The 5 Best Online Graphic Design Courses: Unlock Your Creative Potential

Visual storytelling with creative impact

The Intro

Welcome to the digital era, where graphic design has emerged as a fundamental skill for individuals and businesses navigating the visual landscape. Whether you dream of becoming a professional graphic designer or seek to enhance your creative prowess, online courses present a flexible and impactful learning avenue. To guide you through the abundance of choices, we have meticulously curated a list of the finest online graphic design courses. Our selection criteria prioritize quality, affordability, and educational value, ensuring that you embark on a transformative learning journey. Join us as we explore the top 5 courses that will empower you to unlock your creative potential and master the art of visual communication in the digital realm.

Lets Dive In

1. “Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn Design Principles, Color Theory, and Typography” – Udemy: Price: One-off fee of $59.99

Udemy’s “Graphic Design Masterclass” is a comprehensive course that provides a solid foundation in design principles, color theory, and typography. Led by experienced instructor Lindsay Marsh, this course covers essential topics such as layout design, logo creation, and branding. Priced at an affordable $59.99, the course offers lifetime access to over 14 hours of on-demand video lessons, downloadable resources, and practical assignments.

2. “Adobe Illustrator CC – Essentials Training Course” – LinkedIn Learning: Price: Monthly subscription fee of $29.99

For those seeking to master Adobe Illustrator, the industry-standard software for graphic design, LinkedIn Learning’s “Adobe Illustrator CC – Essentials Training Course” is an ideal choice. Taught by Daniel Scott, an Adobe Certified Instructor, this course provides in-depth tutorials on vector graphics, drawing tools, and advanced techniques. Available for a monthly subscription fee of $29.99, this course allows you to learn at your own pace and includes a certificate upon completion.

3. “Typography Fundamentals” – Skillshare: Price: Monthly subscription fee of $15

Typography plays a crucial role in graphic design, and Skillshare’s “Typography Fundamentals” course is a fantastic resource for honing your typographic skills. Led by designer Jessica Hische, this course delves into the art of selecting and arranging typefaces, exploring hierarchy, and creating visually appealing compositions. With a low monthly subscription fee of $15, Skillshare offers a vast library of graphic design courses in addition to typography, allowing you to expand your knowledge further.

4. “Photoshop CC 2021 MasterClass” – Udemy: Price: One-off fee of $129.99

Adobe Photoshop is a powerhouse tool for graphic designers, and the “Photoshop CC 2021 MasterClass” on Udemy provides a comprehensive learning experience. Instructor Martin Perhiniak guides students through the fundamentals of Photoshop, including image manipulation, retouching, and digital painting techniques. Priced at $129.99, this course includes over 23 hours of video content, downloadable resources, and lifetime access.

5. “Logo Design Mastery in Adobe Illustrator” – Coursera: Price: Monthly subscription fee of $49

If you have a specific interest in logo design, Coursera’s “Logo Design Mastery in Adobe Illustrator” is a highly recommended course. Developed by CalArts (California Institute of the Arts) and led by professional designer Michael Worthington, this course teaches the principles of effective logo design, color theory, and visual communication. With a subscription-based pricing model, Coursera offers flexible payment options, allowing you to learn at your own pace and earn a shareable certificate upon completion.

the strategic and artistic discipline that harmoniously merges creativity, communication, and visual appeal to convey compelling messages and evoke meaningful experiences.

To Wrap Things Up

In the ever-evolving field of graphic design, online courses have emerged as a valuable resource for aspiring designers and creative enthusiasts. The five courses highlighted in this review showcase the best options available for learning graphic design online, with a focus on affordability and quality education.

Udemy’s “Graphic Design Masterclass” stands out as a comprehensive course that covers fundamental design principles, color theory, and typography, making it an excellent choice for beginners. With lifetime access and practical assignments, learners can apply their newfound knowledge immediately.

For those specifically interested in mastering Adobe Illustrator, LinkedIn Learning’s “Adobe Illustrator CC – Essentials Training Course” provides a deep dive into vector graphics and advanced techniques. With a flexible subscription model and a certificate of completion, this course is a valuable investment.

Typography, a critical aspect of graphic design, finds its spotlight in Skillshare’s “Typography Fundamentals” course. Taught by designer Jessica Hische, learners can explore the art of type selection, hierarchy, and composition while benefiting from Skillshare’s extensive library of graphic design courses.

If Adobe Photoshop is your primary focus, the “Photoshop CC 2021 MasterClass” on Udemy delivers a comprehensive learning experience. From image manipulation to digital painting, this course equips students with the necessary skills to excel in Photoshop.

For individuals with a specific interest in logo design, Coursera’s “Logo Design Mastery in Adobe Illustrator” is a top-notch choice. Developed by the reputable CalArts and led by industry expert Michael Worthington, this course dives into the principles of effective logo design, color theory, and visual communication.

By selecting the course that aligns with your goals and budget, you can embark on a transformative journey to unleash your creative potential. These online courses provide the flexibility to learn at your own pace, making graphic design education accessible to individuals worldwide. So, whether you aspire to become a professional graphic designer or enhance your creative skills for personal projects, these courses are the stepping stones toward a rewarding and fulfilling graphic design journey.

Visual communication through creative design

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”