Designers and creatives are always searching for fresh ideas and design inspiration, and the internet is a treasure trove of resources to help them do just that. With countless design websites and blogs available, it’s very time-consuming to figure out where to begin.
That’s why we’ve created a list of ten top design resources to help you stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and trends in the design world. Whether you’re looking to explore new styles, find design inspiration for a specific project, or connect with other creatives, these resources will surely provide you with plenty of ideas and insights.
1. Behance
Behance is an online platform and community where creative professionals can showcase their work, connect with others in the industry, and find new career opportunities. The platform was launched in 2006 and was later acquired by Adobe in 2012.
Behance allows users to create an online portfolio to showcase their design, illustration, photography, and other creative work. These portfolios can be easily shared with potential clients, employers, and collaborators. The platform also features a robust search and discovery system that allows users to find and follow other creatives and browse projects and collections by keyword, discipline, or industry.
In addition to portfolio sharing, Behance offers a variety of other features for creative professionals, including job postings, the ability to create and join teams, and the option to participate in online challenges and contests. Behance also integrates with other Adobe tools, such as Creative Cloud, allowing users to move their work from one platform to another seamlessly.
Behance has become a popular destination for creatives looking to showcase their work, build networks, and find new career opportunities. The platform’s emphasis on discovery and collaboration has made it a valuable resource for designers, illustrators, photographers, and other creative professionals.
2. Dribbble
Dribbble is an online community and platform where designers, illustrators, and other creatives can showcase their work, connect with other professionals, and find design inspiration. The platform was launched in 2009 and has become a popular destination for designers and creatives of all levels and backgrounds.
On Dribbble, users can upload and share their design work in the form of shots – small, square images that show a preview of a design project. Other users can then like, comment on, and share those shots, providing feedback and support to the creators. Dribbble also offers a Pro membership with additional features such as job postings, access to design tools, and the ability to create and join design teams.
Dribbble has become a popular resource for designers and creative professionals looking to showcase their work, build their portfolios, and connect with other like-minded individuals. Many designers use Dribbble as a source of inspiration, finding new ideas and techniques by browsing through the work of others in the community.
3. Awwwards
Awwwards is a website that recognizes and celebrates the best in web design and development. The site was launched in 2009 and has become a popular destination for designers, developers, and creative professionals.
Awwwards operates on a system of user voting and judging by a panel of industry experts. The site features a variety of awards and recognitions, including “Site of the Day,” “Site of the Month,” and “Site of the Year,” as well as awards for specific categories such as “Best UI Design” or “Best eCommerce Site.” Winning sites are featured prominently on the Awwwards site and often receive significant exposure and recognition within the design community.
In addition to its awards system, Awwwards also features a blog, a job board, and a directory of design agencies and professionals. The site is also known for its conferences and events, which bring together leading figures in the design and development industries for talks, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Awwwards has become a valuable resource for designers and developers looking to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in web design. The site’s focus on recognizing excellence and promoting innovation has made it a leading authority in the industry.
4. Creative Bloq
Creative Bloq is a popular online publication and community focused on design, web development, and digital art. The site was launched in 2012 and has become a go-to resource for creative professionals looking for tutorials, tips, and inspiration.
Creative Bloq features a variety of articles and resources covering topics such as graphic design, web design, 3D modeling, animation, and more. The site’s articles are written by industry experts and cover both beginner and advanced topics, making it a valuable resource for designers and creatives of all skill levels. The site also features a variety of free resources, such as design assets, templates, and stock images.
In addition to its content, Creative Bloq also features a robust community section where users can connect, share their work, and participate in online forums and discussions. The site also features a job board listing employment opportunities for creative professionals.
Creative Bloq has become a popular destination for designers, web developers, and other creative professionals looking for inspiration, advice, and career resources. The site’s emphasis on quality content and community engagement has made it a trusted resource for creative professionals worldwide.
5. Smashing Magazine
Smashing Magazine is an online publication and community focused on web design and development. Launched in 2006, Smashing Magazine is a leading resource for designers and developers looking to stay up-to-date with the best practices and latest trends in web development.
Smashing Magazine features a variety of articles, tutorials, and resources covering topics such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, user experience (UX) design, and more. The site’s articles are written by industry experts and cover both beginner and advanced topics, making it a valuable resource for web developers of all skill levels. The site also offers a variety of free resources, including design assets, templates, and tools.
In addition to its content, Smashing Magazine also offers several community features, including a job board, a forum, and online workshops and events. The site’s emphasis on community engagement has made it a popular destination for designers and developers looking to connect, share their work, and participate in online discussions.
