1- Fundamentals of Graphic Design
2- Graphic Design Bootcamp: Part 1
3- After Effects CC 2019: Complete Course from Novice to Expert
4- Graphic Design Masterclass – Learn GREAT Design
5- Introduction to Graphic Illustration
6- Intro to the Design of Everyday Things
7- Design Thinking for Innovation
8- Fundamentals of Visualization with Tableau
9- Advanced Styling with Responsive Design
10- Introduction to Typography
11- Human-Centered Design: an Introduction
Course #1: Fundamentals of Graphic Design
Get ready to explore the exciting field of graphic design with the “Fundamentals of Graphic Design” course by the California Institute of the Arts. This course takes you through the core elements of graphic design, including imagemaking, typography, composition, and color theory. You’ll engage in hands-on projects that help transform you from a passive learner into an active designer.
With six in-depth modules, you’ll cover a range of topics that build a solid foundation in both theory and practice. The course includes interactive assignments, quizzes, and peer reviews to ensure you can apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios. Whether you’re new to graphic design or looking to sharpen your skills, this course provides the essential knowledge and tools to succeed in the field.
Packed with visual examples and practical projects, you’ll work on key skills like typography, image creation, and working with color, shape, and composition. A computer is necessary for this course, and prior experience with Adobe Creative Suite programs—such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign—will be helpful. Join now and start your journey into the world of graphic design!
Offered by: California Institute of the Arts via Coursera
Instructed by: Michael Worthington (Faculty, Program in Graphic Design, School of Art)
Price: free
Skills and Knowledge Imparted:
- Graphics
- Design theory
- Color theory
Difficulty Level: beginner
Duration and Total Lectures: 14 hours
Average User Rating: 4.8 (6,184 ratings)
Review:
Students found the “Fundamentals of Graphic Design” course by CalArts helpful for building a strong foundation in design principles. They praised the course format, easy-to-follow structure, and engaging exercises. Many appreciated the emphasis on covering design basics, even for those with some experience. The optional assignments were seen as opportunities to delve deeper into graphic design fundamentals. Some students highlighted the course’s applicability to various multimedia spheres. However, a few expressed dissatisfaction, citing the slow pace or lack of real-life application in assignments. Overall, the course received positive feedback for its clarity, valuable content, and the instructor’s effectiveness in imparting design knowledge.
Course #2: Graphic Design Bootcamp: Part 1
You’ll work with Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator throughout this course, mastering these essential tools for graphic design. The course covers key terms and practices, equipping students to create precise projects for both print and web. The goal is to prepare you for a successful career in graphic design.
A private Facebook group with over 13,000 students offers an additional resource. It’s a space for sharing projects, receiving insightful critiques, and building connections with fellow students and professionals worldwide.
This course is designed to make you proficient in tools like CS3, CC 2019, Sketch, and Pixelmator. These principles apply across various design software, ensuring you’re well-prepared for any design challenge.
Offered by: Udemy
Instructed by: Derrick Mitchell (creative director and online teacher)
Price: $18.99
Skills and Knowledge Imparted:
- Understanding how to work with print/web projects in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
- Creating things like flyers, business cards, web graphics and more.
- Building a skill set that can set you up to be employable in the creative industry as a graphic designer.
- Creating business cards, custom logos, brochures, web graphics and flyers ,etc.
Difficulty Level: beginner
Duration and Total Lectures: 96 lectures, 15.5 hours
Average User Rating: 4.5 (10,193 ratings)
Review:
Students rave about the Graphic Design Bootcamp’s comprehensive approach and Derrick’s effective teaching. The course stands out for covering diverse design facets, ensuring a broad skill set. Derrick’s commitment to staying current with Photoshop versions is applauded, although some face minor hurdles, promptly resolved with internet searches. The engaging content caters to beginners and those familiar with design, making it universally applicable. The vibrant Facebook group fosters a supportive community of over 13,000 students. Despite minor critiques on pace and relevance of bonus videos, the majority lauds Derrick’s expertise and the course’s practicality, making it a top choice for aspiring graphic designers.
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Course #3: Adobe After Effects: Complete Course from Novice to Expert
Immerse yourself in the world of motion graphics and visual effects with the Complete Adobe After Effects Bootcamp. This highly rated course features over 460 lectures and 35+ hours of content, guiding you from basic to advanced levels. Perfect for both beginners and intermediate users, it covers key skills in compositing, animation, and motion design using After Effects CC.
