Design is a creative field that can be a great way to express yourself and make a living. However, many people think that design courses are expensive and require expensive equipment. This is not always the case. Many e-learning platforms offer affordable online design courses that can teach you the skills you need to start a career in design.
In this blog post, I will share a list of 20+ of the best design courses online with certificates. These courses are all affordable and offer a variety of learning options, so you can find the perfect one for you. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced designer, there is a course on this list that can help you improve your skills and take your career to the next level.
To provide you with a glimpse of the variety available, here are a few notable course material samples: Canva Masterclass, AI Artwork, UX/UI Design, Social Media Graphics, and Interior Design Principles. These are just a taste of the diverse offerings you can expect to explore.
Before diving into the list of courses, let’s first tackle some important factors to consider when selecting an online design course and some of the in-demand jobs in digital design industry.
Best Design Courses With Certificates
Midjourney For Beginners: Gettings Started With AI Artwork
In today’s digital era, the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important across various industries. This course is especially relevant for learners who want to harness the power of AI in creating captivating images.
With Midjourney, an AI bot that generates powerful images, you’ll explore the basics of AI Art Generation and learn to use it effectively for personal and professional needs. The course covers key topics including understanding Midjourney’s features, optimizing prompts, creating outstanding images, using parameters, and improving image quality.
I found this course very revolutionary. As AI continues to shape the future, acquiring AI art creation skills is a valuable asset that can open doors to creative opportunities and innovative career paths.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed to cater to a diverse audience with varying backgrounds and interests. I recommend this to beginners and intermediate-level AI enthusiasts interested in text-to-image generation and the latest technological advancements.
Web Design Without Coding With Elementor
Coding can be a daunting task, especially for those who are not tech-savvy. But what if you could create beautiful websites without having to write a single line of code? That’s where Elementor comes in.
This course offers a solution to the pain points of coding by introducing you to Elementor, a powerful web design tool. Elementor is a drag-and-drop website builder that makes it easy to create professional-looking websites without any coding experience. With Elementor, you can create everything from simple landing pages to complex e-commerce stores.
The comprehensive tutorials will guide you through building web pages from scratch, empowering you to become a proficient Elementor. Thanks to this course, I have become a proficient Elementor user, capable of designing a wide range of pages including sales pages, landing pages, thank you pages, and more.
Who is this course for?
Whether you’re a business owner or a freelancer looking to create websites, this course is perfect for you. No coding experience is required. You’ll learn how to create stunning web pages using Elementor.
Canva Masterclass For Social Media And Content Creation
In this course, you’ll not just start using Canva but also gain a roadmap that will make you a confident content creator. You’ll learn to create stunning visuals and animated GIFs for social media, edit videos for platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube, and design your own website and persuasive pitch deck presentations.
What sets this course apart is its comprehensive and structured approach. It starts with the fundamentals, guiding you through the Canva interface and teaching you how to use design elements effectively. As you progress, you will develop a better understanding of your brand identity and communication strategy.
My favorite part is that this course provides step-by-step guidance on building a website using Canva’s intuitive interface and powerful features. I found it very useful because it lets learners like us create and personalize websites without knowing how to code.
Who is this course for?
This course is for beginners in graphic design who want to learn how to create captivating graphics and videos without the need for costly software. Freelancers, social media managers, and visual content creators will also benefit from this course.
Motion Design Animation Course With Cinema 4D
This course is essential for learners who want to delve into motion graphics and animation using the powerful software Cinema 4D. The course is taught by 3D artist Paul Olusola, who has a wealth of experience in the field. The course covers a wide range of topics, including modeling, animation, lighting, and rendering.
One of the unique features of this course is that it uses the Greyscalegorilla Transform plugin. This plugin makes it easy to create realistic animations. The course covers various animations, including animating furniture and objects within the room. Lighting tips and bonus materials are also provided to enhance your learning experience.
Olusola does a great job of explaining the concepts in a clear and concise way. He also provides plenty of exercises and tutorials to help you practice what you’ve learned.
