This article will converse in detail on which certification is the best online graphic design course for beginners and the various factors included. More importantly, you will come to find the best choice for your needs and gain a resolution to whether the intellectual journey is worth taking or not.
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Graphic Design: The Art of Digital Projection
The nature of design is so majestically simple, yet it remains ubiquitous that there is no single definition for such a concept. However, in technical terms, graphic design is expressing ideas using visual mediums. Professionals in this field make use of modern digital tools to make this happen, and they include natural elements such as color, shape, and typography.
Graphic design exists in many aspects of our daily lives, and sometimes we don’t realize its value. Indeed, the concept exists in reading magazines, cereal boxes in the morning, and even the billboards we stare at during our travel home. Moreover, every digital screen you see today receives the labor and love of graphic designers, making them invaluable to our society.
As a result, investing in such a profession would be equal to securing your future. More importantly, technology will continue to grow, and the need for graphic designers rides along with it.
Best Online Graphic Design course for beginners
Today, many people realize the fact that our society is growing more technologically advanced each day. Moreover, such exponential growth gives rise to countless professions. One of the careers that have come to an all-time high since the turn of the century is graphic design.
Indeed, these individuals shape the way our society views pretty much everything in the modern world. Anything related to technology has something to do with graphic design, and talented individuals are required to keep progress running smoothly. Going into 2022, the remnants of the effects of the pandemic are still present. Therefore, aspiring graphic designers need the highest quality online courses to take their careers to the next step.
Here are eleven of our best recommendations for online graphic design courses with certificates.
In a Hurry?
If you don’t have much time, use the below links to find which certification is best for graphic design? Rest assured we only recommend the best course:
–Graphic Design Specialization by Coursera is designed and offered by CALARTS. It is designed to equip learners with formal studies in graphic design.
–Graphic Design Elements for Non-Designers is a course where even the non-designers and beginners can learn effortlessly.
–Computer Graphics by edX is an award-winning course in the edX learning platform in 2017.
–Graphic Design Masterclass in Udemy is the ultimate Graphic Design course that covers Design Theory, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Branding and Logo Design
1. Graphic Design Specialization – Coursera
Coursera is among the top leading online education providers for quality skills and techniques. More importantly, their specialization program offers some of the best results in the industry today.
This specialization will teach you the various tools for visual concepts and ideas needed to create masterpieces in graphic design. Further, this course is also an excellent Kickstarter for people looking to get into formal education and expanding their knowledge in the graphical interface, motion animation, and design correction.
Key takeaways of this course:
- Graphic Design Theory – The course will introduce you to the various natural elements of graphic design present in the world. Moreover, as the idea becomes more vividly apparent in your life, the transition to more complex concepts becomes more straightforward. After this first stage, you will be able to represent ideas with an intricate range of techniques visually and better understand the basic principles.
- Typography: Core Concepts – In the 2nd step of this specialization, you will dive further into the core concepts of graphic design, specifically typography. The culture, history, and aesthetic origins of typefaces will receive coverage, and you will understand how they apply in production. Practical tests will also be a significant improvement from the last course, and you will get an opportunity to showcase your newly acquired skills in a typographic poster.
- Image-making – The bread and butter of every graphic designer is the ability to understand and exercise image-making, which is the practical application of concepts into tangible results. Students will learn how to manipulate, experiment, and expand their knowledge regarding images and apply them to given requirements.
- Graphic Design: An In-depth History Lesson – In this part, you will understand the four periods in which graphic design made significant strides in history. More importantly, a better understanding of its rich cultural history will allow you to find your niche and effectively build it from the ground up.
- Creating A Brand – The final course will be the culmination of all the concepts you’ve learned. Moreover, the brand will be one of the elements for the structural framework of a company that you will invent. The process will involve the entire duration of creating an idea and turning it into a reality. At this stage, any doubt regarding the question “Is it worth getting a graphic design degree?” should vanish.
2. Graphic Design – Coursera
The next feature course we have is a Graphic Design segment from Coursera’s “Effective Communication: Writing, Design, and Presentation” specialization. As the second course, this class will focus entirely on graphics, typography, and visual presentation.