6. Design Milk
Design Milk is an online publication focused on modern design, architecture, art, and technology. The site was launched in 2006 and has since become a popular destination for design enthusiasts looking for the latest news and trends in the industry.
Design Milk features a variety of articles, interviews, and reviews covering interior design, furniture, lighting, and more. The site’s articles are written by industry experts and cover both established and emerging designers, making it a valuable resource for design professionals and enthusiasts alike. The site also features a curated selection of design-focused products and services.
In addition to its content, Design Milk also offers several community features, including a job board and an events calendar. The site’s emphasis on community engagement has made it a popular destination for design enthusiasts looking to connect with others and stay up-to-date with the latest news and events in the industry.
Design Milk has become a trusted resource for design professionals and enthusiasts worldwide. The site’s focus on quality content and community engagement has made it a valuable resource for those looking to stay up-to-date with modern design trends and innovations.
7. Fast Company Design
Fast Company Design is the design-focused arm of Fast Company, a leading business and technology media brand. The site provides news, insights, and inspiration on design, innovation, and creativity, focusing on the intersection of design and business.
Fast Company Design features a variety of articles, profiles, and interviews covering topics such as product design, user experience (UX), graphic design, and more. The site’s content is written by design experts and business journalists, making it a valuable resource for designers, entrepreneurs, and business professionals looking to stay up-to-date with the latest trends.
In addition to its content, Fast Company Design also offers several resources for designers and businesses, including a job board, a directory of design agencies, and a series of design events and awards programs. The site’s emphasis on the business side of design has made it a popular destination for entrepreneurs
8. Designboom
Designboom is an online publication and platform focused on architecture, design, and technology. The site was launched in 1999 and has since become a leading resource for the design community, focusing on showcasing emerging and experimental design concepts.
Designboom features a variety of articles, interviews, and reviews covering topics such as architecture, product design, fashion, and more. The site’s content is written by design experts and journalists, making it a valuable resource for designers, architects, and design enthusiasts looking to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in the industry.
In addition to its content, Designboom also offers several resources for designers, including a job board, design competitions, and a directory of design studios and firms. The site’s emphasis on emerging and experimental design has made it a popular destination for designers looking to showcase their work and connect with others in the industry.
Designboom has become a trusted resource for designers and architects around the world. The site’s focus on emerging and experimental design has made it a valuable resource for those looking to push the boundaries of what is possible in the design world.
9. Dezeen
Dezeen is an online design magazine that covers a broad range of topics related to architecture, interiors, products, technology, and art. Launched in 2006, Dezeen has become one of the most popular and respected online design publications, with a global audience of design enthusiasts, architects, and industry professionals.
Dezeen features a variety of content, including news stories, project showcases, interviews with leading designers and architects, opinion pieces, and design-related features. The site’s content is updated daily, with an emphasis on breaking news and exclusive coverage of major events in the design industry.
In addition to its content, Dezeen also offers a range of resources for the design community, including job listings, a directory of design studios and firms, and a calendar of design events and exhibitions worldwide. The site’s emphasis on established and emerging designers has made it a valuable resource for anyone looking to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in the design world.
Dezeen has won numerous awards for its high-quality content and design, including the title of “Best Online Magazine” at the BSME Awards in 2012 and 2013. With a focus on high-quality design and cutting-edge innovation, Dezeen has become a trusted and influential voice in the design world.
10. Communication Arts
Communication Arts is a professional journal for designers, art directors, design firms, and advertising agencies. It is a print and online magazine that was first published in 1959 and has since become one of the world’s most respected and influential design publications.
The magazine covers a wide range of design-related topics, including graphic design, advertising, photography, illustration, interactive design, and typography. Each issue features profiles of top designers, in-depth articles on design trends and techniques, and showcases of outstanding design work. The magazine’s emphasis on high-quality design has made it a trusted resource for design professionals and enthusiasts worldwide.
In addition to its magazine, Communication Arts also offers several design competitions, including the prestigious Communication Arts Annual, which showcases the best design work of the year. The competition has become a highly sought-after honor for designers, and winning an award is considered a significant achievement in the industry.
Overall, Communication Arts is a valuable resource for designers and design firms looking to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in the design world. Its commitment to high-quality design and prestigious design competitions have made it a must-read for anyone looking to excel in design.
These are just a few examples of popular design websites and blogs; there are many more out there. Exploring a variety of sources can help you stay up-to-date on the latest design trends and find design inspiration for your own work.