With the world becoming more and more digital every day, graphic designers are now more in demand than ever. As a result, companies are increasing their salaries to stay competitive with the high demand. Enroll in a cheap online graphic design course today to take advantage of these great starting salary offers!
The Best Affordable Online Graphic Design Courses
Graphic design is a highly sought-after skill in today’s digital age. Whether you want to pursue a career in graphic design or simply enhance your creative abilities, there are numerous online courses available to help you achieve your goals. In this article, we will explore some of the best affordable online graphic design courses that can help you develop your skills and stand out in the world of design.
1. Coursera – Graphic Design Specialization
Coursera offers a Graphic Design Specialization program in partnership with the California Institute of the Arts. This comprehensive course consists of five individual courses, each focusing on different aspects of graphic design. You can enroll in these courses individually or complete the entire specialization.
The courses cover topics such as typography, image making, branding, and design principles. The instructors provide valuable insights and practical exercises to hone your skills. Coursera offers a flexible learning schedule, allowing you to study at your own pace. You can also audit the courses for free or pay a fee for a certificate upon completion.
2. Udemy – Graphic Design Masterclass
Udemy hosts a Graphic Design Masterclass taught by Lindsay Marsh, a professional graphic designer. This course is perfect for beginners and intermediate learners who want to grasp the fundamentals of graphic design. With over 19 hours of on-demand video content, you’ll receive in-depth training on various design tools and techniques.
The course covers essential software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. It also delves into topics such as logo design, layout composition, and typography. Udemy often offers discounts on courses, making it one of the most affordable options for those on a budget.
3. edX – Introduction to Graphic Design
edX offers an Introduction to Graphic Design course provided by the University of Colorado Boulder. This course is perfect for beginners looking to explore the basics of graphic design. You’ll learn about the principles of design, color theory, and typography.
The course is self-paced, allowing you to fit your studies into your busy schedule. While you can audit the course for free, you also have the option to receive a verified certificate for a fee. This certificate can add value to your resume and portfolio.
4. Skillshare – Graphic Design Basics: Core Principles for Visual Design
Skillshare is known for its vast library of creative courses, and their Graphic Design Basics course is a great starting point for beginners. This course, taught by Ellen Lupton, focuses on core design principles and helps you develop a critical eye for design.
You’ll explore topics such as layout, typography, color, and composition. Skillshare offers a free trial period, and their subscription pricing is quite affordable, making it accessible to those with a tight budget.
5. LinkedIn Learning – Graphic Design Foundations
LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com, offers a Graphic Design Foundations course taught by Tony Harmer. This course covers the fundamental concepts of graphic design, including color theory, typography, and layout.
What sets LinkedIn Learning apart is its vast library of courses and tutorials on various design software, such as Adobe Creative Cloud applications. You can access this course and many others with a LinkedIn Learning subscription, which often provides a free trial period.
6. Canva Design School
Canva is a popular online design tool, and they offer a free resource called Canva Design School. While it may not be a traditional course, Canva Design School provides a wealth of tutorials, articles, and design challenges to help you improve your graphic design skills.
You can learn at your own pace and apply your knowledge directly within the Canva platform. This is an excellent option for individuals looking for a flexible and free way to enhance their graphic design abilities.
7. Alison – Diploma in Graphic Design
Alison offers a Diploma in Graphic Design that covers various aspects of graphic design, including digital media, branding, and layout design. This course is more extensive and in-depth compared to some other options on this list.
Alison provides free access to their courses, but you can choose to purchase a certificate upon completion. This diploma can be a valuable addition to your resume and demonstrate your commitment to graphic design.
8. FutureLearn – Visual Design: How to Balance Form and Function
FutureLearn offers a Visual Design course that focuses on finding the balance between form and function in design. Taught by the University of London, this course explores the principles of design and their application in various contexts.
You can enroll in the course for free, but if you want to receive a certificate, there is a fee. This course is ideal for those who want to deepen their understanding of design aesthetics and usability.
9. Adobe Creative Cloud Tutorials
Adobe Creative Cloud is a staple in the graphic design industry, and Adobe offers a plethora of tutorials and resources for users. Whether you’re using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, or any other Adobe software, you can find tutorials to enhance your skills.
While Adobe’s tutorials are not traditional courses, they are incredibly valuable for learning how to use industry-standard design tools effectively. Many of these resources are free, making them accessible to all skill levels.
10. YouTube – Graphic Design Channels
YouTube hosts numerous graphic design channels that offer tutorials, tips, and insights from experienced designers. Channels like The Futur, Piximake, and Dansky are just a few examples of resources where you can learn about various design topics.
While YouTube is not a structured course platform, it provides a wealth of free content that can help you develop your graphic design skills. You can learn at your own pace and explore specific topics of interest.
Conclusion
Enhancing your graphic design skills doesn’t have to break the bank. These affordable online graphic design courses and resources provide valuable knowledge and practical experience, whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your abilities. Choose the one that best fits your learning style and budget, and start your journey toward becoming a skilled graphic designer.
