You don’t need expensive courses or book to learn InDesign. You don’t need official experience or knowledge to add your InDesign knowledge to your resume. What you do need is self-motivation, so I’ve provided a few resources here to start you out.

photo credit: stevenvanwel

1 — Adobe’s InDesign website isn’t just a sales oriented site for the latest versions of the product. They have many resources available such as user groups, documentation, event information, plug-ins. Not to mention the comprehensive Knowledgebase articles and forums. You can evenwatch free videos at AdobeTV. Phew. It should definitely be the first place you start.

2 — InDesign Secrets is a blog filled with a ton of information about InDesign from some of the industries leading experts. The podcast has great insights so make sure you listen and watch.

3 — The InDesigner is a blog and video series by Michael Murphy. The videos are very comprehensive. Set aside the time and watch!

4 — The InDesign tutorials section of Layers Magazine has great articles on everything InDesign.

5 — InDesign Magazine has a free tip of the week. The archives have tons and tons of obscure but useful tips for those problem you always have, thought there must be a simply solution, but always end up doing the hard way You can also view a free issue.

6 — VolunteerMatch has plenty of virtual opportunities (as I mentioned in A Guide to Your First Graphic Design Work Experiences) if you’re looking for work experience with InDesign to build up your resume and confidence with the program. Real life experiences are a great way to learn something quickly

7 — The public library has tons of books that can help you learn all about InDesign. If you’ve gone to the book store and were discouraged by the high high high prices of books on the subject, don’t forget that you can check out the books for free. Libraries have advanced and many allow you to check out books or place books on hold right from the web. My public library even has exclusive online content.

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Tags: InDesign, resources, Software