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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Fundamentals of Graphic Design by California Institute of the Arts

4.8
stars
17,463 ratings

About the Course

Graphic Design is all around us! Words and pictures—the building blocks of graphic design—are the elements that carry the majority of the content in both the digital world and the printed world. As graphic design becomes more visible and prevalent in our lives, graphic design as a practice becomes more important in our culture. Through visual examples, this course will teach you the fundamental principles of graphic design: imagemaking, typography, composition, working with color and shape... foundational skills that are common in all areas of graphic design practice. I don't just want you to watch a video of someone talking about design, I want you to MAKE design! If you want to be a designer you have to be a maker and a communicator, so this course will offer you lots of opportunities to get your hands dirty with exercises and with more practical projects. At the end of this course you will have learned how to explore and investigate visual representation through a range of image-making techniques; understand basic principles of working with shape, color and pattern; been exposed to the language and skills of typography; and understand and have applied the principles of composition and visual contrast. If you complete the course, along with its optional (but highly recommended) briefs, you will have a core set of graphic design skills that you can apply to your own projects, or to more deeply investigate a specialized area of graphic design. To succeed in this course you will need access to a computer. You can complete this course without one but it will be tougher. Access to, and a beginner's level knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite programs, such as Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign will help you, especially if you want to complete the optional briefs....

Top reviews

EJ

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I had a lot of fun in this course. I learnt some extra bits of information related to graphic design and I think it's a great start for beginners as well as good practice for intermediate and experts!

MB

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This course is awesome and I recommend it to anybody who is interested in making design.

I learned so many thing and I'm ready to jump through the next course.

Thank you Calarts and Coursera.

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951 - 975 of 4,507 Reviews for Fundamentals of Graphic Design

By Claudia L T

May 3, 2020

The classes were easy to follow and I appreciated how it covered a lot of basic areas in a way that was understandable for someone who is not a designer.

By Egle H

Nov 5, 2019

I really liked the course. Gave a good grasp to what I am submitting myself when pursuing a degree in graphic design. I am continuing the specialization.

By Qamar A A

Apr 7, 2018

I really enjoyed this course. very easy to understand and nice learning way. i will continue with next.

I really appreciate Professor on your work for us.

By Adam T

Mar 9, 2016

Took this as a bit of a 'looks interesting' - wasn't disappointed; was well taught, engaging and pitched at the right level. I'd recommend it to anyone.

By Gunjari B

Mar 6, 2016

The course has been very illuminating and informative, not to mention the engaging assignments! I have really learned a huge deal and wish to learn more!

By Anisa S

Jul 12, 2023

loved the content and how the instructor has designed the course. i recommend it to all beginners wanting to start learning the basics of graphic design

By Hannah Y

Sep 25, 2022

This course was very informative, I thoroughly enjoyed getting feedback from my peers while studying all areas of graphic design throuhout the process.

By Matthew Y

Mar 11, 2020

As a non-designer, I learned a lot about the fundamentals of design and I feel I can have meaningful conversations about design elements now. Thank you.

By Zsuzsanna S

Jan 1, 2016

I did really enjoy the whole course. The videos were easy to understand and follow. All the assignments helped me to transpose the theory into practice.

By Ghada C A E

Apr 5, 2023

Really a great course to begin with in the graphic design field, it's not about how to use different tools and apps but how to think in a creative way.

By Yasmine E

Oct 4, 2022

Loved the class and the prof made me love and appreciate graphic design. He's passionate about the subject and it shows. I wish I was there in person.

By Alaiza A

May 8, 2021

I love this course! It engages me so well in graphic designing. I wish I could enroll into a more advanced with relation to this course. Good job, Sir!

By Abraham M M

Jul 16, 2020

teaches you the basics and the importance that small details that can make a difference when you want to transmit something through a drawing or letter

By Devichenskaia A

Mar 19, 2020

I feel I can understand what is Graphic Design and how to create! After this course I began to look at the world differently, as a designer! Thank you!

By Winnie W K

Jul 16, 2019

I loved how the lecturer taught. I feel he's exhausted the topics just enough and the assignments really broadened my creative thinking. A great course

By namrata d

Apr 15, 2019

This course in fundamentals in graphics design was to the point & made me confident in learning it. I am sure that it will help me to get my work done.

By Natalia A

Sep 30, 2018

I really liked the course! I think it's a great start in a new field for me. Thank you so much for interesting, useful and well-structured information!

By Magdalena P

Oct 13, 2016

I loved the practical side of the course. It opened up my mind on different possibilities and gave me the encouragement to explore and experience more.

By Andy M

Oct 3, 2016

Excellent course for providing the basic elements of graphic design. It's helped me launch my graphic design career! I can't say anything bad about it!

By Ans B

Apr 3, 2016

It is most effective and valuable course found online. The course schedule is simply perfect every one can learn a lot by just giving a little efforts.

By Metidji A

Oct 29, 2021

I really love this course and it really help me to understand graphic design in easy way..thank you team for this great work... I really appreciate it

By Beatriz S

Oct 29, 2021

Great for learning important skills every designer must know! We learn to work with shapes, forms, and use our creativity to do the best work we can.

By Farooq H K

Sep 11, 2021

Teacher taught me a great lesson, I don't know many things but now i do. What a great teacher. Hopefully I will get this specialized teacher in future

By Tomás G D

Mar 18, 2021

excelente curso, muy bien llevado y con contenidos muy especificos, muchas gracias por estas oportunidades de crecimiento de la mano de profesionales.

By Deleted A

Dec 5, 2016

Great first introduction into graphic design. You are encouraged by doing optional assignments that should open your eyes on graphic design principles