Applied Arts Online Courses: Eligibility, Fees, Top Colleges & Jobs Opportunities
Applied Arts Online CoursesApplied Arts Online Courses are ideal for creative individuals aspiring to become artists, illustrators, animators, multimedia designers, or brand specialists. These programs blend creativity with industry-driven skills, covering drawing, composition, digital illustration, typography, 2D/3D animation, photography, branding, and AI-powered design tools. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare, Domestika, and Indian design institutes provide globally recognized courses with portfolio-building projects, workshops, and case studies. Graduates can pursue careers in advertising agencies, animation studios, publishing houses, branding consultancies, gaming, and digital media companies. Starting salaries typically range from ₹4,00,000 to ₹8,00,000 annually, while experienced professionals with strong portfolios can earn ₹15,00,000 or more.
Applied Arts Online Courses: Quick Highlights
This table provides a summary of key aspects—duration, fees, learning outcomes, and career roles—for online applied arts programs.
Particulars | Details |
Level of Courses | Online Certificate, Diploma, Degree |
Duration | 2 weeks to 24 months |
Fee Range | ₹1,000 – ₹1,50,000+ |
Starting Salary | ₹2–5 lakhs per annum and above |
Job Roles | Graphic Designer, Animator, Illustrator, Art Director, Brand Specialist, UI/UX Designer |
Top Recruiters | Advertising Agencies, Design Studios, Web Firms, Media Houses, EdTechs, Fashion & Film Companies |
Best Applied Arts Course Online
The most popular international and Indian online course providers in applied arts include such orientations as skill development, portfolio, and project learning. The table below has platforms, course providers that include drawing, painting, graphic design, and digital media.
Coursera Applied Arts Online Courses
Coursera cooperates with the leading universities and academies to deliver high-quality Applied Arts programs.
Course Name | Trainer Name | Duration | Fee | Ratings (Out of 5) |
Graphic Design Specialization | California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) | 6 Months | ₹3,699 (per month) | 4.9 |
Introduction to Typography | CalArts | 4 Weeks | Free (Certificate ₹1,699) | 4.8 |
The Language of Design: Principles & Elements | CalArts | 4 Weeks | Free (Certificate ₹1,699) | 4.8 |
Digital Painting for Beginners | University of Colorado | 1 Month | ₹2,799 | 4.7 |
Brand Identity and Design | IE Business School | 4 Weeks | Free (Certificate ₹1,699) | 4.7 |
Skillshare Applied Arts Online Courses
Skillshare offers project-based creative arts programs with hands-on learning.
Course Name | Trainer Name | Duration | Fee | Ratings (Out of 5) |
Digital Illustration for Beginners | Jarom Vogel | 2 Hours | Free (With Trial, then ₹1,800/month) | 4.7 |
Graphic Design Basics: Core Principles | Ellen Lupton & Jennifer Cole Phillips | 1.5 Hours | Free (With Trial, then ₹1,800/month) | 4.8 |
Drawing & Illustration for Graphic Novels | Ira Marcks | 2 Hours | Free (With Trial, then ₹1,800/month) | 4.6 |
Typography Fundamentals | Jake Fleming | 1 Hour | Free (With Trial, then ₹1,800/month) | 4.7 |
Intro to Animation with Photoshop | Johannes Fast | 1.5 Hours | Free (With Trial, then ₹1,800/month) | 4.6 |
Udemy Applied Arts Online Courses
Udemy Applied Arts courses are affordable and often discounted.
Course Name | Trainer Name | Duration | Fee | Ratings (Out of 5) |
The Complete Graphic Design Theory for Beginners | Lindsay Marsh | 10 Hours | ₹499 – ₹3,499 | 4.7 |
Digital Painting in Photoshop | Hardy Fowler | 12 Hours | ₹499 – ₹3,499 | 4.8 |
Logo Design Masterclass | Lindsay Marsh | 16 Hours | ₹499 – ₹3,499 | 4.7 |
The Art & Science of Drawing | Brent Eviston | 18 Hours | ₹499 – ₹3,499 | 4.8 |
Illustrator CC Masterclass | Martin Perhiniak | 13 Hours | ₹499 – ₹3,499 | 4.7 |
edX Applied Arts Online Courses
edX partners with global universities to provide professional Applied Arts certifications.
Course Name | Trainer Name | Duration | Fee | Ratings (Out of 5) |
Graphic Design Fundamentals | University of Michigan | 6 Weeks | $199 | 4.8 |
Introduction to Digital Painting | Rochester Institute of Technology | 8 Weeks | $249 | 4.7 |
Design Thinking and Creativity | Delft University of Technology | 7 Weeks | $199 | 4.7 |
Visual Elements of User Interface Design | University of Minnesota | 6 Weeks | $199 | 4.8 |
Animation and Storyboarding | Tokyo University of the Arts | 6 Weeks | $249 | 4.7 |
Free Applied Arts Online Courses
Online courses of Applied Arts assist learners to delve into design, creativity, and digital tools without excessive fees. There are a great number of reputable websites and platforms with free versions of professional classes with basics such as drawing, digital design, illustration, and branding.
