Graphic Design Websites
- Mark Lynch
- May 8, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: May 24, 2023
In the ever-evolving world of graphic design, there are a myriad of graphic design resources for all levels of graphic designer. No matter if you are a seasoned pro or a budding apprentice or student on the steep learning curve to success. These graphic design websites listed below in today's blog are an invaluable resource to stay on top of the latest trends, techniques, and tools. The information provided on such websites can inspire your creative passion and assist you in a variety of ways at the touch of a button. It’s a virtual library of resource material that you can customise to your own specific requirements.
Here are some of the best graphic design websites that you should check out:
1. Behance
Behance is a social media platform for creatives, where you can showcase your work, discover other designers' work, and connect with other professionals in the field. It's a great resource for finding inspiration, getting feedback on your work, and building your online portfolio.
PROS
Behance, which is a part of the Adobe Creative Suite, is the premier online platform for discovering and showcasing creatives work. Individuals and groups in the creative industries worldwide participate in Behance, becoming part of a community designed with their original work and creative process in consideration. Through the creation of profiles containing projects, users are able to present their work on the platform.
CONS
The basic structure and simplistic design of Behance is something that users often refer to as a negative, it can see it labelled as basic and unexciting by many users. Another complaint high on the list is the process of having to compress image files in order to save and load them to the system.
2. Canva
Canva is a widely used graphic design tool that empowers users to create designs for a diverse spectrum of purposes, ranging from social media posts to business cards. In addition, the Canva website offers a blog containing valuable advice, instructional content, and design inspiration to users.
PRO
Canva offers ease of use that is manageable for non-designers, a professional Look, customisable templates, a wide range of social media templates are available, cost effective, team access and stock imagery use. A premium subscription with additional benefits, tools and assets is available.
CONS
Can be limited in some of its features such as range of templates and export settings, raw files are not a valid format, some alignment issues have been highlighted as a concern by users, intellectual copyright is exclusive to canva who can delete user accounts at any time. Free version is restricted.
3. Creative Bloq
Creative Bloq is a website that extensively covers all elements of design, including graphic design, web design, illustration, and 3D design. It provides readers with an array of resources, such as articles, tutorials, and galleries, to assist them in keeping abreast of the most recent trends and techniques in the industry.
PROS
Creative Bloq are totally independent and never take payments for reviews. Our product reviews are composed by individuals who utilise them in their everyday lives and written by writers who possess a passion for the newest technology because it plays a critical role in their personal and professional lives. Launched a new creative awards section in 2022 which is open to the public.
CONS
Creative Bloq relies heavily on adverts which users can find distracting. Can be somewhat general and lacks targeted, In-depth content. Can be repetitive at times with users seeing the same designs tip and tutorials.
4. Designspiration
Designspiration is a visual search engine that allows you to search for design inspiration based on colour, style, and other criteria. It's a great resource for finding new ideas and discovering new designers. Created by Shelby White in 2010 with the main purpose of providing an organised catalogue of inspiration
PRO
Designinspiration.com is a major source of inspiration for designers who are looking for fresh ideas and innovative designs. The website has a simple and easy-to-use interface, making it easy for users to browse and search for specific designs or designers of their choice. Community based clientele who are looking to network and collaborate with other designers.
CONS
Designinsperation.com is not curated and this can lead to low quality work and or amateur works being on show. Risk of copyright infringements due to the large number of designers and designs sharing their work. Limited functionality and, in some cases, detailed information regarding the works on display.
5. Dribbble
Dribbble is a social networking site specifically created for designers, offering a platform to showcase their work, interact with fellow designers, and gain inspiration. It is an excellent tool for discovering emerging design trends and receiving constructive feedback on your designs.
PROS
Dribbble has a vibrant community of designers who share their work, provide feedback, and offer support. This can be a great resource for networking, collaborating, and learning from other designers. Dribbble allows designers to showcase their work to a creator and client-based audience. Increased chance to attract job opportunities, collaboration and freelance work.
CONS
While basic membership on Dribbble is free, advanced features require a paid membership. This can be a drawback for designers who are on a tight budget. Dribbble is not curated, and this can lead to low quality work and amateur works being on display. There is a risk of copyright infringement on Dribbble, as designers may inadvertently or intentionally use copyrighted material in their work. It's important for users to be aware of this risk and to be careful when using designs from the site.
6. Smashing Magazine
Smashing Magazine is a comprehensive online platform that caters to web design, graphic design, and UX/UI design. It offers a plethora of informative articles, tutorials, and resources that can assist you in honing your design skills and keeping abreast of the most recent industry developments.
PROS
Smashing Magazine provides a wealth of informative articles, tutorials, and resources on various design topics. It caters for all skill levels with its diverse content covering a broad of design topics including web design to graphic design and UX/UI design, making it a great resource for designers who work in different areas.
CONS
Smashing Magazine produces a lot of content, which can be overwhelming for designers who have limited time to keep up with it all. Some designers may find the content to be unfocused or not relevant to their specific needs. It features advertising on its site, which may be distracting or annoying for some users.
7. Awwwards
Awwwards is a website that acknowledges and commends outstanding web design and development projects. It serves as an exceptional source for gaining inspiration and exploring new web design trends.
PRO
Awwwards is an exceptional source of inspiration for web designers, showcasing some of the most innovative and creative web design projects from around the world. Winning an award can significantly boost a designer's reputation and career prospects. The website offers a wealth of resources for web designers, including articles, tutorials, and courses that can help them improve their skills and stay up to date with the latest trends.
CONS
Awwwards only focuses on web design and development, so it may not be the best resource for designers who work in other areas of design.
8. Design Milk
Design Milk is a website that comprehensively covers various areas of design, including but not limited to architecture, interior design, graphic design, and product design. It provides a wealth of resources, such as articles, interviews, and galleries, that can inspire and educate designers of all proficiency levels.
PRO
Design Milk covers a wide range of design topics, making it a great resource for designers who want to explore distinctive design disciplines. Content is of high quality, featuring informative articles, interviews with designers, and product reviews.has a large and active community of designers and design enthusiasts who contribute to the site and engage with each other.
CONS
Design Milk's focus is primarily on aesthetics and design trends, so it may not be the best resource for designers who are looking for more technical or in-depth information. features advertising on its site, which may be distracting or annoying for some users. Limited resources compared to some of the other websites.
In conclusion, graphic design websites are an essential resource for any designer looking to stay up to date with the latest trends, techniques, and tools. Whether you're looking for inspiration, tutorials, or feedback on your work, these websites have something to offer. So, start exploring and see what you can learn!
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