Key takeaways of this course:
- Graphic Design Essentials – In the first segment, you will learn about the importance of design in professional work. Moreover, finding inspiration for personal projects will also play an essential role in understanding the digital design network and how it affects applications.
- Manipulating The Canvas – After covering the basic principles surrounding graphic design theory, we move on to the blank canvas. Indeed, many individuals fail to recognize the core aspects of how to manipulate this negative space effectively. More importantly, you will begin to comprehend the usage of palettes, colors, and various elements required to make a design project successful.
- Practical Application – When you’ve come to make sense of what is in front of you, this next lesson will require you to create a unique design. Students will need to employ all the skills learned in the earlier stages to deploy an effective and meaningful approach.
- Final Assessment and Project Evaluation – In the last step, your view on professional work will receive enlightenment and exercise the mental fortitude to take criticism constructively. More importantly, you will learn to be confident amidst judgment, execute revisions effectively, and ensure no more changes.
3. Graphic Design Elements for Non-Designers Specialization – Coursera
Coursera is one of the leading online providers for certified courses that are recognized worldwide. As such, it’s no surprise that this Graphic Design Elements specialization has some of the best reviews on the platform.
In the course, you will receive a hands-on introduction to basic principles and theory and understand how to apply that knowledge to practice tests and projects.
Key takeaways of this course:
- Basic Principles and Software – The first part will be all about understanding how design works in graphic software and what principles drive the basic concepts. You will also understand how emotion plays a massive role in creating compelling designs.
- Concepts of Design: Colors, Images, and Graphic Elements – At this stage, you will discover how theory incorporates itself into various graphical elements ranging from color to image types. Moreover, you will also understand how to choose the best logo designs and manipulate them for professional use.
- Textual Concepts: Fonts, Typography, and Spacing – The third segment aims to help you understand how graphic design tells stories to evoke certain emotions within viewers. More importantly, you will grasp typography concepts and how it affects the brand in significant ways.
- Creating A Brand – Like with other courses, you will be allowed to create a brand using the knowledge you’ve gained from the previous lessons. Further, enhanced analysis of the printed and digital design elements will take notice in this final segment. Finally, you will get a good grasp of how a design affects social media and website presence.
4. Learn Professional 2D Game Graphic Design in Photoshop – Udemy
In this course, you will understand the approaches needed to produce backgrounds for various video games, animations, and productions from the ground up. More importantly, the lessons you learn from this program will serve as the foundation for professional work in the future.
The skills and techniques you gain from the course will also translate to various critical elements in graphic design, such as character creation, prop creation, and visual fidelity enhancement. Lastly, if you’re wondering how long to study graphic design, then chances are you don’t have a lot of time. Luckily, this course produces results for you in as little as seven days.
Key takeaways of this course:
- Photoshop Mastery – Unsurprisingly, every aspiring graphic designer needs to have dignified expertise in Photoshop, and this course will allow you to transition from beginner to expert in one week. Of course, results may vary, but the aggressive lesson structure will pull out your potential in as little time as possible.
- Design Process and Theory – Design is a very relative concept. However, you will take a more profound step into what happens during background creation in this course. Moreover, finding visual unity within designs is also something you will discover along the way.
- Creating Personal Assets – Like other designers, each professional has their own assets, and in this course, you will also experience creating your own. Further, upon completion, you will also receive 50 free assets for personal use on any project.
- Job-hunting Mentorship – Learning the basics of graphic design is no easy task. However, finding professional work can also become challenging if you have no direction. Luckily, the instructor will help you find the right opportunities to exercise your new skills in the real world.
- Lifetime Course Access and Feedback – The worst part of learning something is forgetting a crucial detail and realizing you have no way of remembering it. Fortunately, the course offers lifetime access and feedback with your instructor even after completion.
5. Computer Graphics – edX
The edX learning program is one of the most sought-after experiences in the educational space today. More importantly, people who have any interest in modern science and technology will undoubtedly find a course to suit their needs at edX.
In this course, graphic design course entry requirements are kept at a minimum. However, don’t let that fool you, as computer graphics is one of the most complicated concepts in the world today. Students will gain access to a wide variety of skills, including creating 3D scenes in real-time and ray tracing applications.
