The 15  Best Graphic Design Blogs to Follow

The 15  Best Graphic Design Blogs to Follow

Listen up, aspiring design mavens and seasoned pixel-pushers alike. 👋

I've got a confession to make.

When I first dipped my toes into the vast ocean of graphic design, I felt like a fish out of water. Drowning in a sea of Photoshop tutorials and colour theory articles, I desperately gasped for air (and inspiration).

Sound familiar?

Well, buckle up, buttercup. Because I'm about to throw you a lifeline that'll not only keep you afloat but have you swimming laps around the competition in no time.

The secret?

Graphic design blogs.

Now, I know what you're thinking. “Blogs? Mate? Aren't those just digital dinosaurs in the age of TikTok and Instagram Reels?”

Hold your horses.

These aren't your run-of-the-mill “10 Ways to Make a Logo” listicles. We're talking about treasure troves of knowledge, wellsprings of inspiration, and virtual mentors all rolled into one.

In fact, according to a 2023 survey by Creative Boom, 78% of professional designers credit regularly reading design blogs as a critical factor in their career growth and staying ahead of industry trends.

So, strap in whether you're a wide-eyed newbie or a grizzled design veteran. We're about to embark on a whirlwind tour of the best graphic design blogs that'll supercharge your skills and keep your creative juices flowing like Niagara Falls.

Ready to dive in? Let's go.

🔰 TL;DR: Dive into the world of graphic design blogs to level up your skills, stay inspired, and keep your finger on the pulse of the industry. This post breaks down the crème de la crème of design blogs, from industry giants to hidden gems, helping you curate a reading list that'll transform your design game. Whether you're a seasoned pro or starting, these resources will be your secret weapon in the ever-evolving design landscape.

The Big Guns: Industry Titans 🚀

1. Smashing Magazine

Smashing Magazine would be the queen bee if graphic design blogs were a royal family.

Founded way back in 2006 (practically the Jurassic era in internet years), this powerhouse has stood the test of time for good reason. It's like the Swiss Army knife of design resources – versatile, reliable, and always there when needed.

What makes it tick:

• In-depth articles on everything from UX design to coding
• Regular freebies (who doesn't love free stuff?)
• A treasure trove of e-books and webinars for the knowledge-hungry

Pro tip: Don't miss their monthly wallpaper collections. It's like a shot of inspiration straight to your eyeballs.

2. Creative Bloq

Imagine if the cool kids from art school grew up and started a blog. That's Creative Bloq in a nutshell.

Fresh, funky, and always on the cutting edge, this blog is like your hip design friend who always knows about the latest trends before they're even trending.

Why you'll love it:

• Daily doses of design inspiration
• Hands-on tutorials for all skill levels
• Honest reviews of the latest design tools and gadgets

Fun fact: Their “Designer of the Week” feature is a goldmine for discovering up-and-coming talent. Who knows, maybe you'll be featured one day!

3. Design You Trust

Despite its slightly dodgy-sounding name (trust me, it's legit), Design You Trust is a visual feast that'll make your creative taste buds tingle.

It's like stepping into a virtual art gallery where the exhibits change daily. This blog will turn your creative gears from mind-bending illustrations to jaw-dropping photography.

What sets it apart:

• A diverse range of visual content beyond just graphic design
• Curated collections that are perfect for mood board inspiration
• A global perspective on design trends

Word of caution: Don't blame me if you fall down a rabbit hole of endless scrolling. It's addictive stuff!

The Hidden Gems: Under-the-Radar Blogs💎

4. Abduzeedo

No, it's not a sneeze. It's one of the coolest design blogs you've ever heard of.

Abduzeedo is like that underground club all the cool kids whisper about, founded by Brazilian designer Fabio Sasso. It's got a raw, edgy vibe that'll make you feel like you're part of an exclusive design cult.

