Short course | Beginner friendly | Online/On-campus
Portfolio Building
Create a portfolio that proves you're ready for the working world.
What you'll learn?
Portfolio Building
Duration
4 weeks
Next course
11 May 2026 – 03 June 2026
Price, starting from
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Why take this course?
- Craft a portfolio to get you hired for the skills you already have.
- Learn the best methods to yield the best results.
- Learn new theory regarding the designs you’ve created
What you’ll learn
Week 1
Introduction & Design Process
What software to use when?
Design Process
Moodboards
Adobe Alternatives
Week 2
Design Theory
Graphic Design Elements
Graphic Design Principles
Colour Psychology
Shape Psychology
Week 3
Design Theory 2
Page Sizes & Folds
Composition
Brand Style Guides
Week 4
Finished Art
Finishing Art
Packaging
Print Ready Jobs
Building the Portfolio
Tips for killer Portfolio
How it works
Attend live/online classes
Complete assignments & projects
Earn your ADA UX certificate
Meet Your Instructors
Markus van der Westhuizen
Graphic Designer
Dr Markus van der Westhuizen has been teaching at ADA on a freelance basis since 2012, bringing decades of experience in graphic design, publishing, and art direction. Classically trained in analogue graphic design, he was also among the first lecturers in South Africa to teach HTML and web design in the mid-90s. His career spans publishing, packaging, software development, and freelance design, but his greatest passion lies in education—working with individuals, agencies, and universities across South Africa and beyond. Alongside his design work, Markus draws on a rich background in holistic disciplines as a qualified Herbal Doctor, Specialised Kinesiologist, Dry Needling Practitioner, and Yoga Instructor, reflecting his multidimensional approach to creativity and teaching.
Zaahir Effendi
Graphic Designer
“Nurturing creatives of all backgrounds to build confidence and
bring their ideas to life through design.”Zaahir Effendi is a graphic designer and art director with more than 15
years of experience in the creative industry. Over the years, he has
worked with brands on design systems, creative direction, and visual
communication, knowledge he now shares with the next generation of
creatives.
As a lecturer in the Adobe Creative Suite, Zaahir combines design theory
with practical projects that help students apply their skills in real-world
ways. He believes that learning design is as much about problem-solving
and storytelling as it is about software. Passionate about nurturing
talent, he focuses on building confidence, encouraging curiosity, and
creating an inclusive space where creativity can thrive
Where this course can take you
Graphic Designer
Work as a graphic designer in the Graphic design industry
Work as a Graphic Designer
Create Designs for a company
Freelance Graphic Designer
Find people interested to hire you for freelance work
Work as a freelance graphic designer
Work with an agency as a freelancer
Portfolio
Have an Industry Ready Portfolio
Have an industry ready portfolio to showcase in your network
Enhance your portfolio to fit the industry standard
Testimonial / quote from past student
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Full payment
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to start your UX journey?
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