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Is “The Complete Graphic Design Theory for Beginners” the Best Starting Point for Aspiring Designers?
If you’ve been searching for an online graphic design course for beginners, you’ve likely come across The Complete Graphic Design Theory for Beginners Course on Udemy. But is it the right fit for you? In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the course content, pros and cons, real user experiences, and whether it’s actually worth your time and money.
What You’ll Learn in This Course
This course, created by Lindsay Marsh and Jeremy Deighan, focuses on graphic design fundamentals rather than specific software tutorials. If you’re looking to master tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, this isn’t a software-focused course. Instead, it delves into the why behind great design—helping you build a foundation that applies across all design software.
Key Topics Covered:
- Basics of Graphic Design – Understanding what makes a design visually appealing.
- Color Theory – Learn how colors interact and influence emotions.
- Typography – How to choose the right fonts and make text visually appealing.
- – The key principles for arranging elements effectively.
- – The essentials of visual identity and brand consistency.
- Photography in Design – How images and graphics impact your designs.
- Modern Design Trends – Stay updated with evolving trends in design.
- Legal Aspects of Graphic Design – Copyright, licensing, and best practices.
This course is perfect for beginners who want to learn essential design principles without being overwhelmed by complex software.
Who Should Take This Course?
✅ Perfect For:
- Beginners who want to understand design principles before learning software.
- Entrepreneurs and business owners who want to improve their brand’s visual identity.
- Marketing professionals who need basic design knowledge for their campaigns.
- Freelancers who want to start offering graphic design services without formal training.
❌ May Not Be Ideal For:
- Those looking for advanced software-specific tutorials (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator).
- Experienced designers who already understand design theory and want advanced techniques.
- Individuals who learn best with hands-on coaching, as the course lacks personalized instructor feedback.
Real Student Reviews 📢 – What Are People Saying?
Looking at actual student reviews from platforms like Reddit, Trustpilot, and Quora, here’s a balanced summary:
- 📌 Reddit Review: “As a complete beginner, this course gave me a solid foundation in design principles. The instructors explain concepts clearly.” – u/designnewbie123
- 📌 Trustpilot Review: “Great introduction to graphic design fundamentals. The projects helped reinforce the concepts.” – Sarah K. (4/5 stars)
- 📌 Quora Review: “This course taught me the ‘why’ behind good design, not just the ‘how’. Definitely worth it for newbies.” – Amanda L.
Common Complaints:
- 🚩 Some students found the pace a bit slow.
- 🚩 Lacks tutorials on specific design software, which may disappoint those looking for Photoshop or Illustrator training.
💡 Takeaway: If you’re a complete beginner interested in graphic design theory, this course is beneficial. However, if you’re looking for hands-on software training, you may want to pair this course with additional resources.
How Does It Compare to Other Graphic Design Courses?
Before enrolling, you might be wondering how this course stacks up against competitors:
| Course | Main Focus | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| The Complete Graphic Design Theory for Beginners (Udemy) | Principles of good design (color, typography, layout) | Beginners who want theory before software tutorials |
| Graphic Design Masterclass (Udemy) | More hands-on with Adobe tools | Beginners looking for software-specific training |
| Fundamentals of Graphic Design (Coursera) | University-style theory-based learning | Those who prefer academic teaching methods |
| Graphic Design Bootcamp (Skillshare) | Focused on practical real-world projects | Beginners who want project-based learning |
Key Insight: If you want a strong theory foundation, this Udemy course is great. But if you need hands-on experience with real projects or software training, consider pairing it with another course.
How Much Does This Course Cost? 💰
The regular price is $84.99, but Udemy frequently offers discounts, so you can often grab it for $19.99 or less. For a beginner-level course offering 10+ hours of content, it provides a solid return on investment when bought at the discounted rate.
💡 Pro Tip: If the course is listed at full price, wait for Udemy’s frequent sales!
Final Verdict: Is This Course Worth It?
✅ YES, If:
- You’re a complete beginner who wants a solid foundation in design theory.
- You want affordable, structured learning without committing to an expensive design school.
- You’re looking for on-demand lessons with lifetime access for future reference.
❌ Consider Other Options If:
- You need hands-on training with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva.
- You already have some design experience and need intermediate/advanced knowledge.
⭐ Overall Rating: 4/5
Great for beginners, but lacks hands-on practical software tutorials.
Where to Enroll Today
Final Thoughts
If you’re an aspiring designer looking for a structured, easy-to-follow course covering design principles, The Complete Graphic Design Theory for Beginners Course is a great starting point. Just be aware that it’s not a substitute for hands-on design software training. If you combine this with practical software tutorials, you’ll be well on your way to mastering graphic design.
Have you taken this course? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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