A CalArts course on Coursera that treats design as a craft you practise, not a set of rules you memorise. It works through the raw materials of visual communication — imagery, typography, colour and composition — with hands-on exercises. A strong conceptual foundation, though it is about design thinking rather than mastering a specific tool.
Good for: Building a real foundation in design principles from a respected art school.
Less suitable if: You mainly want to learn a tool like Photoshop or Illustrator.
You want software tutorials (Photoshop, Illustrator)
You need a portfolio-ready qualification fast
You prefer purely technical, tool-focused lessons
Requirements: None, though basic access to design software or even pen and paper helps for exercises.
Realistic time: Around 20+ hours over several weeks.
About this course
Fundamentals of Graphic Design treats design as a craft you practise, not a set of rules you memorise. From CalArts, it moves through the raw materials of visual communication — imagery, typography, colour, and the way elements are arranged on a page — with short exercises that build a designer's eye rather than just software skills.
What you'll learn
Apply the core elements of design: image, type, colour, form
Build visual compositions that communicate clearly
Use typography deliberately rather than by default
Make colour choices that support a message
Develop a critical eye for evaluating design work
Create a small body of practice exercises to build from
This course includes
Yes
Certificate
Yes
Mobile access
English
Language
What it costs
You can audit the course free on Coursera. A certificate needs a Coursera subscription (about $49/month) or Coursera Plus, with financial aid available. It is the first course in CalArts' Graphic Design Specialisation.
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COCoursera
Fundamentals of Graphic Design
Price
Free
Audit free · Certificate available
Duration
—
Level
Beginner
Certificate
Specialization
COCoursera4.8(11,000)
Conduct UX Research and Test Early Concepts
Price
Paid
Free to audit; included in Google UX Design Certificate
A CalArts certificate on Coursera is well regarded as evidence of the learning. It is a course certificate rather than a formal design qualification or degree.
Last updated
Instructor
C
CalArts
Coursera instructor
The course comes from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), one of the most respected art and design schools in the US. It's structured the way a design foundations class would be — principles first, hands-on exercises throughout — so you're learning the same fundamentals a design student would start with.