What skills can I learn in graphic design courses?

Graphic design courses typically cover a diverse range of essential skills including: Fundamentals of design and visual communication Typography and layout techniques Digital illustration and drawing Branding and logo design User interface (UI) design for web and mobile User experience (UX) design principles Motion graphics and animation Software skills in Adobe Creative Suite and other design tools

Do I need prior experience in graphic design to start courses?

No prior experience is needed for beginner graphic design courses. Most curriculums are structured to support learners at various levels: Beginners can start with the basics of design principles and simple projects. Intermediate learners can enhance their skills in specific design disciplines. Advanced professionals can explore complex design challenges and integrated projects.

What graphic design certifications and credentials are available?

Graphic design courses on Coursera offer a range of credential options: Certifications in specific design fields such as digital illustration or branding Professional certificates from leading design schools and industry partners Specialized course certificates for specific skills or software proficiency These credentials can help demonstrate your design expertise and can be added to your LinkedIn profile to attract potential employers.

What career opportunities are available in graphic design?

Expertise in graphic design can open doors to various creative roles including: Graphic Designer UI/UX Designer Digital Artist Brand Designer Motion Graphics Designer Art Director Professionals in these roles leverage their graphic design skills to create compelling visuals that communicate ideas and messages effectively, influencing how audiences perceive and interact with brands and products.

Are there free graphic design courses or certifications available on Coursera?

Yes, Coursera offers a variety of free courses across many topics, including graphic design. While you can access most course materials for free by auditing the courses, this does not include graded assignments or a completion certificate. For those looking to obtain a certificate to showcase their learning or enhance their professional profile, Coursera provides the option to purchase the course. Additionally, Coursera offers free trials or financial aid to learners who qualify, making certifications more accessible to everyone.

Top Graphic Design Courses - Learn Graphic Design Online

Explore the Graphic Design Course Catalog

University of Colorado Boulder
Effective Communication: Writing, Design, and Presentation
Skills you'll gain: Business Writing, Presentations, Peer Review, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Public Speaking, Business Communication, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Verbal Communication Skills, Design, Visual Design, Storytelling, Writing, Organizational Skills, Project Design, Concision, Microsoft PowerPoint, Proofreading, Grammar, Communication
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
12K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Graphic Elements of Design: Color Theory and Image Formats
Skills you'll gain: Logo Design, Color Theory, Color Matching, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Design, Creative Design, Graphical Tools, Design Elements And Principles
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
573 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Build your business brand using Canva
Skills you'll gain: Canva (Software), Logo Design, Branding, Brand Strategy, Graphic Design, Target Audience, Social Media Content, Marketing Materials, Social Media, Scheduling, Presentations, Content Creation
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
45 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Macquarie University
Excel Skills for Business
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Excel, Dashboard, Excel Formulas, Spreadsheet Software, Data Visualization, Excel Macros, Data Validation, Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Data Cleansing, Data Modeling, Business Intelligence, Workflow Management, Financial Modeling, Data Management, Microsoft 365, Consolidation, Data Integrity, Data Entry, Business Reporting, Productivity Software
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
62K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Marketing Design with Easil
Skills you'll gain: Marketing Design, Social Media Marketing, Social Media Content, Marketing Materials, Marketing, Social Media, Loyalty Programs, Advertising, Creative Design, Brand Loyalty, Customer Engagement
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
197 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free
The University of Tokyo
Interactive Computer Graphics
Skills you'll gain: Visualization (Computer Graphics), Interactive Design, Computer Graphics, Graphical Tools, Computer Graphic Techniques, Graphics Software, Virtual Reality, Human Computer Interaction, User Interface (UI), Design, Technical Design, Algorithms, Simulations
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
305 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Build a free website with WordPress
Skills you'll gain: WordPress, Content Management Systems, Web Content, Web Design and Development, Information Architecture
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Use Canva to Create Desktop and Mobile-friendly Web Pages.
Skills you'll gain: Canva (Software), Web Design and Development, Web Applications, Web Content, Digital Publishing, Graphic and Visual Design Software, User Accounts
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Meta
Principles of UX/UI Design
Skills you'll gain: User Research, UI/UX Research, Usability Testing, Persona (User Experience), Interaction Design, User Experience Design, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Design Research, User Centered Design, User Interface (UI) Design, Figma (Design Software), Design Elements And Principles, Wireframing, Prototyping
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Python for Everybody
Skills you'll gain: Web Scraping, Data Processing, Relational Databases, JSON, Database Design, SQL, Network Protocols, Databases, Web Services, Restful API, Programming Principles, Data Cleansing, Data Structures, Data Storytelling, Data Collection, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Data Manipulation, Development Environment, Computational Thinking
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
277K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Google
Create High-Fidelity Designs and Prototypes in Figma
Skills you'll gain: Figma (Design Software), Usability Testing, Design Reviews, Mockups, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, User Experience Design, Prototyping, User Centered Design, User Interface (UI) Design, Design Elements And Principles, Typography, Color Theory
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
4.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Adobe
Generative AI Content Creation
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Adobe Creative Cloud, Data Integrity, Creativity, Content Creation, Creative Design, Data Security, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Digital Transformation, Natural Language Processing
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
132 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks