The design world has changed drastically over the past few years, especially with the rise of technology. We can now do things that were never imagined before. Technology allows us to create better designs faster and cheaper than ever before.
Here are some useful resources for designers who want to keep up with industry changes and stay ahead of the curve:
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Explore a diverse range of design resources that cater to different aspects of graphic design and creativity. |
| 2. Discover tools, articles, and platforms that can help improve your design skills, productivity, and overall design process. |
| 3. Consider bookmarking or visiting these resources periodically to stay up-to-date with the latest design trends and innovations. |
| 4. Take advantage of the opportunities for inspiration, learning, and growth that these curated resources provide. |
| 5. Apply the insights gained from these resources to enhance your design projects and contribute to your professional development. |
1. PhotoDune
PhotoDune is a great source for finding images for your website. If you’re looking for free images, it’s an excellent resource. And if you want to buy some, they have a huge selection of high-quality royalty-free stock photos as well as affordable designer photos that can be used in commercial projects (you can even use them on your website).
If you find an image on PhotoDune that speaks to you, there are two main ways to use it:
You can download the image and use it on your website for free! Just make sure to give credit to the author by linking back to their profile page so that everyone knows who created what they’re seeing.
Or if an image isn’t available under one of these licenses (i.e., Attribution or Attribution-ShareAlike), then it might be available under another license such as Commercial Use Only or Editorial Use Only where there may be additional requirements about how/when/where/etc…
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2. GraphicRiver
If you’re looking for the best places to find high-quality graphics, templates, and fonts, GraphicRiver should be at the top of your list.
GraphicRiver is part of a network of sites that offer design assets such as stock photos, vectors, illustrations, and even code snippets. While there’s no shortage of resources on Envato’s other properties like ThemeForest or AudioJungle (we’ll get to those later), GraphicRiver is particularly useful because it lets you purchase design assets online no download required.
The site boasts more than 1 million items for sale from over 100 thousand creators around the world and that number grows daily!
3. 99Designs
You can get a logo, website, t-shirt design, and more for a price or you can get them for free. The best designs are voted on by the community. You can also get help from the community to make your design even better.
99designs is an online marketplace where people from all over the world submit their designs for projects in need of creative ideas. After you place an order with 99designs and pay for it, you tell them what type of design you’re looking for (like “logo” or “website”) and they’ll show you dozens upon dozens of options to choose from. They have over 200 categories of work available so there’s something there for everyone!
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4. Vectorstock
We know you’re busy, so we’ve rounded up 30 of the best design resources on the web. From websites to podcasts, there’s something here for everyone!
VectorStock is a stock vector and illustration website that offers high-quality vector graphics, illustrations, and stock photography. It provides over 1.5 million images covering every conceivable topic. The quality is great and there are plenty of free images too! You can search by category or browse their latest collection to find exactly what you need.
5. Smashing Magazine
Smashing Magazine is a great resource for web developers and designers, especially those who are just starting in their careers. This site has plenty of high-quality articles that are full of practical tips and advice on how to create better websites. It also provides links to other useful resources that you can use in your design process.
Smashing Magazine has sections covering almost every aspect of web design, including front-end development (HTML/CSS), back-end development (PHP), UX design, graphic design, etc. If you want to learn more about one area or another then this website is an excellent place to start!
6. 1stWebDesigner
1stWebDesigner is the place for web designers to get inspiration and learn new techniques. This blog has a ton of tutorials on web design, both for beginners and advanced designers alike. You’ll also find a lot of articles about specific topics like SEO or responsive design.
1stWebDesigner is updated regularly with new material, so you can always come back to it when you’re looking for inspiration or just need some time off from your projects
7. A List Apart
A-List Apart is a publication that covers all things web design. It’s been around since 1997 and has since become one of the most reliable sources for articles on topics ranging from accessibility to responsive design.
In addition to their content, A List Apart also publishes books on various aspects of web design including its annual series “100 Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People.”
The subscription model allows you to get access to all past issues of A List Apart as well as future ones (which are published bi-monthly). Subscriptions range from $39 per year for the print version up through several tiers that include additional perks such as digital access and early delivery.
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8. SitePoint
SitePoint is a web design and development magazine, blog, and community. SitePoint’s blog is a great resource for all things web design and development including tutorials on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more; as well as features about best practices for responsive site design or SEO tips for WordPress websites.
The magazine provides articles on an array of topics from how to build a multi-author blog using WordPress to making your first steps into front-end development with JavaScript frameworks like AngularJS or ReactJS. If you’re looking for more in-depth content then check out their books section which offers over 350 titles covering everything from working with WordPress themes to mastering PHP7!