Who is this course for?
If you’re a Cinema 4D user, 3D/Graphic Designer, Animator, or Motion Graphics Artist, this course is perfect for you. Please note that this course is ideal for individuals who already have prior knowledge of Cinema 4D.
Digital Illustration – From Concept To A Finished Piece
Digital illustration is a valuable skill in today’s world. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including creating children’s books, designing websites, and making marketing materials. This course will teach you the basics of digital illustration, from concept to finished piece. You will learn how to use basic shapes, facial expressions, poses, and colors to create illustrations that communicate their narrative.
You will learn how to brainstorm ideas, create sketches, and use digital tools to bring your illustrations to life. The course also includes a variety of resources, such as worksheets and brushes, to help you learn at your own pace.
This course will equip you with the skills and techniques necessary to bring your ideas to life through digital illustrations.
Who is this course for?
This course is for beginner artists who are beginning their illustration journey, artists who are stuck at a level, artists who want to be able to communicate their ideas visually, and individuals who would love to illustrate children’s books. The instructor will be using an iPad and Procreate, but you can use any program you are comfortable with.
Learn AutoCAD 3D Tools And Techniques
Do you want to master AutoCAD and unlock a world of 3D design possibilities? This course provides you with the essential tools and techniques needed to create impressive 3D models in AutoCAD.
In this course, you will learn a range of basic and advanced 3D tools and editing techniques. You will discover how to create primitive shapes such as boxes, cylinders, spheres, wedges, pyramids, and toruses. The course covers working with the coordinate system, utilizing solid tools like Presspull, Polysolid, Sweep, Loft, and Revolve, and applying editing tools such as 3D Array, Mirror, Fillet, Offset, Taper, Move, and more. Additionally, you will learn how to create different views, work with mesh tools, apply materials, set up lights, cameras, and scenes, and render your designs.
The course’s structured curriculum and comprehensive coverage will provide you with a solid foundation to take on basic and advanced drawing tasks.
Who is this course for?
Whether you’re a student, engineer, or simply interested in AutoCAD and 3D drawing, this course is perfect for you. It caters to learners of all levels, from beginners to those with prior knowledge of AutoCAD.
Create An Animated YouTube End Screen Using Canva
YouTube is a great way to share your content with the world. But how do you get people to keep watching? One way is to create an end screen that encourages them to subscribe, watch more videos, or click on links in the description. This course will teach you how to create an end screen that is both engaging and effective.
The instructor will walk you through the entire process, from finding inspiration to creating your own animated end screen using Canva. You will learn how to use Canva’s animation features, customize the color scheme and layout, and add your own branding.
I highly recommend taking this course, especially for YouTubers, as it offers a simple yet incredibly valuable way to enhance your videos.
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone interested in creating an appealing end screen for YouTube videos. This includes graphic designers, YouTubers, and anyone else who wants to learn how to create an end screen that will engage their viewers.
UX/UI Design Mastery – From Theory To Live Website In Adobe Xd And Webflow
UX/UI design is an in-demand job in 2023. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of UX/UI designers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030. This growth is expected due to the increasing demand for user-friendly websites and apps.
This course teaches the fundamentals of UX/UI design, which are essential skills for anyone who wants to work in the field of design. The course also covers the latest tools and technologies, such as Adobe Xd and Webflow, which are used by professional designers.
I am amazed by this course’s 28 hours of video content, templates, and practice files. Learners like us will be able to make informed design decisions, solve design problems, understand our target audience, and deliver efficient and effective design solutions.
Who is this course for?
This course is perfect for beginners, mid-level designers looking to enhance their skills, graphic designers exploring new career paths, and anyone interested in UX/UI design, Adobe Xd, and Webflow. This course is also good for anyone who wants to create user-friendly websites and apps.
Learn Workflow Basics, Animating Expressions And Efficiency In After Effects
In various jobs, such as illustrators and graphic designers, knowing how to animate in After Effects is highly beneficial. Through this course, you’ll learn the basics of After Effects, how to establish a workflow, how to create animated expressions, and how to export your work.