Key takeaways of this course:
- 3D Computer Graphics: Detailed Analysis – Much like other courses, the first part will introduce basic concepts and principles. Moreover, you will understand how 3D graphics play a significant role in our growing society. At this early stage, you will also realize the answer to the question, “What is the best online graphic design course?” with relative ease.
- Practical Application – The next part will include executing programs to create 3D images with various degrees of lighting and shadowing. Moreover, you will also understand which tools are suitable for each activity and when to use them.
- Graphics Programming – Finally, you will take everything you’ve learned so far and take it a step further with a light introduction to graphics programming using OpenGL and GLSL. This lesson will also dive deeper into what concepts drive industry professionals in their work ethics and ideology.
6. Interactive 3D Graphics – Udacity
The next feature we have is a free course from Udacity. Yes, you heard that right, it’s completely free of charge. However, don’t let the lesser premium fool you. Understanding interactive 3D graphics is by no means an easy task. More importantly, the course is an excellent segway into Udacity’s Nanodegree program, Introduction to Programming, and many more.
The graphic design course entry requirements for this free class are pretty straightforward; students only need to know how to apply code in specific languages. However, prior knowledge about Java will prove beneficial in making projects easier and less time-consuming later on. Indeed, as far as free graphic design certification courses go, this offering from Udacity is your best bet at learning something substantially relevant.
Key takeaways of this course:
- Introduction to 3D Geometry – The first few lessons will include history 3D of graphics, an in-depth tutorial on 3D geometry, colors and materials, and how to transform all of the above.
- Representation of Matrices and Media Application – For the following stages, you will learn how to transform matrices, use directional lighting and concepts related to camera positioning and application.
- Conclusion: Textures, Shaders, & Animation – The final step will be further into textures and reflections, normal mapping, and programming shaders. Finally, you will learn how to animate objects and how they interact with various set elements within a project.
It is expected that after you finish this free course, questions such as. How to get certified in graphic design? will surface and come into fruition through Udacity’s Nanodegree program. However, while it is not a requirement, enrolling in a paid course will further the gains you receive from this course.
7. Introduction to Graphic Design – Udemy
Most, if not all, aspiring graphic designers have questions regarding becoming certified graphic designers. However, many fail to realize that certification comes at the cost of valuable time and resources. If you’ve come to a resolution with these factors, then Udemy is the right place to start nurturing your dreams of becoming a graphic designer in 2021.
The course is for individuals aspiring to be or are already graphic designers as it provides comprehensive and refresher lessons on fundamental concepts. Moreover, if you’re a digital marketing specialist or business owner looking to expand into modern ways of advertisement and marketing, then Udemy’s introductory graphic design course is for you.
Key takeaways of this course:
- Basic Principles of Canva – The first part covers the basics of Canva, the advantages of taking design inspiration, and how to create custom animations. More importantly, this stage will answer most of the questions you have regarding the complexity of graphic design as a whole.
- Design, Creation, & Image Manipulation – The next juncture in learning will encourage you to design and create unique images. Moreover, intermediate techniques in painting, text effects, and manipulation will receive detailed explanations.
- Application – At this stage, you will learn how to apply what you’ve learned by creating designs for logos, cards, social media headers, and thumbnails. The advanced section will also cover more design creation, including invoice, blog title, poster, and banner production.
In the end, you will receive a bonus project where you will need to create and design a logo within 5 minutes as an interactive activity between teacher and student. Feedback is also encouraged during this conclusive part, and students will receive a bonus free e-book regarding SEO.
8. Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn Great Design – Udemy
Udemy is famous for many things, and one of those is its Masterclass program. Further, this is the first expert-level course in this article that focuses on advanced learners and professionals.
The Graphic Design Masterclass is for individuals who want to create compelling and fantastic designs that showcase a deep understanding of core graphic design theory, real-world implementation, and expertise in various software applications. Finally, students will also be able to further their Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign skills.
Key takeaways of this course:
- Graphic Design: Concept Breakdown – In summary, the introduction will introduce you to the various aspects of graphic design theory and explore how it affects individual approaches and creativity. The instructor will also touch on Adobe Photoshop, covering the basics to advanced and expert-level topics.
- Finding Creativity and Skill Application – At this stage, you will learn the necessary steps to spark creativity and apply that to real-world projects. Moreover, the lesson will cover advanced Photoshop techniques and touch on brand theory and designing logos, thumbnails, and many more.
