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Yellowbrick, Explained: Every Online Course They Offer (Plus How to Pick the Right One)

Aug 30, 2025By Adam Dudley
Adam Dudley

Last Updated: August 30th, 2025

If you’re eyeing a creative or industry-focused certificate without going back to school, Yellowbrick is worth a look. They partner with recognized schools and media brands (think Parsons, FIT, NYU, Complex, Billboard, Sony Pictures) to deliver short, self-paced online programs taught by working pros. You learn on your schedule, complete projects, and—when you finish—earn a non-credit certificate of completion from the partner program.

This guide gives you the full, current catalog (every course), what Yellowbrick is good for, and a simple way to choose the program that actually fits your goals.

How Yellowbrick Works (quick and real)

  • 100% online & self-paced. Watch modules when it fits. Replays are there if you need them.
  • Taught by industry voices. Creatives, operators, editors, buyers, producers—the folks doing the work.
  • Project-based. Expect exercises you can turn into portfolio pieces.
  • Certificate of completion. Non-credit, issued by the school/brand partner listed on the program.
  • Pricing varies by course. Check each program’s enroll page for current details and payment options.

Who Gets the Most Value

  • Explorers who want a structured intro before committing big money/time.
  • Working pros who need a fast update on how the industry runs now.
  • Creators & founders who want practical frameworks and a portfolio push.
  • Students/career-switchers looking for a recognizable certificate and a clearer path.

The Full Yellowbrick Course Catalog (all programs)

New & Free

This Is Animation (Sony Pictures Animation & Sony Pictures Imageworks x Yellowbrick) — a no-cost, online look at the animation pipeline with a certificate of completion.


Entertainment / Media

Fashion / Style / Footwear

Design / UX / Product

Business / Sports / Hospitality / Gaming

All of the above are 100% online and self-paced with a non-credit certificate of completion upon finishing.

One-Minute Course Picker

  • If you want a full industry map: Film & TV Industry Essentials, Music Industry Essentials, Fashion Industry Essentials, Animation Industry Essentials.
  • If you already know your lane and want skills: Fashion Business Essentials, Product Design Essentials, UX Design Essentials, Fashion Styling Foundations, Modern Screenwriting.
  • If you’re building a brand: Streetwear Essentials, Sneaker Essentials, Ecommerce Essentials.
  • If you’re testing interest with zero risk: This Is Animation (free).
  • If you work around events/venues/teams: Global Sports Management, Hospitality Industry Essentials, Gaming & Esports Industry Essentials.

How to Get Real ROI (simple playbook)

1. Pick a project on day one. Choose an outcome you’ll publish: a lookbook, short spec video, micro-site, UX case study, styling deck, or a one-page brand plan.

2. Study with intent. As you watch, translate each concept into your project. Notes are good; shipped work is better.

3. Show your receipts. Post your finished piece (site/portfolio/LinkedIn/Behance). Tag relevant partners/instructors when appropriate.

4. Ask for feedback. A short DM with a specific question (“Does my positioning make sense for boutiques?”) gets better replies than “Thoughts?”

5. Turn it into an offer. Package what you learned into a small, sellable service or audition piece (e.g., “$299 brand lookbook sprint,” “UX quick audit,” “spec editorial styling test,” “pitch deck polish”).

Straight Answers (FAQ)

  1. Is this college credit? No—these are non-credit certificate programs.
  2. Live classes or on-demand? On-demand. Learn at your pace.
  3. Do I need prior experience? Many programs are beginner-friendly. Check each syllabus to be sure.
  4. Will this get me a job? No certificate guarantees a job. What helps: the work you publish, the network you build, and how you position your skills.

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⚠️ Disclaimer: Information here is for general guidance and may change—always verify details (pricing, syllabus, certificate terms) on Yellowbrick’s official course pages before enrolling. We are not affiliated with Yellowbrick or its partners.