificate.

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u/pudgy_taco Nov 08 '24

I don't have a course suggestion per say but would recommend learning about color theory and font usage to start. This will improve your maps immensely. As far as software I'd recommend illustrator (or any comparable vector program ) over Photoshop. Adobe, YouTube, Lynda, Udemy ect all have videos, courses and tutorials for software learning. If you're looking for "a real class" check out your local tech school, good chance they have something.