Led by expert instructor Louay, the course offers a responsive and insightful learning experience, regularly updated to include the latest features. You’ll master everything from 3D workspace techniques to creating stunning motion graphics, preparing you for freelancing, video editing, and YouTube content creation.
Start developing your skills as a visual effects and graphics artist with this top-rated course. With over 430 lectures and 30+ hours of video content, it provides a fast track introduction to After Effects, followed by hands-on projects that cover essential transformations and practical animations. Learn through effective examples and build your own projects from scratch, gaining a deep understanding of After Effects features and methods. Enroll now to transform your video creation skills. Satisfaction guaranteed with a 30-day money-back offer.
Offered by: Udemy
Instructed by: Louay Zambarakji (motion graphics/visual effects/video editing)
Price: $18.99
Skills and Knowledge Imparted:
- Understanding the concepts behind animation techniques.
- Learning how to design, animate, and sequence complete motion graphics projects.
- Working with all the transformations, basic and beyond.
- Learning easy yet powerful techniques to create the most complex animations.
- Creating stunning visual effects using Build in Effects.
- Applying special effects such as Rotoscoping, Chromakeying, Camera Tracking and many others.
Difficulty Level: beginner
Duration and Total Lectures: 430 lectures, 30 hours
Average User Rating: 4.6 (12,481 ratings)
Review:
Students found this After Effects course to be an invaluable resource for mastering animation. The instructor’s teaching technique, progressing from “parent” to “null” and then “forward kinetic,” proved highly effective, especially for beginners. The course stands out for its comprehensive content, offering an intimate view into the animation world. The instructor, Louay Zambarakji, is praised for his easy-to-understand teaching style, making the course accessible to novices. The real-world projects, ranging from simple tips to advanced workflow insights, set this course apart. Students appreciate the engaging and detailed content, with lessons thoughtfully separated for easy understanding. The course is deemed a must for anyone wanting to learn After Effects, providing an affordable and user-friendly platform for acquiring animation prowess.
Course #4: Graphic Design Masterclass – Learn GREAT Design
Step into the vibrant world of graphic design with the Graphic Design Master Class – Learn GREAT Design. Uncover the secrets of creating eye-catching designs while delving into typography, color theory, layout, and various design skills. This comprehensive course is tailored for beginners and seasoned designers alike, providing a deep understanding of essential tools in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. From crafting logos and branding packages to mastering vector design tools and creating editorial spreads, this course covers it all. Gain proficiency in photo editing, manipulation, and explore the world of design. The curriculum extends to Affinity Designer, offering insights into its nuances compared to Adobe Illustrator.
Whether you’re interested in YouTube thumbnails, social media graphics, or learning about the latest Adobe software updates, this course ensures you stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of graphic design. Join this course to discover your design niche, spark creativity, and predict future design trends – all in one captivating journey toward becoming a proficient graphic designer.
Offered by: Udemy
Instructed by: Lindsay Marsh (graphic design: Photoshop; illustrator, Canva, XD)
Price: $194.99
Skills and Knowledge Imparted:
- Logo design
- Print and editorial design
- Pattern design and illustration
- Package design
- Branding design
- UX/UI design
- Social media/digital graphic design
Difficulty Level: beginner/intermediate
Duration and Total Lectures: 129 lectures, 13.5 hours
Average User Rating: 4.6 (2,989 ratings)
Review:
Students universally praise Lindsay’s Graphic Design Master Class for its superb teaching and comprehensive content. The course stands out for its real-world application, covering typography, color theory, and design tools in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. The course’s frequent updates, including new sections on design trends and software tools, keep it relevant. Lindsay’s methodical teaching style, engaging worksheets, and focus on foundational concepts contribute to a well-structured and enjoyable learning experience. Despite diverse career backgrounds, students appreciate the course’s relevance and the confidence it instills in their graphic design abilities. Overall, Lindsay’s course receives high praise for being a must-have for both beginners and those seeking to enhance their design skills.
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Course #5: Introduction to Graphic Illustration
Explore the exciting world of graphic illustration with Cornish College of the Arts’ “Introduction to Graphic Illustration” course. This program encourages creative expression beyond the typical illustrator roles, perfect for beginners and aspiring freelance graphic designers. You’ll gain essential skills and insights into the evolving consumer market, mastering design principles, drawing techniques, and digital tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
This course offers a solid understanding of composition, style, and conceptual thinking, helping you create illustrations that effectively connect with your audience. Through various projects, students will bring their creative ideas to life and see them distributed across different platforms. By blending design principles with drawing skills, you’ll open up new opportunities for expressive work in the graphic design industry. Sign up now and start your journey in graphic illustration.
