Best Websites for Graphic Designers: A Curated List from a Fellow Designer
By Bobby Saini
Updated: November 2024
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Hey there, creative souls! Bobby Saini here. As a graphic and brand designer running my studio (thebobbysaini.com), I spend countless hours exploring online resources to stay ahead in our ever-evolving industry. Today, I’m sharing my personally vetted list of websites that have been game-changers in my design journey.
Design Inspiration Platforms
Behance
Let’s start with the obvious – Behance is like the Netflix of design inspiration. I often lose track of time browsing through innovative branding projects here. Pro tip: Follow the curators, not just the designers. They often spot trends before they become mainstream.
Dribbble
While some call it “designer’s Instagram,” Dribbble is my go-to for quick inspiration hits. The shot format forces designers to present their best work concisely. I’ve found some of my best design solutions while scrolling through Dribbble during coffee breaks.
Awwwards
Want to see what’s pushing the boundaries of web design? Awwwards is your spot. Fair warning: some of these sites might make you question everything you know about web design (in a good way!).
Resource Goldmines
Envato Elements
Listen, I was skeptical about subscription-based resource platforms until I tried Envato Elements. The unlimited access to fonts, templates, and mockups has saved me countless hours. Especially useful when working on tight deadlines!
Creative Market
This is where I go for unique, character-filled resources. While not free, the quality of assets here is consistently high. My secret? Follow sellers whose style matches your aesthetic – they often run sales.
Flaticon & Freepik
These sister sites are lifesavers for quick icons and vectors. I use them mainly for initial concept presentations before creating custom elements.
Learning Platforms
Skillshare
I both learn from and teach on Skillshare. The project-based learning approach helps transform theory into practical skills. Currently working on my own course about brand identity design – stay tuned!
YouTube Channels
Some channels I can’t live without:
- The Futur (for business insights)
- Zimri Mayfield (for real-world design processes)
- Satori Graphics (for practical tutorials)
- Logo By Nick (for solid vector techniques)
Typography Resources
Google Fonts
Yes, it’s obvious, but Google Fonts has come a long way. The variety and quality have improved dramatically. Plus, the load time benefits make clients happy.
Adobe Fonts
Included with Creative Cloud, Adobe Fonts is my secret weapon for finding unique typefaces. The ability to sync fonts instantly across devices is a massive time-saver.
FontSquirrel
When clients are on a budget, FontSquirrel is my go-to for free fonts that don’t scream “free.” Their font identifier tool has saved me countless hours of “what font is that?” moments.
Color Tools
Coolors.co
The space-bar-to-generate feature is addictively simple. I use it for quick color palette exploration before diving deeper into custom palettes.
Adobe Color
The ability to extract color themes from images is fantastic for maintaining brand consistency across different media.
Colorhunt
When I need fresh color combination ideas, Colorhunt never disappoints. Their trending palettes section is particularly useful for staying current.
Design News & Communities
Sidebar.io
Five design-related links daily. No more, no less. It’s like having a really well-informed friend curating content for you.
Designer News
The community discussions here often reveal insights you won’t find in tutorials or courses. Just be ready for some strong opinions!
It’s Nice That
For staying connected with the broader creative industry. Their features often inspire me to think beyond traditional graphic design solutions.
Productivity Tools
Notion
Not strictly a design tool, but Notion has revolutionized how I manage design projects and client communication. I’ve created templates for everything from project briefs to mood boards.
Figma
More than just a design tool, Figma’s community is a goldmine of resources and inspiration. The ability to peek into other designers’ files is an incredible learning opportunity.
Mock-up Resources
Mockupworld
Their free mockups are surprisingly high-quality. Perfect for social media presentations and quick client previews.
Artboard Studio
A game-changer for creating custom mockups. The browser-based tool means no more jumping between Photoshop files.
Personal Tips for Using These Resources
- Create Collections
Don’t just bookmark sites – organize them based on project types and needs. I use Raindrop.io for this. - Set Inspiration Time
Dedicate specific times for browsing inspiration. Otherwise, you might fall into the endless scrolling trap (been there!). - Give Back
Share your work and insights too. The design community thrives on reciprocity. - Stay Original
Use these resources for inspiration, not copying. Your unique perspective is your biggest asset.
Closing Thoughts
Remember, tools and resources are just that – tools. What matters is how you use them to solve design problems and create value for your clients. At thebobbysaini.com, I focus on understanding client needs first, then use these resources to bring solutions to life efficiently.
Want to share your favorite design resources? Drop me a line! I’m always excited to discover new tools and connect with fellow designers.
About the Author: Bobby Saini is a graphic and brand designer passionate about creating meaningful visual experiences. Through thebobbysaini.com, he helps businesses develop strong brand identities and shares insights with the design community.
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Tags: design resources, graphic design tools, design inspiration, typography resources, design community, color tools, mockup resources, design learning, Bobby Saini, professional design
What are your go-to design resources? Share in the comments below!
Last updated: November 2024