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How to Learn Graphic Design Online: Free & Cheap Options for Beginners

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By Scott Winstead


how to learn graphic design

Are you interested in sharpening your graphic design skills? Wondering how to learn graphic design like a pro as quickly as possible?

Graphic design has been an in-demand skill for years, and the need for talented graphic designers will only continue to grow in the coming years.

Graphic design is used in a huge range of industries and occupations, so learning how to use it effectively can give you a real leg up in your career no matter what field you’re in.

Even if you’re a student still in school, learning some basic graphic design skills will be useful for completing projects in various classes.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to learn graphic design, whether you’re starting from scratch or just looking to improve your existing skills. And with a little time and practice, you can be a talented designer in no time.

In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to learn graphic design quickly and effectively.

 

Why Learn Graphic Design?

There are lots of reasons that learning graphic design skills is a good idea.

Here are just a few:

  • Graphic design is in high demand. A quick search on any job board will reveal that there are tons of companies looking for talented graphic designers. Whether you want to work for a company or start your own freelance business, there will always be a need for your skills.
  • Graphic design is a versatile skill. You can use it in a wide range of industries and occupations, from marketing to web design to internal communications. Learning graphic design gives you the ability to pursue all sorts of different career paths.
  • Graphic design is a creative outlet. If you’re looking for a way to express your creativity, learning how to design is a great option. And even if you don’t want to pursue it as a career, it can be a fun hobby.

 

Online Courses Offer the Best Way to Learn Graphic Design

While there are lots of options out there for improving your graphic design skillset, online courses offer the best way to learn for most people.

The great thing about online courses is that they’re usually self-paced, so you can work through them at your own speed.

This means that you can take as much or as little time as you need to learn the material, and you can revisit sections if you need a refresher.

In addition, online courses typically offer a more engaging and interactive learning experience than other methods like reading books or watching videos.

Most importantly, though, online courses are usually taught by experts who can share their real-world experience. You get the chance to learn from some of the world’s top instructors all from the comfort of your own home.

Here are some of our favorite online course websites for learning graphic design:

 

Skillshare

Great Choice
Skillshare Skillshare

Skillshare is the ultimate website for learning just about anything imaginable. You can explore 30,000+ online classes across countless categories, from business to hobbies and more.

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Skillshare stands out as one of the best platforms for individuals aspiring to learn graphic design due to its unique combination of features, accessibility, and a vibrant community of learners and instructors.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or seeking to enhance your existing graphic design skills, Skillshare offers a diverse range of courses tailored to meet various learning needs.

One of the platform’s key strengths is its vast and ever-expanding library of graphic design courses. With dozens of classes taught by experienced professionals and industry experts, learners have the opportunity to explore a wide array of topics, techniques, and tools related to graphic design.

Moreover, Skillshare’s format of bite-sized video lessons allows for flexible learning at your own pace. Whether you have a busy schedule or prefer to learn in short bursts, you can easily fit in learning sessions whenever it’s convenient for you. Additionally, the ability to access courses on-demand enables learners to revisit specific topics or review lessons whenever they need to reinforce their understanding.

The interactive nature of Skillshare’s platform fosters engagement through hands-on projects and assignments. Learners can apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios, creating practical graphic design assets that form a strong portfolio. With the chance to receive constructive feedback from both instructors and peers, the learning experience becomes not only enriching but also collaborative.

One of our favorite graphic design classes on Skillshare is Great Graphic Design: Create Emotional, Gripping Typographic Art. The course serves as a fantastic crash course in basic design principles such as balance, rhythm, and more

Make sure to see our Skillshare review for a whole lot more info on all that the platform offers.

Click here to try Skillshare free for one month.

 

Coursera Plus

Coursera Plus Coursera Plus

Coursera Plus gives you unlimited access to over 7,000 courses from the world's top universities and organizations.

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Coursera Plus lets users have unlimited access to a catalog of over 7,000 courses, including online graphic design classes.

Their online courses are created in partnership with top universities and organizations, and you can get a certificate upon completion of a class.

With a ton of university-level graphic design classes for beginners and seasoned pros alike, Coursera Plus is an excellent option for anyone looking to level-up their design skills.

Plus, you can get a free trial of Coursera Plus if you want to take a peek at what’s available before committing.

Our Coursera Plus review takes an in-depth look into this popular online learning platform.

Click here to try Coursera Plus free for 7 days.

 

LinkedIn Learning 

LinkedIn Learning is one of the most popular online learning platforms out there, offering a wide range of courses to help professionals build valuable new skills for their careers.

LinkedIn Learning has a number of online graphic design courses taught by expert instructors, ranging from beginner-level classes to advanced training.

All of the courses are self-paced and can be taken at your own convenience.

Some of our favorite things about LinkedIn Learning include:

  • Over 18,000 courses available in a range of categories
  • Expert instructors
  • Certificates are given for completing courses (great for enhancing your resume!)
  • 30-day free trial lets you can try things out before paying

Check out our LinkedIn Learning pricing article for details on all of their plans and features.

Click here to try LinkedIn Learning free for 30 days.

 

A Final Word on Learning Graphic Design

If you’re ready to start learning graphic design, there are plenty of great online courses to help you take your skills to the next level.

With platforms like Skillshare, you can gain access to expert instructors and a wide range of courses that cover everything from web design to print design and more. These courses can go a long way to helping you become a graphic designer.

And remember, you can take advantage of free trials to test out different classes and find the ones you like best.

Have any questions about how to learn graphic design online? Let us know by leaving a comment below so we can help.

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