Do you want to start a career in Graphic Design or refresh your design skills? One of these fantastic graphic design certifications and courses will help you learn new skills or refresh your knowledge
It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words; in current times when the whole world has shifted towards digital space, we can say that a good graphic design is worth a thousand dollars in any business. Graphic Design plays a big role in modern businesses and our everyday lives in many ways, it is clearly an important form of communication between a business and its audience or consumers. Be it a logo or brochure or website or signage or magazines or business cards or leaflets, all use graphics to draw attention of potential customers. Companies hire the services of graphic designers to design all this and much more. With internet pervading all aspects of our lives, role of graphic designers has increased to include designing online ads, social media posts, sales pages for product releases or email series to up sell services and more.

One obvious way to learn graphic design is to attend a design school and commit to a degree course. But that’s not the only route. If you are passionate about design and have a desire to learn, you can learn on your own by making use of plenty of resources and graphic design tutorials available online. A good foundation in graphic design theory and practical application will help you hit the ground running. You will also need a working knowledge of desktop design software, such as Illustrator, InDesign etc., and image-editing packages such as Photoshop. For an in-depth knowledge of all of these, you can choose self-directed study through a good online graphic design course or certification that will provide you with proper foundation in various areas of graphic design.

Our team of global experts has researched and compiled this list of best graphic design courses, tutorials, training programs and certifications available online. It includes both free and paid resources with a super-flexible timetable, thus allowing you to study additional learning and practice material on your own. There is stuff for every type of learner whether beginner, or intermediate or an expert level.

1. Graphic Design Specialization by CalArts (Coursera)
   Online Courses by CalArtsThe Graphic Design Certification program by CalArts(California Institute of the Arts) is geared toward beginners and teaches them fundamental skills required to make sophisticated graphic design. Learners will be equipped with knowledge of formal and conceptual tools used in the area of graphical design.

It comprises of five courses — an introductory Fundamentals of Graphic Design course, a Typography course, an Imagemaking course and a Graphic Design History course — all of which culminate in the final project for the Capstone Course where students get an opportunity to tie together their knowledge and skills learnt into a single project: a brand development guide for a company that they invent. Only learners who have earned a certificate in the four previous courses in the Specialization are eligible to take the Capstone. All the courses contain video lectures, homework assignments, creative prompts and additional materials.

All courses in the program are instructed by known faculty members of the prestigious CalArts. CalArts is famous worldwide and offers more than 70 comprehensive degree programs in the visual, performing, media and literary arts.

For people who have never had a formal design education, this specialization serves as a great starting point for any formal studies in graphics, or further work in interface design, motion graphics, and editorial design.

Key Highlights

Aimed at beginners entering the graphics design field or students interested in learning more about visual culture, analysis and processes
Understand the entire design process, from ideation to creation to presentation
Learn to communicate through image-making and typography
Complete a capstone project to add to your professional portfolio
Learn everything you need to know to work in interface design, motion graphics, and editorial design
Read and view the course content for free
Assignments and practical exercises at the end of each week to apply topics learnt
Active community and Peer reviews to provide feedback
Duration : 5-6 months, 4 hours per week
Rating : 4.7
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2. Graphic Design Masterclass – Learn Great Design (Udemy)
   Udemy Online CoursesThis Graphic Design Masterclass by Lindsay Marsh is the bestselling course on Udemy for graphic design. It is geared towards beginners who want to become graphic designers whether part-time or full-time or those who want to learn the design skills and techniques to advance their current careers. At the same time, this course is detailed enough for intermediate and advance level students to get a ton out of it.

This course effectively pairs the graphic design basics and theory with real world projects and applications. You will learn typography, color and layout theory, proper type hierarchy and balance to create stunning designs. A variety of topics and projects including photo manipulation, magazine layouts, branding and logo design projects will be covered. Students will also be taught basics of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, which are tools that every graphic designer should use and master.

There are tons of extra valuable content sections in this course. One such section is about most up-to-date design trends, so you can be knowledgeable on what’s hot in the design world right now. Another great newly added section called ‘Finding your Design Niche’ is an exploratory mini-class in which Lindsay reviews some main core design categories and talks about what types of projects each niche entails and also what you will need to learn to leap into those design niches. This will greatly help you to choose your top focal niches. Some of the niches covered by Lindsay are logo design, print & editorial design, pattern design and illustration, package design, branding design, ux/ui design and social media/digital graphic design.

There are tons of useful downloadable resources in this course, including an 11-page guide to using grids, a color theory sheet, anatomy of typography poster, font-pairing guide, and graphic design resource guide with links to free and paid tools, resources and places to find design inspiration.

Key Highlights

Understand and learn the essential tools and capabilities of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign
Work through the entire package design process
Understand solid logo design and ad design principles to create compelling campaigns and logos
Learn the basics of Affinity Designer and learn the difference between Adobe Illustrator and Affinity Designer
Work through a 7 page vector tracing worksheet and feel confident creating a complex vector illustration
Access to over 15 hours of video content with 20 downloadable resources
Duration : 15 hours on-demand video
Rating : 4.6
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3. Graphic Design Elements for Non-Designers Specialization by University of Colorado Boulder (Coursera)
   Online Courses by University of Colorado BoulderThis is a hands-on Graphics Design Specialization offered by the world-renowned University of Colorado Boulder, and explores basic graphic design elements, color theory, images, publication design and techniques for creating effective layouts. You will also learn about typography, the creative process, the importance of brainstorming, and how to discuss and critique design in a professional setting. After completing this graphics design certification students will be able to independently design foundational creative projects, including business card, brochures, ads, websites and manuals.