You’ll learn about useful expressions that automate your animations, making your work easier and more efficient. Additionally, the course covers creating motion paths to bring your designs to life. The step-by-step tutorials ensure that you grasp the concepts and techniques quickly.
Learning the workflow basics and animating with expressions will allow you to create captivating animations with ease. When I took this course, the instructor’s explanations were clear and the examples provided a solid understanding of the concepts.
Who is this course for?
This course is perfect for illustrators, graphic designers, and anyone interested in animation. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience in After Effects, this course will benefit you by expanding your skills and improving your workflow.
Master Canva: A Great Option For Non-Graphic Designers
Learning Canva is a great way for non-designers to create professional-looking graphics for their business, blog, or social media. This course is designed for anyone who wants to learn how to use Canva, regardless of their design experience.
The course covers the basics of Canva, such as how to create a new design, add text and images, and change the layout. You’ll also learn how to use Canva’s advanced features, such as animation and video.
I found this course incredibly helpful in enhancing our graphic design abilities using Canva. I’m confident that you will gain confidence in creating eye-catching designs for your social media posts and promotional materials.
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for freelancers, business owners, students, and anyone who wants to create professional-looking graphics without extensive design knowledge.
MidJourney Master Class: Elevate Your Artistic Skills
In this course, you’ll dive into the world of cutting-edge technology with Mid-Journey AI, an independent research lab. Similar to OpenAI’s DALL-E and Stable Diffusion, this proprietary artificial intelligence program creates stunning images from textual descriptions.
Starting with the basics, you’ll learn how to input text descriptions and manipulate parameters to control the output. As you progress, advanced techniques will be unveiled, enabling you to create truly unique and captivating images.
Learning from experts and exploring the potential of Mid-Journey AI will unlock your creativity and take your artistic skills to new heights.
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone who wants to learn about text-to-image generation. It is perfect for artists, designers, marketers, and anyone else who is interested in cutting-edge technology. Marketing professionals will learn about the role of text-to-image generation in advertising. Artists will learn how to use AI tools to enhance their creative skills. Graphic designers will learn how to incorporate text-to-image generation and Mid-Journey AI into their workflow.
How To Become A UX Designer
In 2023, a UX designer plays a vital role in creating user-friendly and visually appealing products, such as apps and websites. This course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of UX design and equip you with the necessary skills to succeed in this field.
It offers hands-on learning with interactive exercises and projects to develop your UX design skills. Taught by experienced designers, it provides expert instruction with the latest techniques and best practices.
Lastly, this course is designed to help you understand the needs and wants of the user. This will help you create products that are both functional and enjoyable.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about UX design. The course is appropriate for beginners and experienced designers alike. If you are interested in learning how to create products that are easy to use and enjoyable for the user, then this course is for you.
Mastering Images In PowerPoint
PowerPoint remains an important tool in today’s business world, allowing professionals to create impactful presentations. In this course, you will learn how to take full advantage of the software’s capabilities to create stunning presentations using images.
The course covers various aspects, including finding and choosing suitable images, enhancing visual appeal, cropping and resizing photos, applying styles and effects, and using animations and transitions effectively.
This course improved my slide design skills and helped me effectively convey emotions and tell captivating stories using images. It also saved me time in creating high-quality presentations, and the downloadable resources enhanced my learning experience.
Who is this course for?
This course is perfect for PowerPoint users seeking to enhance their presentations with impactful images. It is suitable for professionals, educators, students, and graphic designers looking to improve their presentation design skills using PowerPoint.
Learn Photoshop, Web Design And Profitable Freelancing
Are you ready to take your Photoshop skills to the next level and boost your freelancing income? This course is here to help you achieve that. In this comprehensive course, you will not only learn the ins and outs of Photoshop but also how to create profitable web designs that set you apart from the competition.
This course focuses on practical application rather than just theory. You’ll gain hands-on experience and see the design process in action as you learn to create website designs from scratch using Photoshop.
