The rise of digitalization in the business sector has elevated the value of graphic design skills. Businesses need logos, brochures, business cards, and website visuals to promote their brand to customers. You can also check out unlimited graphic design for this purpose. Graphic designers have been in great demand to cater to all these requirements. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that a graphic designer’s average annual salary was $50,710 in 2021.
Numerous people attend graphic design classes to learn how to create striking visuals. However, an increasing number of people are choosing to learn by themselves with some assistance from online courses and programs. Some programs also provide formal certifications once you’ve completed them.
Here are some top-notch graphic designing courses and programs that can help you create eye-catching illustrations in no time.
- Graphic Design Specialization (Coursera)
This certification program aims to teach basic graphic designing skills to beginners. They can gain a good understanding of various design tools. For added convenience, it is divided into five courses focusing on different aspects of graphic design.
The first course is about graphic design fundamentals, which can teach you how to work with various shapes and colors. The typography course provides basic information about typefaces and letterforms. The image-making course lets you experiment with different techniques to create images and compositions. The history of graphic design course is all about the evolution of graphic design and the influence of politics, aesthetics, and cultures on modern design. The final course helps you combine all these ideas to develop a brand. While practicing, you can use stock photos of all kinds to generate stellar graphics.
- Become A Graphic Designer (LinkedIn Learning)
This program also provides a certification once you complete all eleven courses. The courses have varying levels of complexity, technicalities, and concepts. Numerous video tutorials created by experts will guide you through this extensive process.
The initial few courses like ‘what is graphic design’ and ‘graphic design career: first steps’ can teach you the fundamental concepts. The introductory training imbues you with knowledge about the practical usage of graphic design in modern times and how to kick-start your career. It also covers logo designing and image editing. The subsequent courses include typography, color theory, and customizing designs according to the client’s demands.
You will be taught about different tools and software that can provide a platform to create stunning designs. Some of these include Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. It is one of the best and most detailed courses for new-timers.
- Graphic Design Bootcamp (Udemy)
Several people require a graphic designing course that can quickly equip them with the necessary skills. These people include freelancers who may want to start earning immediately or new entrepreneurs who need to oversee the designing process for marketing purposes. The Graphic Design Bootcamp course is ideal for such people. Simply set aside 15 hours for video content, and you’ll be done.
This course is project-based and teaches students how to create common projects like brochures, business cards, flyers, and web graphics. It also provides a basic idea regarding popular graphic designing software and tools.
The best part is that the content is updated every once in a while to reflect changes in modern design trends. Once you enroll, you get lifetime access to all the updated content. Moreover, it also provides access to a private Facebook group brimming with other students. You can learn helpful tips, find projects, and get critiques regarding your creations.
- Graphic Design Masterclass – Learn GREAT Design (Udemy)
It is the perfect program if you are looking for an extensive program with numerous courses that can provide in-depth detail regarding graphic design. You can find a convenient combination of readings, videos, and projects to learn accordingly.
The program consists of 34 sections, each focusing on a different design aspect. You can follow and predict future trends while practicing how to create logos and branding packages. You can also learn how to utilize typography, color palettes, blocking, and photos to create stunning visual designs. The program even focuses on social media graphics that can be great for people who need to develop digital marketing campaigns. You can also receive constructive criticism and valuable feedback if you need to get your work checked out.
- Graphic Design (Coursera)
This program is perfect for people who want a more practical approach to learning. The Graphic Design course balances theoretical concepts regarding essential designing tools with practical implementation. You can learn how to develop your designs on Apple Keynote, Google Slides, and Microsoft PowerPoint until you figure out how to use Illustrator and Photoshop.
The program includes four separate modules that utilize quizzes, videos, and readings to teach students. In the first week, you will understand the difference between good and bad designs to find inspiration for your samples. The second week includes learning fundamental aspects like grids, margins, and color palettes. These color palettes are used in the third week to understand contrasts and composition. By the final week, you can feel confident regarding your skills. You can critically analyze and notice any discrepancies in your work.
- Beginner’s Guide To Graphic Design (YouTube)
It is a free course offered on YouTube. Hence, it is ideal for beginners who want to learn basic design skills without splurging too much money. You can start by looking at videos that teach you about visual elements like shape, texture, and typography. Then come to the videos, including design aspects like alignment, proximity, and function.
The videos also provide insight into the skills needed to succeed as a graphic designer and whether any qualifications are required. They also prepare you for your future career by explaining how to create a professional-looking CV and graphic design portfolio. Moreover, you also get taught about potential questions asked in the interview and how you can achieve growth as a graphic designer.
To Conclude
If you are an aspiring graphic designer, you can find several popular courses that are perfect for beginners. These courses can teach you about various visual and design aspects. Most programs are divided into sections to take you through the learning process step-by-step. It is entirely up to you whether you want a quick course to start earning immediately or extensive practice first. These programs can imbue you with the essential skills of graphic design.