Course Name | Description | Duration |
Fundamentals of Graphic Design | Covers typography, image-making, color theory, and composition. Ideal for beginners exploring visual communication. | 4 weeks |
Art & Design Basics | Introduces visual design principles, drawing techniques, and creative thinking skills for applied arts. | 5 weeks |
Digital Illustration for Beginners | Teaches how to create digital art, illustrations, and visual storytelling using software like Procreate/Photoshop. | 3–4 weeks |
Explore Animation | Provides insights into animation techniques, character movement, and storytelling basics. | 2 weeks |
Design Thinking | Focuses on creative problem-solving, visual communication, and applied design approaches relevant to art and media. | 8 weeks |
Diploma in Graphic Design | A comprehensive introduction to design tools, layout principles, and applied art fundamentals. | 10–15 hours |
Read More: Fine Arts Online Courses
Applied Arts Online Courses – Free with Certificate
Applied Arts online courses with free certification are a great way for students and professionals to build creative skills in graphic design, digital illustration, and applied creativity. The courses are a combination of practical learning and provide downloadable certificates, which can be used in portfolios and resumes.
University/ Institutions | Course Name | Description | Duration | Certificate |
Alison | Diploma in Graphic Design | Covers design principles, color theory, and digital tools for applied arts. Ideal for beginners. | 10–15 hours | Free certificate (digital) |
Saylor Academy | Art Appreciation & Techniques | Introduces visual arts, design thinking, and applied creativity with practical exercises. | Self-paced | Free certificate |
Coursera (Financial Aid Available) | Fundamentals of Graphic Design (CalArts) | Focuses on typography, image-making, and composition with real-world projects. | 4 weeks | Free certificate (via aid) |
NPTEL / SWAYAM (IITs & Govt. of India) | Design Thinking | Practical approach to applied arts, design solutions, and creative skills for industry. | 8 weeks | Free certificate (after exam fee waiver in some cases) |
Canvas Network | Introduction to Art Concepts | Provides applied art basics, visual composition, and creative problem-solving. | 6 weeks | Free certificate |
Great Learning | Graphic Design Basics | Short course on visual communication, digital art, and applied design techniques. | 2–3 hours | Free certificate |
Top Indian Colleges for Applied Arts in India
Applied Arts programs are a combination of creativity, design, and professional skills, and Indian colleges have acquired the reputation in this area. These schools are exposed to practical, low to high-end fee models and strong placement service in advertisement, digital designing and visual communication.
Course Name | University / Institution | Course Duration | Fees |
Diploma in Graphic Design | Alison | 10–15 hours | Free (Certificate extra) |
Art Appreciation & Techniques | Saylor Academy | Self-paced | Free |
Fundamentals of Graphic Design | Coursera (CalArts) | 4 weeks | Free (Certificate optional, ₹3,000–₹4,000) |
Design Thinking | NPTEL / SWAYAM (IITs & Govt. of India) | 8 weeks | Free (Certificate ₹1,000 approx.) |
Introduction to Art Concepts | Canvas Network | 6 weeks | Free |
Graphic Design Basics | Great Learning | 2–3 hours | Free (Certificate free) |
Eligibility Criteria for Online Applied Arts Courses
Applied arts courses may be enrolled in by any individual with creativity in any field; the basic qualification depends on the level.
- Diploma/Certificate: 10th/12th standard (school pass)
- Undergraduate Degree: 10+2 in any stream, some with entrance exams or portfolio review
- Postgraduate/MFA: Graduate in Arts/Design or relevant field + strong portfolio
Job Opportunities After Applied Arts Courses
Applied Arts programs prepare graduates for dynamic roles in creative industries, from design agencies to new media companies. This table overviews leading job profiles and salary estimates.
Job Role | Description | Average Salary Range (INR) |
Graphic Designer | Visual branding, logos, digital & print media | ₹2,50,000–₹7,00,000 |
Illustrator | Book/brand/magazine illustration | ₹3,00,000–₹8,00,000 |
Animator | 2D/3D animation for film, TV, web | ₹3,50,000–₹9,00,000 |
UI/UX Designer | Interface and experience design for apps | ₹4,00,000–₹12,00,000 |
Art Director | Creative leadership in media & advertising | ₹6,00,000–₹15,00,000 |
Multimedia Specialist | Digital content and AV-based art | ₹3,00,000–₹10,00,000 |
FAQs
Ques: Are Applied Arts online courses worth it?
Ans: Yes, they offer industry-relevant creative education, portfolio building, and certifications accepted by design studios, agencies, and companies in every corner of the globe, which is why they are considered worthwhile to beginners, freelancers, and practitioners who want to sharpen their artistic and design abilities.
Ques: What are the requirements of Applied Arts courses?
Ans: The majority of entry-level courses have no prerequisites, as they need only creativity and some basic digital skills. High-level programs might assume familiarity with the concepts of drawing, with design packages, or with concepts of art, so the learners can get the best use of concrete training in applied design and multimedia creativity.
Ques: What are the best Applied Arts course platforms?
Ans: The best options are Coursera, Udemy, Domestika, and Skillshare. In India, alternatives include NID, Pearl Academy, and online design schools. These platforms offer certification, project-based modules, and international exposure to emerging creative industry trends.
Ques: Is it possible to find employment following an Applied Arts online certificate?
Ans: Well, there are career choices of a graphic designer, an illustrator, an animator, a brand consultant, and a multimedia specialist. Portfolios and creative works completed during the course are highly valued by employers, and they are one of the practical ways to enter the advertising, media, gaming, and design sectors.
Ques: What are the salaries I can earn after Applied Arts courses?
Ans: Newer employees command a salary between 4,00,000 to 8,00,000 per annum, whereas seasoned professionals with good portfolios would attract 12,00,000 -15,000 or higher, based on experience, specialization, and industry demand in advertising, digital media, branding, or animation.