What you'll dig:

• Daily design inspiration from around the globe
• Tutorials that range from beginner-friendly to mind-bending advanced
• A unique “From Up North” feature showcasing Scandinavian design

Personal anecdote: I once spent an entire weekend binge-reading Abduzeedo tutorials. By Monday, my colleagues thought I'd been abducted by aliens and replaced with a design genius—true story (well, sort of).

5. Design Milk

Don't let the name fool you – this isn't your average dairy product.

Design Milk is the perfect blend of art, architecture, and design. It's like sipping a perfectly crafted latte while flipping through the pages of a high-end design magazine.

Why it's cream of the crop:

• A slick, minimalist aesthetic that's a joy to navigate
• Coverage of design in all its forms, from furniture to fashion
• Regular features on emerging designers and artists

Hot take: Their “Where I Work” series is like MTV Cribs for designers. It's oddly satisfying to peek into the workspaces of creative geniuses.

6. Inspiration Grid

Ever feel like you're stuck in a creative rut? Inspiration Grid is your get-out-of-jail-free card.

This blog is exactly what it says on the tin – a grid of pure, unadulterated inspiration. It's like someone took all the best bits of Pinterest and Instagram and mashed them together into one glorious design feast.

What makes it unique:

• A clean, grid-based layout that lets the visuals do the talking
• Content spanning graphic design, typography, photography, and more
• User-submitted content that keeps things fresh and diverse

Pro tip: Use their category filters to dive deep into specific areas of interest. It's like having a personal curator for your design inspiration.

The Niche Players: Specialised Blogs 🎨

7. Logo Design Love

Logos might be small, but their impact is mighty. And no one understands this better than David Airey, the mastermind behind Logo Design Love.

This blog is like a masterclass in logo design, delivered in bite-sized, easily digestible chunks. Whether you're a logo newbie or a seasoned brand guru, there's always something new to learn here.

What you'll geek out over:

• In-depth case studies of famous logo designs
• Interviews with top logo designers
• Resources and tips for building your logo design business

Fun fact: The blog spawned a best-selling book of the same name. Talk about making your mark!

8. TypeWolf

Typography nerds, rejoice! TypeWolf is your new happy place.

Jeremiah Shoaf runs this blog like a sommelier's guide to acceptable fonts. It's the resource that'll have you looking at letters in a new light (and probably ruining movie posters for your friends by pointing out lousy kerning).

Why it's font-astic:

• Daily font inspiration from real-world websites
• Comprehensive guides to pairing fonts
• Honest, no-nonsense reviews of typography tools and resources

Personal confession: I may or may not have a TypeWolf tab permanently open on my browser. Judge me all you want, but my typography game has never been stronger.

9. A List Apart

If you're into user experience (and let's face it, who isn't these days?), A List Apart is your ticket to the cutting edge.

This blog showcases the best web design and development insights from around the web. It's like a never-ending stream of “ooh, that's cool” moments that'll inspire you to push the boundaries of your designs.

What makes it click:

• Regular updates featuring expert insights
• on responsive design, accessibility, and content strategy.
• There are a lot of comments and discussions from designers and users alike

Hot take: Reading on this site is oddly therapeutic. It's like a digital newspaper for designers.

The Community Hubs: Social Networks 🤝

10. Dribbble

Ah, Dribbble. The Instagram of the design world, minus the influencers trying to sell you teeth whitening kits.

This invite-only platform is where the cool kids of design come to play. It's part portfolio showcase, part social network, and all inspiration.

Why it's a slam dunk:

• A constant stream of high-quality design work across all disciplines
• The ability to follow your favourite designers and see their process
• Job boards and freelance opportunities for the career-minded

Word of warning: Dribbble can be a double-edged sword. It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. Remember, it's inspiration, not competition!

11. Behance

If Dribbble is the cool kids' table, Behance is the school assembly hall where everyone's invited.

Owned by Adobe, Behance is a massive platform for creatives of all stripes to showcase their work. It's like a never-ending art exhibition where you always discover something new.

