Graphic Design Courses After 12th Commerce: Creative Career Options for Commerce Students

If you’ve completed your 12th in commerce and are looking for a creative career that goes beyond numbers and accounts, then graphic design courses after 12th commerce could be your perfect match. You don’t need to be from an arts background to enter the world of design — today, creativity meets technology, and students from any stream can pursue a successful career in graphic design.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about choosing graphic design as a career after 12th commerce, including available courses, eligibility, fees, and job prospects.

Why Choose Graphic Design Courses After 12th Commerce?

Commerce students often lean towards careers in business, finance, or marketing, but not everyone fits into those molds. If you’re someone who enjoys creating visuals, storytelling through design, or using software like Canva, Photoshop, or PowerPoint creatively, graphic design courses after 12th commerce can open exciting doors.

Benefits of Choosing Graphic Design After Commerce:

• Combine creativity with business sense — perfect for branding and marketing roles

• No requirement for an arts or science background

• Learn valuable design tools and software used globally

• Job and freelance opportunities are expanding rapidly

• High demand in startups, ad agencies, social media, and digital marketing

Who Can Apply for Graphic Design Courses After 12th Commerce?

One of the best things about the design field is that it doesn’t discriminate by stream. Commerce students are just as eligible for graphic design as anyone else.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Passed 10+2 in Commerce stream from a recognized board

• Basic communication skills in English

• Passion for creativity, visual design, or digital media

• Some institutes may have entrance exams or portfolio review

If you’re creative, curious, and have basic computer skills, you’re already halfway there!

Types of Graphic Design Courses After 12th Commerce

There are several types of graphic design courses after 12th commerce that cater to different goals and durations. Here's a breakdown of the most popular options:

🎓 1. Degree Courses in Graphic Design

Duration: 3–4 years
Ideal For: Students looking for long-term education and career growth

Popular Degree Options:

• B.Des (Bachelor of Design) in Graphic Design

• BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) with Graphic specialization

• BA in Visual Communication or Media Design

• BSc in Animation and Multimedia

These programs offer a structured curriculum covering design theory, software training, branding, layout, and user interface design.

📜 2. Diploma Courses in Graphic Design

Duration: 6 months to 2 years
Ideal For: Quick entry into the design field with job-ready skills

What You'll Learn:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)

• Logo and branding design

• Layout and typography

• Digital illustration

• Web and app graphics

Diplomas are typically more focused on hands-on learning and practical design skills.

🖥 3. Certificate Courses in Graphic Design

Duration: 1–6 months (often online)
Best For: Beginners or those wanting flexible, affordable learning options

Platforms Offering Courses:

• Udemy

• Coursera

• Skillshare

• Internshala

• Arena Animation short courses

These are great for building your portfolio or learning specific design techniques like social media content, YouTube thumbnails, or poster design.

Top Institutes Offering Graphic Design Courses After 12th Commerce

Several reputed institutes in India offer specialized graphic design courses after 12th commerce, both online and offline.

Recommended Colleges & Institutes:

• National Institute of Design (NID)

• Pearl Academy

• Symbiosis Institute of Design

• MIT Institute of Design, Pune

• Amity School of Fine Arts

• Arena Animation, MAAC, ZICA

• LISAA School of Design

Admission processes may include entrance exams like NID DAT, UCEED, or portfolio reviews depending on the course level.

Fees for Graphic Design Courses After 12th Commerce

The cost of graphic design courses after 12th commerce depends on the type of course and the institute.

Some platforms and colleges also offer EMI options, scholarships, and internship-based learning programs.

What You’ll Learn in Graphic Design Courses

All graphic design courses after 12th commerce aim to equip you with creative, technical, and software-based skills needed to become a professional designer.

Core Topics Covered:

• Design fundamentals and layout principles

• Color theory and typography

• Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign mastery

• Logo, branding, and packaging design

• UI/UX design basics

• Portfolio creation

• Real client-based design projects

Many programs also include internships, live projects, and portfolio reviews to prepare you for the industry.

Career Opportunities for Commerce Students in Graphic Design

After completing graphic design courses after 12th commerce, students can apply their design knowledge in various industries, often paired with their business background for roles in marketing or branding.

Popular Job Roles:

• Graphic Designer

• Branding & Visual Identity Designer

• UI/UX Designer

• Web Designer

• Social Media Content Designer

• Creative Strategist

• Motion Graphic Artist

• Digital Marketing Designer

Industries Hiring Graphic Designers:

• Advertising Agencies

• Digital Marketing Firms

• Media Houses

• eCommerce & Startups

• EdTech Platforms

• Freelancing/Remote Work Opportunities

Platforms like Behance, Dribbble, Fiverr, and Upwork allow you to showcase your portfolio and get clients worldwide.

Final Thoughts

For commerce students seeking a career outside the traditional finance or business path, graphic design courses after 12th commerce offer the perfect mix of creativity, technology, and practical value. These courses are accessible, skill-driven, and lead to high-growth career opportunities.

With the right training and portfolio, you can find work in any industry and even start your own freelance design career. If creativity excites you and you’re ready to build a career that blends visuals with strategy, graphic design is the way forward.