Duration of the online course: 6 hours and 26 minutes
4.81
(282)
Graphic design is more than making things look good. It is visual problem-solving: using images, type, color, and layout to communicate a message clearly to a specific audience. This free online course gives beginners a guided, confidence-building start by explaining what graphic design is, why it matters, and how professionals make everyday design decisions.
You will learn the essential visual elements that shape any composition, from line and color to shape, texture, space, and form. Just as importantly, you will understand why typography is treated as a core design element and how it can change the meaning and impact of a message. Along the way, the course helps you see design the way designers do: not as guesswork, but as choices you can justify and repeat.
To turn knowledge into practical ability, the lessons also focus on foundational design principles that make layouts work in the real world. You will explore how contrast can create emphasis, how hierarchy guides attention, and how alignment and balance make pages feel intentional. You will also learn how proximity and repetition improve organization and consistency, while simplicity keeps communication strong and uncluttered. A consistent theme throughout is function: design should serve a purpose, whether it is to inform, persuade, or support a brand.
Beyond theory, this course connects the fundamentals to career realities. It addresses common questions beginners have about whether graphic design is a good path, what kinds of opportunities the field offers, and what practical skills you need to grow. By the end, you should be able to look at a design and explain what is working, what is not, and how to improve it with clear, reliable principles you can apply to your own projects.
Video class: Beginners Guide to Graphic Design | 45 episode series
03m
Exercise: What is the word “Graphic” associated with?
Video class: What is Graphic Design? Ep1/45 [Beginners Guide to Graphic Design]
06m
Exercise: What are the elements of graphic design?
Video class: ‘Line’ Visual element of Graphic Design / Design theory Ep2/45 [Beginners guide to Graphic Design]
07m
Exercise: What is one of the basic visual elements in graphic design?
Video class: ‘Colour’ Visual element of Graphic Design / Design theory Ep3/45 [Beginners guide to Graphic Design]
07m
Exercise: What are primary colors in graphic design?
Video class: ‘Shape’ Visual element of Graphic Design / Design theory Ep4/45 [Beginners guide to Graphic Design]
09m
Exercise: What are the two main types of shapes in graphic design?
Video class: ‘Texture’ Visual element of Graphic Design Ep5/45 [Beginners guide to Graphic Design]
06m
Exercise: What two types of texture are described in graphic design?
Video class: ‘Space’ Visual element of Graphic Design / Design theory Ep6/45 [Beginners guide to Graphic Design]
05m
Exercise: What is the role of negative space in graphic design?
Video class: ‘Form’ Visual element of Graphic Design / Design theory Ep7/45 [Beginners guide to Graphic Design]
03m
Exercise: What is form in graphic design?
Video class: ‘Typography’ Visual element of Graphic Design Ep8/45 [Beginners guide to Graphic Design]
09m
Exercise: What is considered the seventh key visual element in graphic design according to the video?
Video class: ‘Contrast’ Design principle of Graphic Design Ep9/45 [Beginners guide to Graphic Design]
07m
Exercise: What are the key principles of graphic design?
Video class: ‘Hierarchy’ Design principle of Graphic Design Ep10/45 [Beginners guide to Graphic Design]
13m
Exercise: Which principle is used to emphasize importance in graphic design?
Video class: ‘Alignment’ Design principle of Graphic Design Ep11/45 [Beginners guide to Graphic Design]
07m
Exercise: What is the role of alignment in graphic design?
Video class: ‘Balance’ Design principle of Graphic Design Ep12/45 [Beginners guide to Graphic Design]
05m
Exercise: What is the main purpose of symmetrical balance in graphic design?
Video class: ‘Proximity’ Design principle of Graphic Design Ep13/45 [Beginners guide to Graphic Design]
06m
Exercise: What is a primary function of the proximity principle in graphic design?
Video class: ‘Repetition’ Design principle of Graphic Design Ep14/45 [Beginners guide to Graphic Design]
05m
Exercise: What is the primary purpose of repetition in graphic design?
Video class: ‘Simplicity’ Design principle of Graphic Design Ep15/45 [Beginners guide to Graphic Design]
06m
Exercise: What is the main goal of graphic design according to the discussed principles?
Video class: ‘Function’ Design principle of Graphic Design Ep16/45 [Beginners guide to Graphic Design]
07m
Exercise: What is the primary focus of the design principle 'function' in graphic design?
Video class: Why do Graphic Design? Ep17/45 [Beginners Guide to Graphic Design]
10m
Exercise: What is a key pro of pursuing a career in graphic design?
Video class: Should I do Graphic Design? Ep18/45 [Beginners Guide to Graphic Design]
08m
Exercise: Graphic design is suitable for you if:
Video class: Practical skills to be a Graphic designer? Ep19/45 [Beginners Guide to Graphic Design]
04m
Exercise: What is one of the key practical skills required for graphic designers?
6 hours and 26 minutes of online video course
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Course comments: Beginners guide to Graphic Design
Students found the free course clear and beginner-friendly, with detailed explanations and easy-to-follow lessons. Many said it improved their design skills (color, layout, shapes), was worth the time, and inspired confidence to pursue graphic design.
Samuel Ifeanyichukwu
This course really taught me how to design intentionally, while using colors, layout and shapes to express information
Malik khizar
I highly recommend this course for beginners, because it explains everything in detail
Hafsa noonari
this course is amazing so easy to understand I love how sir Gareth defined everything it looked so much more easy than other teachers lectures
charity ndhlovu
I'm a really beginner but I really like the way you teach.
Akshay purushottam sarpe
great work totally understandable
SSEMBATYAERICSOLOMON
very wonderful course worth undertaking, it was worth my time
Muskan Fatima
The way of explainations is very good and thanks all of your guide
Anna Bohovyk
Thanks a million for the course!
Miriam Kisanya
It's incredible online lessons
Adil Ibrahim Abdalla
I think I would love to be a,graphic designer!!!