15 Essential Online Courses for Those Passionate About Design

These courses taught by top experts are sure to inspire anyone starting in UX design, logo design, branding, or interior design

The word "design" is mysterious and diverse, referring to the conception and development of a product, a service, a process, a tool, packaging, a publication, and much more.

Design is used to define the most basic and most complex aspects of a product. Whether we’re talking about a cup of coffee or the computer you’re working on, the application of a design process has made it possible for you to use the products around you. Design is ubiquitous.

Whether you are looking to expand your knowledge of design or are on the hunt for a gift for a friend or family member, we have selected 15 of our favorite design courses for you to consider.

Logo Design: From Concept to Presentation, a course by Sagi Haviv

Finding a balance between simplicity and originality is one of the most difficult tasks in graphic design, yet it’s something at which Sagi Haviv (@sagi) excels. Over the years, the New York-based designer has created iconic logos for the US Open, National Geographic, Harvard University Press, and Conservation International, among others.

In this course, Sagi will dismantle any preconceptions you have about design and help you take your work and portfolio to the next level. You’ll work on designing a logo and brand identity for a client while exploring your own identity as a graphic designer.

Developing a Creative Concept for Branding Projects, a course by HUMAN

Carrying out an effective branding project isn’t just coming up with the design; it’s everything that surrounds it–from the initial research to generating strong ideas. Alejandro Flores (@human_), founder and creative director of the design studio Human, seeks to create unforgettable identities that, in addition to having a "nice logo,” present strategic solutions to a company's problems.

In this course, you will learn how to conceptualize and plan your branding projects using this studio’s method.

Introduction to Interior Design, a course by Masquespacio

In this course, Ana Hernández (@masquespacio), creative director of Masquespacio, will walk you through your own interior design project, from sourcing inspiration to the final decoration of the space.

You will learn how to achieve impressive results with limited resources, giving new use to everyday objects, and following the "do it yourself" philosophy.

Adobe InDesign from Beginner to Advanced, a course by Leandro Rodrigues

If you want to make your visual projects look professional, Adobe InDesign is the program for you. It allows you to organize, lay out, and edit very diverse materials, both printed and interactive, and enhance the way you communicate visually.

In this Domestika Basics, which comprises six courses, designer and art director Leandro Rodrigues (@leon_0) will teach you how to create a visual project in InDesign from scratch in a fast, organized, and efficient way.

Principles of Presentation Design, a course by Katya Kovalenko

Katya Kovalenko (@katyakovalenko) is an expert data designer who is dedicated to helping companies achieve clearer and more effective visual communication. In this course, she will show you the power of good presentation design and teach you the process she uses with her clients and how best to organize information.

In addition, she also shares top professional tips from a designer's point of view.

Art Direction for Creative Visual Branding, a course by Linus Lohoff

If you're an art director with lots of ideas who is eager to get to work building great brand identities, you've come to the right place. Linus Lohoff (@linus_lohoff) is a freelance art director who has worked for Adobe, Nike, and Comme des Garçons.

In this course, he will teach you to fulfill your creative potential and share his tried and tested method for getting the best results.

Graphic Visualization: Telling Complex Stories through Simple Images, a course by Katya Kovalenko

To effectively present our ideas and projects, we must understand how the brain processes information. With this in mind, we can translate complex information into simple and attractive visuals. Katya Kovalenko (@katyakovalenko) specializes in creating graphic visuals that help companies highlight their product’s purpose.

In this course, you will learn the design principles for creating graphs, charts, diagrams, and other visual tools that can help someone understand an idea or concept.

Interior Design for Restaurants, a course by Masquespacio

Places that you want to return to again and again are those that surprise you. In these places, the design is key. In this course, Ana Hernández (@masquespacio), creative director of Spanish interior design studio Masquespacio, will show you her process for creating a restaurant, from market research to distributing tables and chairs.

You will also learn about "love-brands" and what defines them.

Introduction to UX Design, a course by Ethan Parry

UX designers are currently among the most sought-after professionals, with the importance of their role increasing more and more as brands discover the impact UX design has on their strategies. Ethan Parry (@ethanparry) has worked with major brands such as Meliá Hotels International, SEAT, and Dunia and is a UX design leader in Barcelona (Spain).

In this course, you will learn how to conduct research, delve into the methodology and develop a user experience strategy.

Brand Design for the Restaurant Industry, a course by VVORKROOM

This course explores the different ways to develop a brand identity for a restaurant or food project. Vicky González (@vvorkroom), founder of the branding and brand strategy studio VVORKROOM, will show you how to create different graphics that communicate a clear concept and add personality to your projects.

The Laws of Visual Perception: Unit, Weight, Balance and Movement, a course by Pepe Gimeno

Pepe Gimeno (@pepepegimeno) is a designer, typographer, illustrator, photographer, and artist. In this course, Pepe explains the laws of visual perception and shows you how to apply them correctly to achieve the best results in every project.

To do so, he will show you a series of work that he has made from waste, which straddles the line between experimental graphic design and art.

Design, Development, and Launch of a Website, a course by Javier Usobiaga Ferrer

In this course, you will get to see the two sides of creating a website. First, you will learn basic techniques for planning your website, organizing the information in wireframes, and choosing typography, color palettes, spacing, layout, and illustration.

Next, you'll build your page using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The final step? Launching your website.

Introduction to Adobe Photoshop, a course by Carles Marsal

These five courses will teach you to use Adobe Photoshop, even if you’ve never used it before. Through a series of practical lessons, you will discover everything you need to know to become a professional in digital design and publishing.

UX Research 101, a course by Patricia Reiners

The key to designing an incredible user experience? Putting a human being at the center of the design process. Through UX (User Experience) research, problems can be identified before they even occur, helping to connect everyday human behavior with the most innovative technology.

In this course, Patricia Reiners, who has worked with Google and Adobe, will explain her process for carrying out UX research and show you how to design your own research plan so that you can create a seamless digital experience. Once you understand the basics of UX design and are able to apply different research methods to your project, you'll be able to help your team solve real problems for virtually any digital product.

Introduction to Sustainable Graphic Design, a course by Núria Vila Punzano

Did you know that approximately 70% of the environmental impact caused by products or graphic art is determined during their design phase? Did you know there are lots of ways to produce great design work while simultaneously taking care of the planet?

Discover how to create work using sustainable methods, taking inspiration from nature, and experimenting with your aesthetic choices. In this course, you will learn the principles of sustainable design to create projects that respect the planet. Núria Vila, creative director and graphic designer, will teach you to minimize your ecological footprint.

Start developing your creative skills and check out Domestika’s design courses.

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