But it doesn’t stop there. This course goes beyond design and teaches you strategies to make your workflow more efficient, attract more clients, and ultimately earn more money as a web designer.
Who is this course for?
This course is for people who want to learn web design and become freelancers. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or have some experience with Photoshop. This course will teach you everything you need to know to succeed. All you need is a computer and a willingness to learn.
Adobe After Effects CC: Learn To Create Comic Book Animation
In just 30 minutes, you’ll learn how to turn your pictures into comic book panels using special effects in Adobe Photoshop. Then, you can make an animated flick book with these pictures for your comic book-inspired logo introduction. You can customize the project to fit your movies, projects, websites, or social media.
What makes this course special is that it gives you clear explanations and shows you how to do things with practical examples. It breaks everything down into easy steps, so even beginners can understand and follow along. You’ll start by creating your comic book pictures and learn all the important tools and skills in Adobe After Effects.
For me, this course is a fantastic starting point for you to learn Adobe After Effects and have a blast exploring comic book-style animation.
Who is this course for?
This course is great for people who like to draw, create graphics, design games, make digital art, develop indie games, have hobbies, or work with motion graphics. Whether you’re new to animation or have some experience, this course teaches you how to use Adobe After Effects to make cool animations. It’s especially good for those who want to add a special touch to their projects, express their creativity, and explore the fun world of comic book-style animation.
Canva Graphic Design Beginner To Pro: Learn Canva From A Certified Expert
Canva can be used to create a wide variety of graphics, including social media posts, presentations, flyers, logos, and more. This course will teach you how to use Canva’s interface, tools, and features to create professional-looking graphics with ease.
This course stands out with its unique features. It’s taught by a certified Canva professional with extensive experience. The topics covered range from basics to advanced techniques. Additionally, there are hands-on exercises for interactive learning.
This course is valuable for a range of real-life and job applications. Entrepreneurs, small business owners, marketing professionals, content creators, freelancers, designers, students, hobbyists, and non-designers can all benefit from Canva. It allows you to create professional graphics for business promotion, social media, client services, personal projects, and more.
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone who wants to learn how to use Canva. It is perfect for beginners, as well as those who want to learn more advanced features of Canva. This course is also good for anyone who wants to create professional-looking graphics, regardless of their level of experience.
Create An eBook For Free Using Canva
In the digital age, eBooks are a great way to share your knowledge and connect with people. This course will teach you how to create an eBook, from planning to publishing. You’ll learn the step-by-step process of planning, writing, designing, and distributing your eBook using the user-friendly Canva platform.
Through this course’s practical exercises, you’ll learn how to develop your eBook from conception to distribution. Gain valuable insights on idea generation, content structuring, visual design, and creating a captivating cover.
This course guided me through the entire eBook creation process, from planning to execution, with easy-to-follow steps and practical examples. The hands-on nature of the course allowed me to gain confidence in my writing, design, and distribution skills.
Who is this course for?
This course is perfect for anyone who wants to create an eBook, whether you’re a student, a teacher, or a business owner. You don’t need any prior experience in eBook creation. As long as you have the desire to learn and unleash your creativity, this course will empower you to create an eBook that captivates your audience.
Adobe After Effects: Modern Data Visualization
This is another fantastic course that focuses on Adobe After Effects. Imagine being able to use data and numbers in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand way. That’s exactly what you can achieve with this course.
In this course, you’ll discover Adobe After Effects and its tools for creating animated infographics. You’ll learn how to use shape tools, masks, keyframes, expressions, and effects to make your infographics engaging and easy to understand.
Numbers and data can be boring, but with After Effects, you can make them come to life in a way that is both informative and engaging.
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for beginners who want to elevate their animation skills and delve into the world of data visualization.
Learn CSS In 1 Hour
If you’re interested in web development or web design, then you need to learn CSS. CSS is the language that we use to style HTML documents, and it’s essential for creating visually appealing and user-friendly websites.