9. Design.org
Design.org is a free resource for learning design. You’ll find an extensive collection of interactive tutorials, videos, and articles that are helpful to designers at any level. The site has over 2,000 lessons on topics such as typography, CSS animations, and icon design many of which have been written by industry experts like Nick Babich and Tim Brown.
Designers can even get paid for their work if they keep posting great content on the site!
10. DesignWoop
DesignWoop is one of the best resources for all things design. Whether you’re just starting or an established professional, you’ll find something of value on this site.
The DesignWoop blog features articles ranging in topics from tools and education to inspiration, trends, and more. If you want to learn about design and keep up with industry news, this is your go-to resource!
11. CSS Tricks
CSS Tricks is a great resource for learning CSS, as well as reviewing your knowledge and sharpening your skills. They have a lot of articles and tutorials that will help you build websites from scratch or improve upon existing ones.
The forum is also extremely useful; if you have any questions about CSS, chances are good that someone there can answer them for you. There’s even a blog where they discuss new trends in web design, as well as feature interviews with industry experts (like me).
Additionally, CSS Tricks offers a weekly podcast featuring news in the world of CSS development from new features on major browsers like Safari or Chrome to changes made by other popular sites such as Twitter or Facebook as well as interviews with leading designers and developers across different industries.
Finally, if you want more resources than what’s available on their site alone then consider subscribing to their newsletter which offers additional tutorials plus samples from guest contributors who share their expertise each month through this publication alone!
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12. Six Revisions
Six Revisions is a website that offers a lot of great resources for web designers and developers. On this site, you can find articles, tutorials, and videos that will help you improve your skills as a web designer or developer.
The best thing about Six Revisions is its forum where you can ask questions and get help from other web designers and developers.
13. Design Float Magazine
Design Float is an online magazine that publishes articles on design, technology, and creativity. It was co-founded by Steve Portugal and David Kadavy in 2010 and has since become one of the most popular resources for designers worldwide.
The Design Float team is based in San Francisco, California and they publish the magazine every 10 days. The content on the website is written by experienced professionals from all over the world who have been working with design for years now.
Design Float is one of those resources which every designer should visit at least once because it has a lot to offer: interviews with prominent people in the industry, inspirational lists as well as practical tips on how to become better at what you do (e.g., “How To Be A Better Designer”).
14. Dribbble
Dribbble is a website for designers to share their work and connect with others in the design community. It’s also a place for inspiration, whether you’re looking for the next hot font or just want to see what other designers are up to.
The site was founded by Dan Cederholm from small-batch design studio SimpleBits in 2010, who wanted to create an online space where he could share his projects as well as discover interesting things that other designers were doing.
15. Behance
Behance is a social network dedicated to design, so you can upload your work, get feedback, and look at other people’s work. You can also find work to hire designers or ask for help with your projects. In addition to being a great place for designers to network and collaborate on projects together, Behance has lots of inspiration for graphic designers who want ideas on how they can improve their portfolios by looking at others’ work.
16. Awwwards
Awwwards is an international awards ceremony for web designers, where the best designs of each year are rewarded by a panel of experts. It’s a great place to find inspiration, as it showcases some of the best design work online.
You can also read about how other designers think about their craft — interviews with industry leaders are available on Awwwards’ website and blog.
17. Site Inspire
Site Inspire is a design blog that features the best designs from around the web. Whether you’re a designer or developer, Site Inspire is a great resource for inspiration and information. Whether you have a project in mind or just want to see some new ideas for your next design project, Site Inspire is a must-visit site for you.
18. Webcreme
Webcreme is a design blog with a collection of the best UI designs and UX designs. It has been around since 2016, so you can be sure that they have an extensive library. This can be a great resource to find inspiration for your next project. Or maybe not just one project: it’s such an amazing gallery of interfaces that you might want to visit again and again!
You’ll find all sorts of gorgeous work on the site: from websites to mobile apps and eCommerce sites, both desktop and mobile versions. The blog also features categories like “Mobile UI Design”, “Desktop Interface Mockups”, as well as more specific ones like “Infographics & Information Graphics Design Tutorials” or “Typography Inspiration Gallery Collection” which give insight into different aspects related to graphic design (more about this later).
19. UI Cloud
UI Cloud is a website that provides user interface design inspiration for designers and developers. It is a collection of user interface design examples, which means that it offers all kinds of different kinds of inspiration. UI Cloud also has a community where users can post their designs and get feedback from other users on what worked or didn’t work in the designs.
