CalArts courses can help you learn animation techniques, character design, visual storytelling, and sound design. You can build skills in digital painting, 3D modeling, and scriptwriting, enhancing your ability to create compelling narratives. Many courses introduce tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Blender, and Final Cut Pro, that support executing your creative vision and bringing your projects to life.

California Institute of the Arts
Skills you'll gain: Typography, Design Elements And Principles, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Logo Design, Digital Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Color Theory, Photo Editing, Adobe InDesign, Image Quality, Style Guides, Branding, Art History, Design, Layout Design, Design Research, Visual Design, Design Strategies, Adobe Illustrator
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

California Institute of the Arts
Skills you'll gain: Information Architecture, Wireframing, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Persona (User Experience), Mockups, User Experience Design, Responsive Web Design, UI/UX Strategy, Web Design, Adobe XD, User Interface (UI) Design, User Experience, User Centered Design, Interaction Design, Prototyping, Graphic and Visual Design, Web Language, Design, Design Elements And Principles, User Research
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

California Institute of the Arts
Skills you'll gain: Typography, Design Elements And Principles, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Design, Logo Design, Digital Design, Layout Design, Color Theory, Image Quality, Photo Editing, Creativity
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

California Institute of the Arts
Skills you'll gain: Adobe Premiere, Peer Review, Cinematography, Video Editing, Videography, Video Production, Post-Production, Storyboarding, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Editing, Creativity, Media Production, Visual Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Design Elements And Principles, Storytelling, Creative Design, Content Creation, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Personal Development
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

California Institute of the Arts
Skills you'll gain: Animation and Game Design, Game Design, Animations, Prototyping, Conceptual Design, Video Game Development, Storytelling, Software Design Documents, Ideation, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Storyboarding, Design, Virtual Environment, Technical Design, Design Elements And Principles, Usability Testing, Creative Design, Design Strategies, Interactive Design, Graphic and Visual Design
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

California Institute of the Arts
Skills you'll gain: Intellectual Property, Business Planning, Competitive Analysis, Business Risk Management, Tax Preparation, Business Process Automation, Budget Management, Business Strategy, Contract Management, Peer Review, Process Improvement, Financial Analysis, Financial Forecasting, Small Business Accounting, Client Services, Financial Modeling, Market Analysis, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Leadership and Management
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Adobe Firefly, Adobe Express, Ideation, Adobe Acrobat, Presentations, Generative AI, Content Creation, Creative Thinking, Adobe Photoshop, Creativity, Prompt Engineering, Adobe Illustrator, Storytelling, Visual Design, Graphic Design, Design, Branding, Artificial Intelligence, Communication, Digital Marketing
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Michigan State University
Skills you'll gain: Unity Engine, Animations, 3D Modeling, Storyboarding, Color Theory, Animation and Game Design, 3D Assets, Video Game Development, Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk Maya, Computer Graphics, Game Design, Conceptual Design, Prototyping, Graphic and Visual Design, Computer Graphic Techniques, Design, Data Import/Export, Design Elements And Principles, Design Research
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Adobe Express, Typography, Logo Design, Responsible AI, Digital Design, Layout Design, Creative Design, Visual Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Graphic Design, Adobe Firefly, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Color Theory, Content Creation, Generative AI Agents
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

California Institute of the Arts
Skills you'll gain: Animation and Game Design, Animations, Game Design, Video Game Development, Design, Technical Design, Conceptual Design, Design Elements And Principles, Creative Design, Storytelling
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Edureka
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI Agents, Generative AI, AI Workflows, Creative Design, Visualization (Computer Graphics), ChatGPT, Image Quality, Artificial Intelligence
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Storyboarding, Animations, Storytelling, Musical Composition, Motion Graphics, Video Editing
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
CalArts, or the California Institute of the Arts, is a renowned institution dedicated to the visual and performing arts. Established in 1961, it was the first degree-granting institution in the U.S. specifically for students pursuing degrees in the arts. CalArts is important because it fosters creativity and innovation, encouraging students to explore various artistic disciplines, including animation, music, theater, and visual arts. The school has produced numerous influential artists and professionals who have made significant contributions to their fields, making it a cornerstone of contemporary art education.‎
A variety of career paths can emerge from a background in CalArts. Graduates often find opportunities in fields such as animation, film production, graphic design, music composition, and theater arts. Specific job titles may include animator, art director, sound designer, visual effects artist, and multimedia artist. The skills learned at CalArts equip students to thrive in creative industries, where collaboration and innovation are key.‎
To succeed in CalArts programs, aspiring students should develop a range of skills. These include artistic techniques in their chosen medium, critical thinking, and the ability to collaborate effectively with others. Familiarity with digital tools and software relevant to their field, such as Adobe Creative Suite for graphic design or animation, is also beneficial. Additionally, strong communication skills can enhance their ability to present and critique work, which is essential in an artistic environment.‎
Some of the best online courses related to CalArts focus on various aspects of art and design. For instance, the Graphic Design Specialization offers valuable insights into graphic design, while the UI / UX Design Specialization provides foundational skills in UI and UX design. These courses can help learners build a strong portfolio and gain practical skills that are highly valued in the creative job market.‎
Yes. You can start learning from CalArts on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate from CalArts, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
CalArts courses typically cover a wide range of topics, including fundamental artistic techniques, digital media, storytelling, and the history of art. Students may also explore specialized areas such as animation, music theory, and performance arts. These courses aim to develop both technical skills and creative thinking, preparing students for diverse careers in the arts.‎
For training and upskilling employees or the workforce, courses like the UI / UX Design Specialization can be particularly beneficial. These programs equip individuals with essential skills in digital marketing and content creation, which are increasingly important in today's job market. Organizations can leverage such courses to enhance their teams' creative capabilities and adapt to evolving industry demands.‎