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Offered by: Cornish College of the Arts via Kadenze
Instructed by: Junichi Tsuneoka (instructor)
Price: free
Skills and Knowledge Imparted:
- Digital art
- Graphic illustration
Difficulty Level: beginner
Duration and Total Lectures: 6 weeks
Average User Rating: 4.5 (4,750 ratings)
Review:
In the world of online graphic illustration courses, this program stands out as a practical and enriching experience. Students found valuable insights and actionable tips, particularly praising the hands-on approach to assignments. The course’s structure, combining easy tasks with more challenging final projects, received acclaim for its effectiveness. One student, although initially hesitant, highlighted the course’s affordability and the opportunity to earn college credit. The instructor’s style was appreciated, though some noted a preference for more in-depth Adobe Illustrator and InDesign skills. Overall, this course is hailed as a great start for design careers, offering flexibility, rich content, and the chance to unleash creativity.
Course #6: Intro to the Design of Everyday Things
Boredom often sparks some of the best ideas. With a solid understanding of good design, you can bring those ideas to life, whether on paper or a screen. This course builds on concepts from Don Norman’s Design of Everyday Things, exploring different ways to represent and visualize common experiences. It’s perfect for anyone curious about design, whether you’re a technical expert, a seasoned designer, or just starting out.
Our Product Design Course offers a dynamic 4-week experience in graphic design and product creation. No prior experience is required! You’ll learn essential skills like design sprints, prototyping, project evaluation, and solution sketching, along with 19 other key techniques. Each lesson guides you through the Design Sprint phases, from problem definition to sketching, deciding, prototyping, and validating, all through hands-on projects.
By the end of the course, you’ll not only have a certificate of completion but also a robust skill set ready for the challenges of graphic design. Join us and turn your ideas into impactful solutions today!
Offered by: Udacity
Instructed by: Don Norman (instructor), Kristian Simsarian (instructor) and Chelsey Glasson (instructor)
Price: free
Skills and Knowledge Imparted:
- Learning about signifiers and how to improve the utility of your designs.
- Using conceptual models to improve your designs.
- Learning how to design such that users develop their own conceptual model.
- Discovering design and creation possibilities using Gulf of Evaluation.
- Combining everything learned in this course to design the user interface for a Timebank.
- Sketching a concept of your design.
- Conducting user testing to improve upon your design.
Difficulty Level: beginner
Duration and Total Lectures: 2 weeks
Average User Rating: 4.5
Review:
Udacity offers a diverse array of courses catering to various skill levels. The platform provides comprehensive learning experiences with well-structured content and practical projects. The interactive quizzes and real-world applications enhance understanding. However, it’s important to note that Udacity doesn’t display reviews for specific courses, making it challenging to gauge individual course experiences. Overall, it’s a valuable platform for skill development, offering industry-relevant content and hands-on projects to boost your knowledge.
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Course #7: Design Thinking for Innovation
Explore innovation and strategic thinking with the Design Thinking for Innovation course, a key part of the Leading the Modern Day Business Specialization. This course covers what design thinking is and highlights when to apply it effectively. Gain valuable skills in innovation, design management, and innovation management through a focused 5-module program.
Created by leading faculty from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, this course breaks away from traditional approaches, underscoring the significance of design thinking for everyone in the business world. Develop the mindset needed for innovation, learn how to generate and test ideas efficiently, and master tools like Visualization, Storytelling, and Mind Mapping. With engaging content, including videos, readings, and real-world examples, this course prepares you to think innovatively and address challenges in various fields.
Strengthen your strategic thinking and harness the power of design thinking to excel in today’s dynamic business environment. Don’t miss the opportunity to sharpen your creativity and problem-solving skills. Enroll now in one of the top design courses for beginners and step confidently into the world of innovation.