There are four courses in this specialization:

The first course focuses on basic elements of design, design principles and overview of software used for design.
The second course discusses the graphical elements of design, including color theory and various types of images used in both print and digital design projects.
The third course focuses on the textual elements of graphic design, so students will learn about types, fonts, typography and spacing.
The fourth course discusses print and digital elements of design, so students will learn to use a design in print medium such as logos, brochures and larger printed projects that also carry over as seamlessly as possible into the digital realm of websites and social media. Branding and user experience is also covered in this course.
All the courses include recorded video lectures, auto-graded and peer-reviewed assignments, and community discussion forums. This is a beginner friendly specialization and does not require any background experience in graphics and design. Anybody with a zest to learn and explore can take up this program.

Key Highlights

Learn to communicate design principles and strategies clearly, and start doing your own designs
Appreciate the study of design layout and conceptual elements concerning design projects
Discover techniques for working and communicating with graphic designers and other creative professionals
Earn a Specialization Certificate to share with your professional network and potential employers
Access to lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or mobile app
Duration : 3 months, 3 hours per week
Rating : 4.7
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4. Graphic Design Bootcamp (Udemy)
   Udemy Online CoursesUdemy’s Graphic Design Bootcamp by Derrick Mitchell is one of the most top-rated courses on graphic design for beginners. For first timers, who want to build a skill set to make them employable in the creative industry as a graphic designer, this course is certainly the best. It is equally good for freelancers or entrepreneurs who plan to start their own business. This course has over 73,000 students already enrolled and more than 7000 five-star ratings.

The aim of this course is to quickly equip the learners with right skills and programs to create stunning, high-quality designs. Since the course focuses on project-based learning, students are taught how to make some of the most popular projects in the industry, like custom logos, business cards, brochures, flyers, web graphics and more. It also covers the basics of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. The instructor of this course Derrick Mitchell has based the lessons and projects on his 18 years of experience in the design industry and has strategically crafted the content to teach learners exactly what they should know to become successful graphic designers and use Adobe program software.

Since the software that designers use is constantly updated and changing, one needs to be educated on the new trends and tools. Derrick regularly updates the course material as new software updates are released. All students enrolled for the course will get a lifetime access to these new and updated course lessons.

Key Highlights

Get a clear understanding of how to work with both print and web projects in Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign
Access to Private Facebook group with over 14,000 members, that gives a platform to post projects, get insightful critiques, and network with other like-minded students and working professionals all over the world
Explore a lot of program shortcuts that help to increase productivity and maximize workflow
Get lifetime access to over 15 hours of video content with 13 downloadable resources with a shareable certificate upon completion of course
Ideal for beginners, freelancers, entrepreneurs or anyone looking to gan skills in graphic design
Duration : 15.5 hours on-demand video
Rating : 4.6
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5. Become a Graphic Designer (LinkedIn Learning – Lynda)
   LinkedIn Learning – Lynda Online CoursesLinkedIn Learning – Lynda is a great choice for learning graphic design. They have a learning path called ‘Become a Graphic Designer’ which has several courses that will help you quickly come to grasp with concepts and foundations of graphic design and also learn the latest tools and software used to build innovative design projects.

There are following 11 courses in this learning path with total of over 22 hours of expert-created video tutorials:

What is Graphic Design?
By: Sean Adams
Learn what graphic design is and how it is used to convey ideas and concepts, and to enhance experiences. Discover the impact graphic design has on the success of individuals and businesses.
Graphic Design Careers: First Steps
By: Cara St. Hilaire
Want to become a graphic designer? Discover the most crucial skills, tools, and techniques for graphic designers today, and where to find training to kick-start your career.
Introduction to Graphic Design
By: Tony Harmer
Learn the concepts and software skills that you need to become a graphic designer. This introductory training covers image editing, logo design, and layout in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Graphic Design Foundations: Layout and Composition
By: Sean Adams
Learn how to create stronger, clearer, more attention-grabbing designs by understanding the how, why, and when of layout and composition.
Graphic Design Foundations: Typography
By: Ina Saltz
Explore good typographic practices. Learn how to select and use type to add impact, how type is measured, and how factors like spacing and alignment affect your design.
Color for Design and Art
By: Jim Krause
Learn about the practical application of color theory: how to create color palettes, manipulate colors in Adobe tools like Photoshop and Illustrator, and paint for learning and for fun.
Learning Logo Design
By: Von Glitschka
Learn to avoid pitfalls, improve your design process, respond to demanding clients, and solve the creative problems that are involved in building a brand’s identity.
InDesign Quick Start
By: David Blatner
Learn the five techniques every InDesign user needs to know to start creating and editing layouts. Get up to speed in less than 30 minutes!
Introducing Illustrator
By: Deke McClelland
Quickly learn how to use Adobe Illustrator to create digital illustrations with no experience required.
Introducing Photoshop: Design
By: Deke McClelland
Quickly learn how to use Photoshop for everyday design tasks—combining text and artwork, replacing backgrounds, and more.
Aaron Draplin Takes On a Logo Design Challenge
By: Aaron Draplin
Aaron Draplin, owner of Draplin Design Co., takes our logo design challenge. Watch as he sketches, tests, and tunes his ideas, and provides tips on freelancing and finding inspiration.
Key Highlights

Discover the right set of skills needed to build or advance your career as a graphic designer
Build a solid foundation in the elements of design: typography, color, and layout
Explore the design process to visualize compelling ideas
Learn to use industry-leading tools that every graphic designer should know
Hands on exercises in InD