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

4.8
stars
18,381 ratings

About the Course

The Fundamentals of Graphic Design course offered by CalArts on Coursera provides a comprehensive introduction to the essential building blocks of visual communication. This practice-oriented program focuses on four primary pillars: imagemaking, typography, shape and color theory, and the principles of composition. Unlike software-specific tutorials, this curriculum emphasizes the act of making and the mastery of design principles. It encourages participants to transform abstract concepts into tangible design projects. Learners will explore diverse techniques for visual representation and gain a technical understanding of how to manipulate rhythm, pattern, and contrast to organize information effectively. Please note that this course focuses on conceptual and formal principles rather than technical software instruction. While projects may be completed using tools like Adobe Creative Suite, specific tutorials for Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign are not provided. The curriculum is designed to build foundational design proficiency that is applicable across any analog or digital toolset. By the end of the program, learners will have developed a core set of graphic design skills applicable to personal creative projects or further specialized study in professional design. This course serves as a critical first step for any aspiring communicator looking to master the universal visual language that shapes global culture and media....

Top reviews

CS

May 9, 2018

An ok course for beginners. A bit too basic for someone who has already had experience in design, but is great anyway cause it breaks things back down to the simplest parts to help you remember roots.

XZ

Jan 2, 2020

Very great course to start designing. It helped me become bolder in creating contrasts in my work. Great for anyone interested in graphic design, or anything like bullet journalling, cooking, etc.

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4201 - 4225 of 4,686 Reviews for Fundamentals of Graphic Design

By Ximena M

Jul 6, 2017

The last assignment could have been more interesting. I think the optional assignment would have been a better closure to the course.

By Alkothar

Aug 2, 2022

A useful course that I benefited a lot from. It is suitable for beginners and I like the diversity in ways of delivering information

By Jewell J

Jan 31, 2020

Online courses are challenging. I would recommend examples for the homework assignments. The videos do not detail what is expected.

By rak g

Jul 29, 2019

Simple concepts are introduced but taking this course allowed me to further my creativity and practice my skills in graphic design.

By Stephanie N

Oct 16, 2018

I really enjoyed it, but I thought some of the instructions were a bit vague and required some guesswork. Overall, a solid course.

By AnSo M

Aug 20, 2016

Very good introductory course to Graphic Design. A good staple to get familiar with the very basics before starting learning more.

By Leilani D

Oct 7, 2023

I think the course is well and all, and was taught some very useful things but the monotoned voice made it hard to stay motivated

By ISHFAQ A

Jun 23, 2020

Maybe if their were a few more required assignments that would be better but regardless, amazing course, learned a lot! Thank you

By Khan Z A

Jul 18, 2020

Great course on Graphics design and a good introduction to its basic concepts.I wish there was a part on which software to use.

By V K

Aug 12, 2020

There should be more instruction given to people on how to use Photoshop or inkscape. It took me long to realize things myself

By Nhlakanipho M

Apr 21, 2023

it was a rgeat help and I got to learn numerous things from idfferent people as well as the other peers I had on the ocurse

By SAI S J

Oct 5, 2020

you really do get a knowledge of the basis of graphic design. I just wish the staff would have also reviewed the assignments.

By Dan A

Mar 1, 2022

This is very helpful and instructive introduction into the basics of design. It will certainly explain many basic concepts.

By Nupur S

Apr 25, 2020

Nicely explained by the tutor. Good practice assignments about every topic covered for better understanding of the concept.

By K S

May 3, 2016

The instruction videos are pretty good. The course gives a good overview of the fundamentals. It delivers what it promises.

By Michelle D

Apr 16, 2020

Great course overall, but you area really learning on your own. Hard to get critical/in-depth feedback about assignments.

By 窦晨

Jan 10, 2017

learn a lot of fundamental information about graphic design, and really do a great help for me to learn a designer's view.

By Jasmine A

Nov 15, 2023

It's good for beginner to acclimatize in the art of visual design and to try many different techniques that was required.

By Amatullah B

May 3, 2020

I really liked the course. I found it easy to follow and really helpful too. The assignments were also easy but helpful.

By Wesley M

Mar 18, 2016

Covers the topic very well, but keep in mind that it's only an intro. The focus is on introducing concepts and language.

By E. C C

Nov 19, 2016

Very basic introduction to the ground floor of Graphic Design. Get in, get it done, get out. I like how precise it was.

By Jack M

Jul 5, 2017

Good course, great for an introduction, hopefully more advanced courses from CalArts will cover more advanced features

By Florence R

Jul 25, 2024

Great course, anchoring the basics (sometimes might feel slow but at the same time it leads you through a process...)

By Cesar A T D

Sep 13, 2021

I really loved the course because you can learn different fundamental things to be able to make a satisfactory design

By Ankush

Oct 4, 2020

It's help me to gain knowledge about the design and introduced it and I learn many type of graphic design . THANK YOU