Fundamentals of Graphic Design

A focused first course in visual design principles

Also from CalArts, this beginner-level standalone course covers the fundamentals of graphic design and has drawn a substantial 902,626 learners — one of the more popular single-course design offerings here.

What it teaches

• Design elements and principles, and color theory
• Visual and graphic design fundamentals
• Conceptual design and design reviews
• Practical application using Adobe Photoshop

Compared to the multi-course Graphic Design Specialization, this is the condensed version — a single course covering the same core territory, which makes it the better pick if you want a fast, focused primer rather than a longer program. It suits beginners who want to understand why certain designs work before diving into advanced software techniques, and its popularity suggests it holds up well as a low-commitment way to test interest in graphic design as a discipline or career path.