Offered by: University of Virginia via Coursera
Instructed by: Jeanne M. Liedtka (professor of business administration, Darden School of Business)
Price: free
Skills and Knowledge Imparted:
- Strategic thinking
- Design thinking
- Innovation management
- Design management
- Innovation
Difficulty Level: beginner
Duration and Total Lectures: 10 hours
Average User Rating: 4.6 (3,074 ratings)
Review:
Students rave about the practicality and eye-opening experience of the Design Thinking for Innovation course. With an emphasis on real-world applications, the course goes beyond theory, providing an initial understanding of design thinking and its practical implications. The engaging lectures, enriched with plenty of practical examples, make complex concepts accessible. The course stands out for its emphasis on strategic thinking, innovation, and design management, offering a holistic approach to problem-solving. However, some students note a desire for more comprehensive content and updated lectures. Overall, it’s a transformative journey into the world of design thinking, sparking creativity and critical thinking.
Course #8: Fundamentals of Visualization with Tableau
Explore the Fundamentals of Visualization with Tableau course, an essential part of the Data Visualization with Tableau Specialization. Learn to install Tableau Public Software, create striking visualizations, and navigate the dynamic Tableau interface. This course is ideal for beginners or those looking for a refresher, requiring no technical background.
Through four engaging modules, you’ll grasp the importance of data visualization, understand interactive components, and gain proficiency in crafting various charts and dashboards. The course covers Visualization (Computer Graphics) skills, Tableau Software, and even touches on Data Virtualization, offering a well-rounded understanding.
From hands-on practice to connecting with diverse data sources, this course prepares you for the exciting field of data analytics and visualization. Enjoy interactive videos, quizzes, discussions, and a peer-reviewed project, making learning both comprehensive and engaging. Perfect for beginners and aspiring freelance graphic designers, this course helps you add valuable skills to your toolkit. Join now and master the art of data visualization with Tableau!
Offered by: University of California, Davis via Coursera
Instructed by: Suk S. Brar, M.B.A. (lead business consultant, Blue Shield of California) and Govind Acharya (principal analyst, Budget and Institutional Analysis)
Price: free
Skills and Knowledge Imparted:
- Tableau software
- Data virtualization
- Data visualization (dataviz)
- Visualization (computer graphics)
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Duration and Total Lectures: 10 hours
Average User Rating: 4.5 (2,585 ratings)
Review:
Students across various backgrounds have found the Fundamentals of Visualization with Tableau course to be a game-changer in their journey into data analytics. The infectious energy of Professor Govind Acharya and the clear, concise teaching style of Professor Desiree Abbott make the learning experience enjoyable. This course stands out for its hands-on approach, offering practical skills in Tableau, data virtualization, and visualization theory. While some critique the peer review assignments, the majority appreciate the engaging structure and the emphasis on real-world application. Unlike generic courses, this one ensures students grasp Tableau fundamentals, making it a top choice for beginners.
Course #9: Advanced Styling with Responsive Design
Responsive layouts have become essential as smaller screens are now widely used alongside traditional desktops. Designing graphics that seamlessly fit all screen sizes can be challenging without a solid grasp of CSS3. This course is designed to equip you with the skills necessary to create effective responsive designs.
“Advanced Styling with Responsive Design” guides you through the process of building websites that work effortlessly across all devices, from large desktop monitors to compact smartphones. You’ll learn how to use Bootstrap, a crucial front-end framework, alongside JavaScript and CSS to create adaptive and functional web designs.
As part of the Web Design for Everybody Specialization, this course focuses on essential concepts like the “mobile-first” approach, wireframes, fluid design, and media queries. You’ll gain practical experience in implementing responsive strategies, ensuring your sites perform consistently across various platforms. With engaging content, interactive quizzes, and insightful discussions, this course is perfect for web design enthusiasts and aspiring developers alike. Ready to elevate your web design skills? Enroll today!
Offered by: University of Michigan via Coursera
Instructed by: Colleen van Lent, Ph.D. (lecturer, School of Information) and Charles Russell Severance (professor, School of Information)
Price: free
Skills and Knowledge Imparted:
- Bootstrap (front-end framework)
- Responsive web design
- Javascript
- Cascading style sheets (CSS)
Difficulty Level: intermediate/expert
Duration and Total Lectures: 10 hours
Average User Rating: 4.7 (1,532 ratings)
Review:
Students universally found the “Advanced Styling with Responsive Design” course to be a valuable learning experience, with various insights into the world of web design. Despite some concerns about outdated Bootstrap versions, the majority commended the instructor, Dr. Colleen van Lent, for her knowledge, patience, and engaging teaching style. The course offers an overview of responsive design, including fluid measurements, media queries, and the Bootstrap framework. While a few students expressed the need for updated material, many appreciated the practical assignments and real-world applications provided throughout the modules. The combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice makes this course an ideal starting point for beginners and a valuable refresher for those looking to enhance their web design skills.
