Where to Learn Graphic Design Online
When teaching yourself more about graphic design, it can certainly feel overwhelming trying to identify the class or resource that is most helpful for you. Beyond this, college classes can be expensive for their access to professors, colleagues, and resources. One hack to avoid the high-prices of college classes is to invest time or smaller cash amounts into classes and resources offered online; this investment can prove to be a huge step in learning design online. We recommend still checking out your local colleges and their programs to get a better understanding of your options.
Here at Design Buddies, we want to share our favorite resources and support those who are just starting their graphic design journey, or those who are looking to learn something new. Check out more of our resources and job board on our discord. Let’s dive in!
1. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop Daily Creative challenges on Adobe Live
Learn the software for Adobe with live Adobe Ambassadors by doing fun photography and illustration daily projects. Follow along while they stream, teaching you how to use the programs and gain access to a large Discord community where you can get feedback on your designs.
2. Graphic Design Basics: Core Principles for Visual Design
In this Skillshare course, design masters Ellen Lupton and Jennifer Cole Phillips guide you through a process of identifying/outlining the key elements of design and how to apply these concepts to your work. The class is in reference to their popular book, Graphic Design: The New Basics.
Join Design Buddies on Discord for one month free of Skillshare with our community! See our #perks channel.
3. Introduction to Graphic Design History
Brockett Horne and Ellen Lupton bring home the important parts of design history that have impacted the design world today. It is important to understand the origins of print, typography, and past designers to “open your eyes to new ideas and diverse practices.”
4. Branding Essentials for Designers
Tell a brand story with Stanley Hainsworth where he goes into depth about “Making More Than A Logo” and gaining the fundamentals of maintaining a brand consistently and effectively. This is a paid class. Check out more classes on the site as well.
5. The Futur Youtube and Logo Design Courses
Interested in logo design? The Futur provides a vast database of video content and other sources to learn more about branding, marketing, and freelancing. They also offer paid classes, but their YouTube content is free and a great place to start.
A video on their YouTube to start with: How You can Learn Design Without School
6. Typography in Graphic Design by Tobias Frere-Jones, Claudia de Almeida, and Steven Heller.
From UX to Graphic Design, typography is an essential element in design. This course will help you understand how text and fonts can be used to communicate more effectively.
Here’s other places that have curated amazing resources that can be found all over the internet:
Design Buddies is an inclusive design community that helps designers grow with access to educational events, community design workshops, networking opportunities, and mentorships. Ask questions, share your project for feedback, and engage in our discussions as you start your design journey. Want to know more about UX? Check out our latest events here.