What sets it apart:

• Detailed project breakdowns that give insight into the design process
• A diverse range of creative fields, from graphic design to fashion
• The prestigious Behance Reviews which can skyrocket a designer's career

Pro tip: Use Behance's “Appreciated” feature to curate your collection of inspiring work. It's like creating your museum of design greatness.

The Learning Hubs 📚

12. Tutsplus

Remember those “… for Dummies” books? Tutsplus is like that, but for design, it's a whole lot cooler.

This blog-cum-learning-platform is a treasure trove of tutorials, courses, and resources that'll take you from design zero to hero.

What you'll love:

• Step-by-step tutorials for all major design software
• Courses on everything from colour theory to responsive web design
• A mix of free and premium content to suit all budgets

Pro tip: Their “Quick Tip” series is perfect for learning a specific technique fast. It's like designing first aid for those “oh crap” moments.

13. Skillshare Blog

While Skillshare is primarily known for its video courses, its blog is a hidden gem that deserves more love.

It's like having a wise design mentor who teaches new skills, gives career advice, and inspires you.

Why it's a game-changer:

• Articles on creativity, productivity, and career development
• Insights from top designers and creative professionals
• Free resources and downloadables to supplement your learning

Fun fact: Many of the blog posts are written by Skillshare instructors, giving you a taste of their teaching style before you commit to a course.

14. Creative Market Blog

Creative Market might be known for selling design assets, but their blog is a goldmine of free knowledge.

It's like the cool teacher who shows you how to do things and explains the why behind the how.

What makes it unique:

• A perfect mix of practical tutorials and inspirational content
• Regular roundups of free design resources
• Insights into the business side of design for freelancers and entrepreneurs

Personal confession: I may not have set up alerts for their “Free Goods of the Week” posts. Hey, who doesn't love a freebie?

The Wildcard 🃏

15. It's Nice That

If the design world were a high school, It's Nice That would be the eclectic art kid who's friends with everyone and always has the most remarkable projects.

This blog is a celebration of creativity in all its forms. From graphic design to fine art, animation to photography, you'll find it here if it's creative and exciting.

Why it'll blow your mind:

• A diverse range of content that'll expand your creative horizons
• Interviews with both established and emerging creatives
• A unique voice that makes reading about design genuinely fun

Hot take: Their annual “Ones to Watch” feature is like a crystal ball for the future of design. Keep an eye on it to stay ahead of the curve.

Your Roadmap to Design Enlightenment 🗺️

Phew! We've covered a lot of ground, haven't we? From industry titans to hidden gems and community hubs to learning centres, we've scoured the internet to bring you the crème de la crème of graphic design blogs.

But here's the kicker: Knowledge is only power if you use it.

So, here's your homework (don't worry, it's the fun kind):

1. Pick your top three: Choose three blogs from this list that resonate with you. Maybe it's the educational powerhouse of Smashing Magazine, the inspiration goldmine of Dribbble, and the typography wonderland of TypeWolf.
2. Set up a routine: Dedicate 15-30 minutes daily to catch up on your chosen blogs. It's like a daily vitamin for your design skills.
3. Take action: Don't just passively consume. For every article you read or design you admire, think about how you can apply that knowledge to your work.
4. Engage: Most blogs have comment sections or associated social media accounts. Don't be shy – ask questions, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation.
5. Share the love: Found an article that blew your mind? Share it with your design buddies. Teaching others is one of the best ways to solidify your learning.

Remember, becoming a great designer isn't about knowing everything – it's about knowing where to find the answers. These blogs are your secret weapon, your bat signal when you're in design distress, and your guide in the vast galaxy of graphic design.

So go forth, read, learn, and create. The design world is waiting for your unique voice.

Who knows? Maybe one day, we'll read about you on one of these blogs. 😉

Now, stop reading this and make something beautiful!

FAQs: Your Burning Questions, Answered 🔥