This course is designed to teach you the basics of CSS in just one hour. You’ll learn about selectors, properties, and values, and you’ll get hands-on experience with using CSS to style HTML elements.
The course is concise. It cuts straight to the essential concepts and techniques of CSS, allowing you to learn quickly and efficiently. No time is wasted, making it ideal for busy professionals who want to level up their CSS skills in a short amount of time.
Who is this course for?
If you’re someone who wants to learn about CSS or if you’re a web designer or web developer looking to improve your CSS skills, this course is perfect for you. It caters to beginners who are starting from scratch and provides a solid introduction to CSS.
Work From Home Selling Low Content Books On Amazon Using Canva for Passive Income
Did you know that you can create and sell books on Amazon using Canva? This is a great way to earn passive income, as you can create the books once, and then they will sell over and over again.
In this course, you will learn how to use Canva to create professional and engaging low-content books that will sell on Amazon. The course will cover everything you need to know, from creating your Canva account to publishing your books on Amazon. You will also learn how to research best-selling books to increase your sales.
I enjoyed taking this course and I highly recommend this. You will learn from a serial entrepreneur who has been doing this for years, so you can be sure you are getting the best possible information.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for stay-at-home parents, students, and anyone interested in learning how to create and sell these books on Amazon for passive income.
How To Sell YouTube Thumbnails On Fiverr Using Canva For Passive Income
YouTube thumbnails are the first thing people see when they’re browsing for videos, so they’re incredibly important for getting clicks. And if you can create high-quality, eye-catching thumbnails, you can make a lot of money selling them on Fiverr.
This course will teach you everything you need to know to create and sell YouTube thumbnails on Fiverr. You’ll learn how to use Canva to create professional-looking thumbnails, how to research keywords to find buyers, and how to set up your Fiverr gig.
With a detailed curriculum and step-by-step guidance, this course is perfect for beginners who want to start making money by selling YouTube thumbnails.
Who is this course for?
This course can help you create better YouTube thumbnails, whether you’re a content creator or looking to make some extra money.
Work From Home Publishing Coloring Books On Amazon For Passive Income
Coloring books have gained immense popularity as a stress reliever and a creative outlet. In this course, you’ll learn how to make and sell coloring books on Amazon from home. This allows you to take advantage of these relaxing and enjoyable products and earn money passively.
This course offers a comprehensive and detailed approach to creating coloring books from scratch and publishing them as a beginner. You will learn how to create intricate mandalas using Photoshop’s built-in features, without the need for additional plugins.
I found this course to be incredibly fun and rewarding. As someone who enjoys being creative and exploring different art forms, learning how to create and publish coloring books on Amazon was a delightful experience.
Who is this course for?
If you have a passion for art, enjoy creating engaging designs, and are interested in self-publishing on platforms like Amazon KDP, this course is the perfect fit for you.
Make Easy But Powerful Social Media Graphics: Canva And Stencil
If you want to unleash the power of social media graphics and create eye-catching images, this course is for you. You’ll learn quick and easy methods for designing stunning web and social media graphics using free online tools like Canva and Stencil.
You’ll gain practical skills to create professional-looking graphics, put your logo on a transparent background, and understand the design process from concept to final product. Additionally, you’ll discover how to deliver your graphics effectively using the free social media post-planning tool, Buffer.
I’m sure that busy individuals like microentrepreneurs and freelancers who want to get started quickly will benefit from this course.
Who is this course for?
This course is perfect for complete beginners, design novices, and traditional artists who want to acquire digital skills. It is also ideal for entrepreneurs, authors, and small business owners who want to create their own web and social media graphics without relying on others.
Introduction To Interior Design
If you aspire to become an interior designer, this introductory course is the perfect starting point. It provides comprehensive and high-quality lessons to help you develop the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for a career in interior design.
The course also delves into technical drawing and CAD software, providing you with practical skills for creating detailed designs. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to walk through a sample interior design project, learning step-by-step how to bring a vision to life.
The course is taught by Mohammad Ala Tahhan, an experienced interior designer with over 10 years of experience. He is a certified interior designer and has worked on a variety of projects, including residential, commercial, and hospitality interiors.
