8 Extremely Helpful Free Graphic Design Courses
Looking to learn graphic design or brush up on your skills without shelling out tuition? Check out our picks for some of the best free graphic design courses.
Graphic design is one of the most versatile and in-demand skills in today's job market, combining creativity with technical expertise to craft everything from logos to websites. With numerous platforms offering free or low-cost courses, you can start developing your design skills without breaking the bank.
1. Coursera – Graphic Design Specialization by California Institute of the Arts
If you’re looking for a comprehensive, self-paced graphic design course, Coursera offers an excellent Graphic Design Specialization by the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). You can audit the course for free, which allows you to access all the course materials, including videos and lectures, without paying. If you wish to receive a certificate, there’s a paid option, but auditing the course allows you to learn without any financial commitment.
The specialization consists of five courses:
• Fundamentals of Graphic Design: Learn the basics of color, typography, and image-making.
• Typography: Dive into the world of fonts, typesetting, and designing typographic posters.
• Imagemaking: Explore the techniques of creating visual compositions using Adobe tools.
• History of Graphic Design: A fascinating look at the evolution of graphic design through the 20th century.
• Branding: Learn how to design logos and brand identities, crucial skills for any designer.
Duration: 6 months (approx. 3 hours per week).
Cost: Free to audit, with an option to pay for certification (€42/month).
Learn More: [Coursera – CalArts Graphic Design Specialization]
2. Kadenze – Introduction to Graphic Design History
For those interested in the rich history of graphic design, Kadenze offers a free course titled Introduction to Graphic Design History. This course is designed to provide insights into the origins and evolution of graphic design, with a focus on how graphic design has influenced and been influenced by cultural and social movements.
The course covers:
• The beginnings of typography and visual communication.
• Key movements, such as the Avant-Garde and International Style, that shaped the industry.
• The relationship between design and technology over time.
Duration: 35 hours
Cost: Free for view-only access, with a premium membership available for certification ($20/month).
Learn More: Kadenze – Graphic Design History
3. Udemy – Free Graphic Design Courses
Udemy, a leading online learning platform, offers a variety of free graphic design courses. While many courses are paid, Udemy regularly offers discounts and promotions, making it a great place to find affordable or even free learning resources.
Some free courses include:
• Graphic Design Theory for Beginners: Covering basic design principles like color theory, typography, and composition. This course is ideal for anyone starting out.
• The Complete Graphic Design Bootcamp: A hands-on, project-based course that introduces you to Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign through practical exercises.
• Design and Make Infographics: Learn how to visualize data and create compelling infographics.
Duration: Varies (typically 2-5 hours).
Cost: Free and discounted courses.
Learn More: [Udemy – Graphic Design Courses]
4. LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) – Free 1-Month Trial
LinkedIn Learning offers a one-month free trial, providing access to over 16,000 courses, including those focused on graphic design. During the free trial, you can take advantage of their high-quality content and explore courses that cover software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, as well as design theory and principles.
Recommended courses include:
• Universal Principles of Design: A must-take course for anyone serious about building a foundation in design.
• Logo Design: Techniques: Learn the art of crafting memorable logos from a seasoned professional.
• Brand Strategy for Designers: Focus on how to create a brand’s identity, covering everything from color schemes to typography.
Duration: Varies (average course length 5-10 hours).
Cost: Free for 1 month, subscription available for $22.19/month thereafter.
Learn More: [LinkedIn Learning – Graphic Design]
5. CreativeLive – Graphic Design Fundamentals
CreativeLive offers a wide range of creative courses, including several in graphic design. They feature both free and paid classes, with a focus on hands-on learning and real-world applications.
One of the free courses available is Graphic Design Fundamentals: Getting Started. This course is great for beginners and covers key design principles like color theory, typography, layout, and composition. You’ll also work on practical projects, such as designing advertisements and posters, to apply what you've learned.
Duration: 6 hours
Cost: Free, with a subscription plan available for $25/month.
Learn More: [CreativeLive – Graphic Design]
6. Envato Tuts+ – Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop Courses
Envato Tuts+ offers a collection of courses focused on graphic design software, including Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Although access to their full library requires a subscription, many of their beginner-level courses are free or offer free trials.
Some courses worth checking out:
• From the Top: Adobe Illustrator for Beginners: A detailed introduction to Illustrator, covering tools like the Pen Tool, Curvature Tool, and Shape Builder.
• From the Top: Adobe Photoshop for Beginners: A beginner-friendly guide to Photoshop, focusing on layers, blending modes, and image retouching.
• Working with Color in Adobe Photoshop: Learn the basics of color theory and how to apply them in Photoshop to enhance your designs.
Duration: Varies (typically 1-3 hours).
Cost: Free for select courses, subscription available for $16.50/month.
Learn More: [Envato Tuts+ – Graphic Design]
7. Skillshare – Free 1-Month Trial
Skillshare is a popular online platform for creative courses, offering both free and paid content. With a 1-month free trial, you can access over 27,000 classes, many of which focus on graphic design, branding, and creative software.
Notable courses on Skillshare:
• Graphic Design Mastery: The Complete Branding Process: A comprehensive course that covers logo design, packaging design, and how to create an entire brand identity.
• Adobe Photoshop CC – Essentials Training: A beginner-friendly course that helps you master Photoshop tools and techniques for creating stunning designs.
• Logo Design with Draplin: Secrets of Shape, Type, and Color: Learn logo design techniques from one of the leading professionals in the industry.
Duration: Varies (typically 1-10 hours).
Cost: Free for 1 month, subscription available for $19/month.
Learn More: [Skillshare – Graphic Design Courses]
8. Alison – Free Graphic Design Courses
Alison offers free graphic design courses with a variety of theoretical and practical content. While the courses are free to take, you can pay for a certificate if you want official recognition of your achievement.
Recommended courses include:
• Graphic Design – Visual and Graphic Design: A beginner-friendly course covering the essential elements of graphic design, including line, shape, form, and texture.
• Fundamentals of Graphic Design: A more advanced course that delves deeper into design theory and practice.
Duration: 2-3 hours.
Cost: Free for course access, with certificates available for purchase.
Learn More: [Alison – Graphic Design Courses]
Conclusion
From foundational principles to advanced techniques, there’s no shortage of free resources available for aspiring graphic designers. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare, and Udemy offer a wide array of free and paid courses that can help you grow your skills, all at your own pace. Whether you're looking to learn Adobe Photoshop, explore typography, or dive deep into branding, you can access world-class instruction without spending a dime.
Start exploring these free courses today and take the first step toward becoming a skilled graphic designer.