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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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4251 - 4275 of 4,686 Reviews for Fundamentals of Graphic Design

By Mostafa H

May 26, 2020

great!!!but whoever is doing this course should know that this is the very basic of graphic designing

By Maria M R M

Feb 28, 2024

Muy buen curso, me cuesta un poco mas de trabajo pues esta en inlges y la traducción no es la misma

By Marina G B

May 13, 2022

great course, however, unfortunately the peer review in the optional exercises was not so enriching

By Alexandra

Jan 28, 2016

Although very basic the course helped my to discover the bases of graphic design. Willing for more!

By Liz H

Apr 23, 2021

Started out strong but the end of the course some of the lessons were more dry. Good fundamentals.

By Viorel-Daniel S

Sep 12, 2017

It was a well organized course, but it did not manage to get me very excited about graphic design.

By Gautam J

Nov 29, 2016

This course sets a decent foundation for anybody interested in pursuing graphic design seriously.

By Ana L T M

Mar 16, 2016

Es un buen curso, he aprendido en la primera semana más que en algunos de mis años en la carrera.

By Jennifer A P

Sep 29, 2022

Very elementary, but a great start with the concepts of design and a great block to build upon!

By Diego O H D L C

Jul 6, 2021

IT IS A VERY INTERESTING COURSE, I HAVE LEARNED A LOT AND I AM SATISFIED WITH WHAT I HAVE TAUGHT

By Rajendra K O

Jul 16, 2020

The teaching way is very informative. The way it was presented was easy to understand .Thank You

By Faiyaz A

Jun 24, 2020

Overall a good course but just wish that the course also focused on graphic designing softwares.

By Jose H

Feb 6, 2018

Great course for refresh existing knowledge and start learn about compsition and graphic design.

By Yuying R

Feb 22, 2016

The strongest part of this course is that it prompts the learners to apply the designing skills.

By Zuzana S

Jan 12, 2016

I was unable to follow up bc of vacation and some busines travel, I wish to do it again one day.

By Manu J

Aug 14, 2020

This was my first online course. Its a good one to begin with, got to learn a lot great course!

By Aadya M

May 15, 2021

it was an interesting and knowledgeable journey. with creative easy and intriguing assignments

By Sandi S

Aug 22, 2024

It was okay, but not as well organized nor informative and other Coursera courses I've taken.

By Danielle S

Oct 10, 2020

exercises were easy and accessible to do for everyone -even if they didn't have the software.

By Chathrapathi N K

Jul 6, 2020

Everything is there in this course but the only problem is that the classes are a bit boring.

By Huma A

Apr 27, 2020

THIS COURSE WAS A HELPFUL ATTEMPT TOWARDS FUNDAMENTALS, INTERESTING AND EASILY UNDERSTANDABLE

By Julian V

Jan 8, 2016

I'm really excited to complete this course and have a better understanding of graphic design!

By Abdul L S

Oct 16, 2020

This was very basic but if you give yourself all in this is most powerful source for basics.

By Arden D

Jun 28, 2020

Great course to set basics on track. well worth the time & effort. Good instructions by Mich