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20. Sidebar.io
The sidebar is a place to share your work, get feedback and give back. The site lets you show off your projects and get constructive criticism from other designers. There’s also an extensive collection of resources like fonts, mockups, and icons for download.
It’s easy to use just sign up with a Twitter account or Facebook profile if you don’t already have one (you can find the button on their homepage). Then start posting under one of their categories: design inspiration, tutorials, and freebies are some options.
21. Love UI
Love UI is one of my favorite websites. It has a lot of quality resources to find free UI kits, PSD templates, and UI elements. If you are looking for a great resource that has high-quality stuff then this is the place for you!
Love UI makes it easy for designers to download everything they need without needing any knowledge about coding. You should check out Love UI if you haven’t already!
22. Cumulo
Cumulo is a design community for creatives. It has all the resources you’d expect to find on a design blog: tutorials, inspiration, interviews, and articles. But it also has some unique features that make it stand out from the crowd.
Cumulo’s main product is its marketplace where designers can upload their work, set prices for licenses, and get feedback from other members of the community. The marketplace allows designers to showcase their talents to be discovered by potential clients or employers too! The Cumulo team recently launched another feature called “Curated” which will allow people who don’t have time or money (or both) to pay for design assets but still want access to them (e.g., big brands).
23. CSS Awards
CSS Awards is a site that showcases great examples of CSS design. The project was created by a team of CSS enthusiasts and it’s updated weekly, with new posts being added every Wednesday. There are plenty of categories to choose from when browsing the site, including some more specific ones like “Best Use Of Typography.” This is an excellent source of inspiration for web designers, especially those who are just starting or want to get better at their craft.
24. Designspiration
Designspiration is a curated collection of inspirational design work from around the world. It’s a good place to find out about new trends and techniques, as well as get design inspiration. The site has a community of designers who share their projects and connect with other members. There are also interviews, articles on industry news, product reviews, podcasts, and more!
25. UX Archive
UX Archive is one of the best resources for UX design inspiration. With a large collection of user experience design links and articles, it’s an excellent place to find the latest trends in UX, as well as older classics that you may not have come across before.
The UX Archive website was created by Aaron Walter, who is currently working at Google as VP of Design Education. Before his Google gig, he worked on several different startups including Timehop (a company that helps people remember past events) and Dopplr (an early social network). He also taught at General Assembly and contributed to Smashing Magazine’s book The Ultimate Guide To User Experience Design Process & Documentation (2016).
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for inspiration, these websites are the best place to start. They’re all full of useful resources and have a huge community of designers who share their work. There are so many great design sites out there that it was really hard to narrow down this list! But if you only visit one website every day, make sure it’s one of these!
Further Reading
Designity’s List of Top 25 Graphic Design Resources: Discover a curated collection of top-notch graphic design resources that can enhance your creative projects.
99designs Graphic Design Resources: Dive into an extensive list of graphic design resources to find tools, inspiration, and tips for elevating your design work.
Stryve Marketing’s Design Resources We Love: Explore a selection of design resources recommended by Stryve Marketing, ranging from tools to articles that can empower your design journey.
People Also Ask
What Is Design?
Design is the process of creating something. It can be anything from the creation of a new product, service, or experience to the creation of a new brand or logo. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s also about making something that works well and solves a problem.
Why Should I Care About Design?
Because life is better when it’s beautiful. Also, you’re an entrepreneur, so you probably already have high standards! Your customers expect your work to be beautiful too and if it isn’t, they’ll go elsewhere.
How Do I Get Started?
First off, stop thinking about it so much! Just jump in there and start doing stuff! And if you want some help getting started, there are tons of resources out there for you to explore: books, videos, websites… and we’re here for you too!
How Can I Become A Designer?
You’ve probably heard this question a lot, and for good reason. There are many different paths you can take to become a designer, but once the decision is made, it’s important to know that it’s never too late whether you’re just starting or looking to switch careers later in life.
Whatever path you choose, there are resources available to help get you started or keep moving forward. Below are some of the best resources for each type of designer:
What Is The Best Design Resource?”
That depends on what you mean by ‘best’. If you want to learn about a specific topic, for example, web design or graphic design, then I would say that it’s important that your selected resource has a large community of members and frequent updates.
If on the other hand, you are looking for a place where you can get inspiration and ideas from other designers, then it’s best to choose one of those resources with lots of photos/images as well as articles and tutorials. And finally, if all these things are important but you also value speed (i.e., load times) over everything else then do not hesitate to go with Smashing Magazine!
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.