Graphic design is an essential skill in today’s visually-driven world. Whether you’re an aspiring designer, a professional looking to refine your skills, or a business owner wanting to create your own graphics, online courses offer a flexible way to learn.
With an abundance of platforms, ranging from in-depth programs to shorter tutorials, choosing the right course can be overwhelming. Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the best online courses for graphic design, covering beginner to advanced options, key features, and course formats.
1. Coursera’s Graphic Design Specialization by CalArts
Overview: California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) offers a comprehensive Graphic Design Specialization on Coursera, which is perfect for beginners looking to build a strong foundation.
Course Content: The specialization includes five courses: Fundamentals of Graphic Design, Introduction to Typography, Introduction to Image Making, Ideas from the History of Graphic Design, and a Capstone Project.
Key Features:
Hands-On Projects: Each course includes practical assignments to apply concepts.
Expert Instructors: CalArts instructors bring expertise in design fundamentals and help students develop creativity and technical skills.
Flexible Scheduling: The program can be completed at your own pace.
Duration: Approximately 6 months (recommended 5-7 hours per week).
Ideal for: Beginners who want a thorough foundation in design principles from a recognized art institute.
2. Adobe’s Graphic Design Masterclass on Udemy
Overview: Adobe’s Masterclass is among Udemy’s most popular graphic design courses, focusing on using Adobe tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Course Content: Covers design theory, image editing, typography, and branding along with practical lessons on using Adobe software.
Key Features:
Comprehensive Software Training: Tutorials on Adobe’s most popular tools, essential for aspiring graphic designers.
Lifetime Access: Once purchased, you have lifetime access to course materials and updates.
Professional Projects: Hands-on projects simulate real-world scenarios, helping students build a portfolio.
Duration: Around 15 hours.
Ideal for: Beginners and intermediate designers who want to gain confidence with Adobe software and apply design principles in real-world projects.
3. Graphic Design Bootcamp by Derrick Mitchell on Skillshare
Overview: Derrick Mitchell’s Graphic Design Bootcamp on Skillshare is designed to take students from beginners to intermediate level.
Course Content: Topics covered include layout design, color theory, typography, and software training in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Key Features:
Project-Based Learning: Emphasis on practical projects to reinforce design concepts.
Community and Feedback: Skillshare’s community allows students to share projects and get feedback.
Short, Digestible Lessons: The course is broken down into shorter lessons, making it easier to follow.
Duration: About 7 hours, but students can learn at their own pace.
Ideal for: Beginners who prefer a project-based approach and want to develop a portfolio.
4. Domestika’s Introduction to Graphic Design by Tina Touli
Overview: Domestika offers a unique introduction to graphic design with Tina Touli, a renowned designer known for her creative style.
Course Content: This course covers design fundamentals, color, typography, composition, and concept development.
Key Features:
Focus on Creativity: Rather than software tutorials, the course emphasizes creative thinking and the principles of good design.
Bilingual Options: Available in both Spanish and English, with subtitles in several languages.
Affordable: Domestika often has discounts, making it one of the more budget-friendly options.
Duration: Around 3 hours.
Ideal for: Beginners and those interested in the creative side of design rather than software-heavy instruction.
5. Shillington’s Online Graphic Design Course
Overview: Shillington is known for its intensive, industry-focused courses, and their online program offers a structured, immersive experience.
Course Content: Covers layout design, typography, packaging, web design, and UX/UI, with a focus on industry standards and building a professional portfolio.
Key Features:
Portfolio Development: Students complete numerous projects, which can be showcased in a portfolio.
Structured Curriculum: Unlike self-paced courses, Shillington offers a more classroom-like experience with a set timeline.
Career Support: Graduates have access to career support, networking, and job placement resources.
Duration: 3 months full-time, 9 months part-time.
Ideal for: Aspiring professionals looking for an intensive, career-oriented program.
6. Canva Design School
Overview: Canva’s Design School offers a variety of free courses tailored for beginners interested in creating visually appealing content without complex software.
Course Content: Topics include basic design principles, color theory, branding, and social media graphics.
Key Features:
Free and Easy to Use: Canva’s courses are free, and the design software is user-friendly.
Practical for Content Creators: Focuses on creating social media graphics, presentations, and other visuals.
Accessible for Non-Designers: Great for those who may not want to learn complex tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.
Duration: Self-paced, with short lessons.
Ideal for: Beginners, marketers, or business owners who want to create professional graphics quickly without advanced tools.
7. LinkedIn Learning’s Become a Graphic Designer Path
Overview: LinkedIn Learning offers a structured learning path called “Become a Graphic Designer” that includes multiple courses.
Course Content: This path includes courses in color theory, layout, Adobe Creative Cloud, and advanced topics like UX design.
Key Features:
Broad Coverage: Provides a comprehensive approach from basics to advanced skills.
Professional Recognition: LinkedIn Learning certificates can be added to your LinkedIn profile, showcasing your skills to potential employers.
Flexible Learning: Lessons are short and easy to fit into a busy schedule.
Duration: About 27 hours across multiple courses.
Ideal for: Beginners to intermediate learners looking for a broad, recognized course with professional credentials.
8. Udacity’s Digital Marketing Nanodegree (Includes Graphic Design for Marketers)
Overview: Although primarily focused on digital marketing, Udacity’s Nanodegree includes a segment on graphic design tailored for marketing professionals.
Course Content: Topics cover visual storytelling, branding, design for social media, and effective use of design in marketing.
Key Features:
Specialized for Marketing: Focused on how design is used in marketing, perfect for entrepreneurs and marketing professionals.
Mentorship and Career Services: Udacity provides mentors, career services, and resume reviews.
Project-Based Learning: Includes hands-on projects to build a portfolio of marketing materials.
Duration: 3-4 months at 10 hours per week.
Ideal for: Marketing professionals and business owners who want to learn design specifically for marketing purposes.
Benefits of Learning Graphic Design Online
Flexibility: Online courses let you learn at your own pace, making it easier to balance studies with work or other responsibilities.
Diverse Course Selection: With options ranging from comprehensive programs to specific software tutorials, you can find a course that fits your learning style and goals.
Practical Experience: Most courses include projects and assignments, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned and build a portfolio.
Affordability: Many online courses are more affordable than traditional college programs, with some free options available for beginners.
Access to Expert Instructors: Online platforms bring in experienced instructors from top design schools and companies, offering insights that are hard to find elsewhere.
Conclusion
The best online course for graphic design depends on your current skill level, career goals, and preferred learning style. If you’re looking to develop a solid foundation, CalArts on Coursera and Shillington offer in-depth programs. For more flexible, self-paced learning, Skillshare, LinkedIn Learning, and Canva Design School provide accessible options with a variety of topics. Investing in the right course can open doors to a career in graphic design, allowing you to develop creative skills and bring your visual ideas to life. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, these online courses provide the tools to become a successful designer in a dynamic, creative field.