7 Basic Graphic Design Courses You Should Get – Everything You Need to Know & More

Graphic designing is a highly versatile field that you can use to earn a lot of money. However, for some individuals, it can be hard to find and learn the necessary skills. 

This is why in today’s post, our focus will be on seven basic graphic design courses. Along with that, we’ll also mention some essential tips

Let’s get right into it. 

Quick Summary

This post will highlight the following topics: 

7 Key Graphic Design Courses for 2022

When it comes to graphic design, there are many tools related to images and videos that you can learn. Each tool provides a new way to help your creative intellect. 

In order to get to that point, you have to familiarize yourself with the basics first. Now, let’s check the courses you can use to expand your skills. 

Graphic Design by Coursera

The first course on our list is offered by Coursera. We picked it because it offers everything you need to know about graphic design

On top of that, this course is devised by the University of Colorado Boulder. You can learn the basics of writing, design, and presentation. 

Graphic Design by Coursera

How much do I have to pay for this course?

One thing we liked the most about this course is that it is free of cost. You don’t have to pay a single penny to access the content and guides. 

Furthermore, all the assets of this course can be downloaded. You can also add this course to your inventory for future access. 

Pros

  • Beginner-friendly
  • Includes video tutorials
  • Tool-based learning
  • Up-to-date knowledge

Cons

  • Only suitable for new individuals

SkillShare’s Great Graphic Design

The second course on our list is available at SkillShare. We picked it because SkillShare is a highly reputable platform for graphic design. 

You can learn all sorts of fundamental skills including typography and color schemes. Besides that, it also teaches the use of various design tools like Adobe Illustrator

SkillShare’s Great Graphic Design

How long does it take to complete this course?

Unlike a conventional course, you can choose from 12 different lessons. Each lesson focuses on a single graphic design aspect. 

Moreover, you can also access video tutorials tied to each lesson. We found that it takes roughly 5-8 hours to complete this course. 

Pros

  • Teaches various tools
  • Focuses on basic skills
  • Taught by industry professionals
  • Suitable for beginners

Cons

  • Paid content

Udemy’s Introduction to Graphic Design

Next up, we have a course from Udemy’s platform. Our team handpicked this course because it focuses on the essentials of graphic design. 

You can learn all about graphic design with no prior experience in the field. Furthermore, we found that it also comes with video tutorials for convenient learning. 

Udemy’s Introduction to Graphic Design

Is this course paid?

Just like most courses on Udemy, this course is also paid. However, you only have to pay a one-time fee and this course becomes accessible forever. 

Other than that, we must mention that you get a certificate of completion. This can come in handy for finding new jobs and project opportunities.  

Pros

  • Highly suitable for beginners
  • Video and text-based learning
  • Interconnected content
  • Can be accessed on a phone

Cons

  • Might be expensive for some

Vectornator’s Graphic Design 

Next pick on our list is from Vectornator. We chose this course because it teaches multiple key aspects of graphic design. 

You can use this course to learn color theory, logo design, illustration, and vector shapes. Each aspect has its own dedicated section with multiple video tutorials. 

Vectornator’s Graphic Design 

Does this course teach the use of tools?

One thing that we liked about this course is that it uses various tools to explain a single concept. Its main focus is on devices like iPad and Microsoft Surface. 

As an aspiring professional, this can significantly improve your efficiency and creativity. Moreover, it can help you expand your portfolio for large-scale projects. 

Pros

  • Suitable for intermediate designers
  • Highlights various aspects individually
  • Free of cost
  • Uses real-time exercises

Cons

  • Can be overwhelming for beginners

CalArts’ Graphic Design Specialization

For our next pick, we have a course offered by CalArts. You can find this course on Coursera’s platform free of cost. 

We picked this course because it highlights important elements like interface design, editorial design, and motion graphics. This can help you grow as an industry professional. 

CalArts’ Graphic Design Specialization

How long is this course?

After a careful inspection, we found that it takes 3 months to complete this course. During this time, you can test your skills through various assignments and real-time tasks. 

Other than that, this course also offers a history course for graphic design as well. You can use it to learn about the progress of this industry over the years. 

Pros

  • Suitable for beginners
  • Free to access content
  • Assignment-based learning
  • Focuses on practicality

Cons

  • Not suitable for expert designers

Masterclass’ Graphic Design

Next pick on our list is from Masterclass. We selected this course because it is taught by a highly acclaimed industry professional, David Carson. 

This course is only a week long and uses 11 unique lessons. We noticed that it mainly focuses on the use of images in various layouts. 

Masterclass’ Graphic Design

How much do I have to pay for this course?

As an individual course, you don’t have to pay in order to access it. However, it requires a Masterclass subscription. 

With this subscription, you can further access other courses offered by various guests. Compared to market prices, it is a bargain for you.

Pros

  • Suitable for expert-level designers
  • Includes various industry tips/tricks
  • Uses theoretical and practical tools
  • Video tutorials

Cons

  • Not budget-friendly

MIT’s Graphic Design

Lastly, we have a course offered by Massachusetts Institue of Technology. Unlike most courses, it features an open-end approach. 

You can simply head over to their website and download various lectures on graphic design. They are specifically designed for individuals looking to grow as a professional. 

MIT’s Graphic Design

What is the total duration of this course?

We found that the entire course takes 2-3 months to complete. It depends on how much time you are able to dedicate. 

This course is extensive because it includes various tests and assignments. As a beginner, this can help you to polish your skills significantly. 

Pros

  • Focuses on basic skills
  • Video-based lectures
  • Can be accessed at any time
  • Individual lessons

Cons

  • Tests are optional

Wrapping Things Up…

With this, we come to the finish line of our post on 7 Basic Graphic Design Courses You Should Get. We hope you can use this information to your advantage. 

Graphic design can help you grow as a professional rather quickly. However, it is essential that you learn the right skills for it. 

Let us know if you have any further queries.