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for anyone who aspires to become an interior designer or wants to acquire interior design skills. No prior experience is required, making it accessible to individuals from various backgrounds.
5 Practical Tips for Studying Online Design Courses
Creative individuals often experience a mix of excitement and overwhelm when starting their online design course journey. To make the most of this learning experience, it’s crucial to approach it strategically. Here are five practical tips for studying online design courses:
- Set realistic goals. When you’re starting out, it’s important to set realistic goals for yourself. Don’t try to learn everything at once. Instead, focus on one or two specific skills at a time. For example, if you want to learn how to use Photoshop, start by learning the basics of the interface and how to create and edit images. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can move on to more advanced topics, such as creating vector graphics or using filters and effects.
- Practice hands-on with the tools: Design courses often involve using specific software or tools like Photoshop or Canva. To truly understand and master these tools, practice using them regularly. Experiment with different features, create your own designs, and try out tutorials or exercises provided in the course materials.
- Engage in practical projects: Apply what you learn in the design courses by working on practical projects. Create designs for real-world scenarios or challenges. This hands-on experience helps you develop your skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity.
- Seek feedback and critiques: Share your design work with others, whether it’s fellow learners, friends, or online design communities. Seek constructive feedback and critiques on your designs. This not only helps you improve but also provides valuable insights from different perspectives.
- Explore additional resources and tutorials: Online design courses are a great starting point, but don’t limit yourself to just the course materials. Explore additional resources such as tutorials, articles, and design communities to further enhance your skills. There are plenty of free online resources available that can complement your learning and provide inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Design Courses
What can I expect from an online design course?
Online design courses provide comprehensive instruction and resources to develop skills and knowledge in design disciplines such as graphic design, web design, interior design, and more. These courses typically offer flexible learning options, self-paced modules, interactive exercises, and assignments to enhance learning.
How long do online design courses usually last?
The duration of online design courses can vary depending on the specific program or course. Some courses are self-paced, allowing students to complete them at their own speed within a specified time frame, while others may have fixed durations ranging from a few months to a year.
Is it expensive to learn online design courses?
Learning online design courses can be an affordable option compared to traditional educational programs. Some various online platforms and resources offer design courses at different price points. Some courses may have a one-time enrollment fee, while others offer monthly or annual subscription plans. Additionally, there are often discounted or bundled options available, allowing learners to access multiple courses or an all-access pass.
What are the prerequisites for online design courses?
The prerequisites for online design courses can vary depending on the course level and provider. Some courses may have specific requirements, such as basic computer skills or prior knowledge in design concepts. However, there are also beginner-friendly courses available that assume no prior experience in design.
What career opportunities are available in design?
Graduates of design courses can pursue careers as graphic designers, web designers, user experience (UX) designers, industrial designers, interior designers, fashion designers, and more. Design professionals can work in creative agencies, design studios, tech companies, manufacturing firms, or as freelancers. The specific career path depends on the chosen design specialization and personal interests.
Learn more: Build Your Personal Brand on Social Media
Key Takeaways
Take the first step on your design journey by exploring the list of courses and selecting the ones that resonate with your interests and goals. Pursuing a career in design doesn’t have to be expensive or inaccessible. There are affordable online design courses that can equip you with the necessary skills to succeed.
Whether you’re a beginner seeking foundational knowledge or an experienced designer aiming to enhance your skills, you’ll find a suitable course on the list. The courses cover a wide range of design disciplines, including graphic design, UX/UI design, social media graphics, and interior design principles.
I encourage you to explore the detailed information about each course and subscribe to Skill Success All Access Pass. With the All Access Pass, you can access a vast library of design courses and resources, providing you with continuous learning opportunities and the ability to expand your design capabilities.
Remember, design is a field that continuously evolves and staying ahead requires ongoing learning. Skill Success provides the resources and support necessary to nurture your creativity, refine your skills, and unlock your potential as a designer. Subscribe now!
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