Top Graphic Design Courses to Enhance Your Skills

Graphic design courses online come in various formats, each suited to different learning preferences and career goals:

• Self-Paced Courses: Allow learners to progress at their own speed, making it ideal for those with busy schedules or varying availability. These courses often include pre-recorded video lessons, downloadable resources, and assignments that can be completed at the learner’s convenience.
• Instructor-Led Courses: Offer guided learning with scheduled classes and direct interaction with instructors. These courses typically follow a set schedule, providing a more structured learning method with opportunities for real-time feedback and interaction with peers.
• Certificate Programs: Provide a structured curriculum leading to a certification upon completion. These are designed to equip learners with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills, often recognized by employers and industry professionals.
• Degree Programs: Comprehensive programs that typically take several years to complete and culminate in a degree. These programs are ideal for those looking to make a significant commitment to their education and pursue advanced career opportunities in graphic design.

Selecting the right format is essential based on your career objectives and preferred learning style. Whether you are a self-directed learner or prefer structured guidance, there is an online course format that will suit your needs.

Here are some expert recommendations for the best graphic design courses for beginner, intermediate and advanced level

Beginner-Level

• Graphic Design Specialization by Coursera: This is one of the best graphic design courses for beginners and is offered in collaboration with the California Institute of the Arts. The program emphasizes the fundamentals of graphic design, including design principles, historical context, visual communication through image and typography. You'll gain hands-on experience through assignments and a final capstone project that allows you to build a portfolio piece.
• Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn GREAT Design by Skillshare: It is considered a good option for beginners with little to no graphic design experience. The course covers the fundamentals of graphic design, including typography, color theory, layout, and composition. This provides a strong foundation for learners who want to understand the "why" behind design choices.
• CG101: Graphic Design by Pluralsight: It is a solid introductory course for anyone wanting to build a basic understanding of graphic design principles. This course stands out by focusing on design concepts and terminology, not on specific software like Photoshop or Illustrator. Thus, providing foundational knowledge applicable to any design program you choose to learn later.
• AI Tools for Designers by Eduonix: The course covers a variety of AI tools pertinent to design, including some popular options like Dall-E, Midjourney, and Fontjoy. This gives you an overview of the possibilities available in the AI design landscape. By showcasing how to use AI for generating ideas, creating visuals, and streamlining tasks, the course helps you unlock new creative avenues and save time.
• Interactive 3D Graphics by Udacity: This one will teach you the principles of 3D computer graphics. You will know learn to make an animated demo program that runs in a web browser. Also, it helps you build a portfolio of small interactive programs.

Intermediate-Level

• Introduction to 3D Product Visualization in blender by Skillshare: The course aims to teach you the basics of 3D product visualization using Blender, a free and popular open-source 3D creation software. The curriculum specifically targets the skills needed to create realistic product renderings, which is valuable for product designers, marketers, and e-commerce businesses.
• Graphic Design Masterclass- Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign by Eduonix: Opt for this course to learn three industry-standard design applications: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. This provides a well-rounded foundation for graphic design workflows. In this course, you’ll learn color theory, grid systems, how to use Photoshop in a creative way to create stunning Ads, the science behind achieving great visuals and a lot more.
• Interactive Computer Graphics by Coursera: This intermediate course is offered in collaboration with the University of Tokyo. You will learn interactive tools developed from computer graphics research, along with design reasoning and algorithms. You will learn how to create and implement tools like graphic user interfaces, 3D animation authoring tools, interactive computer-aided designing systems, and 2D drawing and animation authoring tools.
• Ultimate Graphic Design Course: Create 40 Practical Projects by O’Reilly: It is a great option for those who want to learn professional Photoshop workflows that can be immediately incorporated into projects. You'll create Facebook ads, Instagram posts, YouTube thumbnails, newsletters, CVs, business cards, and much more from scratch.
• Design Thinking: Ideation, Iteration and Communication by edX: This course is offered in collaboration with the Rochester Institute of Technology. It delves into techniques for generating ideas (brainstorming, mind mapping), refining them (prototyping, user testing), and effectively presenting them (visual communication). Taught by instructors from RIT, a well-regarded institution for design education, the course likely benefits from their experience and knowledge.

Advanced-Level

• Designing Effective Storyboards in Illustrator and InDesign by Pluralsight: This advanced-level course teaches you the process of creating professional storyboards using both Adobe Illustrator and InDesign. The course takes you through the entire process, from brainstorming thumbnails to finalizing the storyboard layout in InDesign for presentation.
• Working with 3D in Storyboard Pro by Pluralsight: This course by Kurt Jones dives into the 3D capabilities of Storyboard Pro, helping you enhance your storyboards with depth and dimension. The course starts with importing and manipulating 3D objects, ensuring a clear understanding of the basics. By the end, you will learn how to convert 2D layers into 3D elements, creating a more dynamic scene with depth.
• Social Media Pop-up Graphics: Adobe After Effects by Skillshare: This short-duration course will show you how to create simple motion graphic popups that can be used on all your social media accounts.
• Advanced Keyframing in Aftereffects by Skillshare: This half-hour duration course focuses on smooth animations that use momentum, bouncing and swinging, mimicking gravity, and underwater physics. You can expect to learn a variety of animations in this course. 
• Rapid Concept Art Techniques in Photoshop and ZBrush by Pluralsight: This course will show you how to render fully rendered concept art for presentation purposes. It will give you a solid understanding of how to leverage the strengths of both Photoshop (2D painting) and ZBrush (3D sculpting) for a streamlined concept art workflow. The course is geared specifically towards concept art creation, providing valuable techniques for designing characters, environments, and props.

When selecting the best online graphic design courses, consider the following factors:

• Accreditation and Credibility: Ensure the course provider is reputable and the certification is recognized in the industry. Accredited courses often have rigorous standards and are recognized by employers and industry professionals.
• Curriculum Content: The course should cover relevant topics and align with current industry standards. A well-rounded curriculum will include both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring you are well-prepared for real-world design challenges.
• Instructor Credentials: Look for courses taught by experienced professionals with a proven track record. Instructors with industry experience can offer valuable insights with practical tips that can improve your learning experience.
• Reviews and Testimonials: Past student feedback can provide insight into the course's effectiveness and value. Try to look for courses with good reviews and real testimonials from learners who have successfully applied the skills they learned in their careers.

Graphic design courses with certificates can significantly enhance your career opportunities by validating your skills and knowledge. This could even help you grab entry-level graphic design jobs. They are especially valuable for professional development, as many employers recognize and prefer candidates with certified expertise in graphic design. Earning a certificate demonstrates your commitment to your field and can make you a more competitive candidate in the job market.

Choosing the right graphic design online courses can set the foundation for a successful career in the creative industry. From beginners to advanced designers, there's a course tailored to every skill level and learning preference. Remember to consider factors like accreditation, curriculum, and instructor expertise when making your decision. Now is the perfect time to explore these recommended courses and start enhancing your graphic design skills today.

For those looking to take their graphic design skills to the next level, Careervira offers a range of online graphic design courses with certificates that cater to all levels of expertise. From foundational courses for beginners to advanced training for seasoned professionals, it provides a platform for comprehensive and credible learning.

So, what are you waiting for? Enroll in one of these top-rated graphic design courses and take the first step toward a successful career in graphic design.