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Course #10: Introduction to Typography
Typography, the art of shaping language visually, is a captivating journey into the heart of graphic design. Unveil the secrets behind typefaces and elevate your understanding of this 500-year-old art form. This Graphic Design Specialization course is your gateway to mastering the manipulation of letterforms, where each curve and stroke tells a story. Delve into the history, culture, and aesthetics of typefaces, exploring their evolution over time. Immerse yourself in the rules and conventions of typography while gaining hands-on experience through peer-reviewed assignments. This course goes beyond software skills, requiring a basic knowledge of Adobe InDesign or similar page layout tools. Each week unfolds new dimensions – from dissecting typefaces as design artifacts to understanding their connotative meanings and delving into the visual principles of typesetting. Engage in a creative exploration of expressive and unconventional typography, culminating in the design of a full-scale typographic poster. Ignite your creativity, master Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, and embark on a visual storytelling adventure through the captivating world of typography. Are you ready to shape words into works of art? Join us on this graphic design odyssey!
Offered by: California Institute of the Arts via Coursera
Instructed by: Anther Kiley (instructor)
Price: free
Skills and Knowledge Imparted:
- Adobe Indesign
- History of design.
- Getting creative with everyday design concepts.
- Graphics
Difficulty Level: beginner
Duration and Total Lectures: 10 hours
Average User Rating: 4.8 (2,720 ratings)
Review:
Students found this course on typography to be a valuable and practical addition to the Graphic Design specialization at CalArts. They appreciated the seamless cohesion between assignments, helping to reinforce key terms and skills. The short and concise lecture videos were commended for their effectiveness. Many lauded the organized and detailed approach to teaching the basics, history, and characteristics of typography. While some students suggested combining the initial weeks for a more efficient pace, they generally praised the instructor’s teaching style.
The course stood out for its emphasis on hands-on assignments, guiding students from understanding fonts to designing full-scale typographic posters. The practical nature of assignments received positive feedback, offering students a chance to experiment and learn through the process. A highlight for many was the exploration of typefaces’ connotations and their historical evolution, providing valuable context.
Course #11: Human-Centered Design: an Introduction
Unlock your creativity with Human-Centered Design: an Introduction. This course, part of the Interaction Design Specialization, equips you with essential skills like Rapid Prototyping, Storyboarding, Heuristic Evaluation, and Paper Prototyping. Explore design technologies that prioritize user satisfaction and ease. Learn to quickly prototype and assess various interface options, crucial for outstanding interaction design. Conduct fieldwork to generate innovative design ideas, build interactive paper prototypes, and gather valuable feedback from stakeholders.
Gain practical insights into creating designs that genuinely impact people’s lives. This course introduces you to storyboarding and multiple rapid prototyping strategies, helping you craft and refine different design alternatives. You’ll improve your ability to collaborate with design teams and stakeholders, ensuring your designs resonate and achieve common goals.
By focusing on the nuances of human preferences and behaviors, this course teaches you to craft designs that resonate on a deeper level. You’ll learn how to gather design ideas from real-world interactions and apply creative design-thinking techniques in any field. As the first step in the interaction design specialization, this course sets the foundation for impactful and user-centered design.
Offered by: University of California San Diego via Coursera
Instructed by: Scott Klemmer (professor, Cognitive Science and Computer Science)
Price: free
Skills and Knowledge Imparted:
- Rapid prototyping
- Story-boarding
- Heuristic evaluation
- Paper prototyping
Difficulty Level: beginner/intermediate
Duration and Total Lectures: 15 hours
Average User Rating: 4.7 (2,046 ratings)
Review:
Students rave about the transformative impact of the Interaction Design Specialization, with a focus on the “Human-Centered Design: an Introduction” course. One student, amidst a career change to UX Design, credits the course for enabling a successful app redesign within a tight timeframe. The hands-on experience, theory, and practical assignments receive high praise. Some students suggest unlocking videos ahead of schedule for more flexibility. Despite occasional critiques about course delivery and assignments, the majority find the content valuable and applicable. The course stands out for its practicality, engaging assignments, and the opportunity to interact with a global community, making it an essential stepping stone for those venturing into the world of Human-Centered Design.