- Relevant Software and Trends Showcase – The 3rd segment of the course will refresh you on the skills you’ve learned so far and enhance them further with Illustrator and InDesign. More importantly, the Masterclasses separates itself from other courses by showcasing the current design trends and analyzing the core aspects as to why they’re mainstream.
- Finalizing The Niche – At the final step, you will discover different niche areas that you can specialize in and focus on for future professional work. However, the course constantly gets updates, so graduates of the masterclass can always come back and receive feedback from the instructor at any time.
9. Graphic Design Bootcamp: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign – Udemy
Previously, we covered a Masterclass option for advanced learners and professionals. In this course, the main focus will be those starting to discover graphic design theory and find its relevance in daily life. The class is a great choice for modest learners looking to explore Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, without the pressure of complicated terminologies and topics.
Key takeaways of this course:
- Getting Comfortable with Adobe Software – The first part of the beginner class covers the basics of Adobe software and its role in the graphic design industry. Moreover, the course will also lightly touch on typography, composite image-making, and logo design.
- Skills Application – After getting a better grasp of core concepts, you will have an opportunity to apply the techniques by creating magazine advertisements, brochures, business cards, and many more.
- Career Path Optimization – The final stage will be all about finding the right direction to focus your newfound talents. More importantly, the course will give you insights into what design field will make the best use of your skills.
10. Interactive Computer Graphics – Coursera
Today, many people are discovering that computers are evolving at an exponential rate. With that, the quality of graphics each computer can produce increases too. Moreover, mastering the tools needed to harness creativity will enable you to express ideas with higher levels of control and finesse.
In this course, you will gain comprehension of how different computer graphics can be manipulated to create inspirational pieces of digital imagery. The course will feature information-rich demonstrations of how to use software to convey thoughts and emotions precisely efficiently.
Key takeaways of this course:
- Exploring The Interface – The first part of the course will cover everything about graphical user interfaces. Moreover, the modules will include five different ways to enhance operations within the interface. These can consist of navigation, icon management, pointer actions, and many more.
- 2D Illustrations – A pretty straightforward lesson. The second part will introduce 2D drawings and how they see integration into the system. You will also understand how animations play a critical role in changing bothersome tasks into interactive and fun activities.
- 3D Geometry – Moving up, you will explore even further into the dimensional space and understand how 3D geometric modeling works. The theories you learned previously in the 2D module will also receive implementation into the execution of 3D models.
- Deconstructing Animations – The last juncture will feature modules that focus on simulating real-world objects and motion. You will discover how animation significantly affects the expression of objects in 2D and 3D space.
11. Innovation Through Design: Think, Make, Break, Repeat
The final recommendation is yet another Coursera offering and features two instructors who will share their views on how innovation affects design in the modern world. Students will understand how design evolves in significant ways to transcend the limits of specific domain limitations. More importantly, containing all the knowledge in this course will allow graphic design to become an invaluable skill in confronting complexity and failure.
Key takeaways of this course:
- Introducing Design Concepts – The first module tackles the different topics related to design and the human approach behind it. Furthermore, you will understand how design plays a vital role in enhancing innovation in modern society.
- Thinking – Each design comes from a formula born from an idea. As such, the Thinking module will cover everything you need to know about taking the first step towards creating a design. The lesson will also feature interviews and ideas from professionals and how they can be used for innovation.
- Making – After each design is carefully planned and analyzed, the application comes next. Therefore, customer and user feedback is transformed into concepts, prototypes and finally producing tangible results.
- Breaking – When you’ve finished creating a design, there will always be room for improvement. As a result, breaking or considering the post-production feedback is one of the most crucial aspects of design innovation projects. In the final step, you will learn how to incorporate these evaluations to improve your existing design and take it to the next level.
Conclusion
These are the best online Graphic Design course for beginners out there to learn online. A total of eleven recommendations for the best graphical design courses with certificates in 2021. Indeed, the field is maturing even further to meet our current society’s demands. As such, learning from the highest-quality educational providers is a must and should not be overlooked.
If you’re ready to start nurturing your passion for graphic design, then these online courses will help you reach even greater heights.
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