Learn Design Theory

Discover the principles and practices that make great design with our design theory tutorials. Master everything from color theory to design trends.

Getting started with Theory

  • Teach Yourself Graphic Design: A Self-Study Course Outline

    Teach Yourself Graphic Design: A Self-Study Course Outline

    Sean Hodge
  • Rebellious Design: Brutalism Meets 90s Graphic Design

    Rebellious Design: Brutalism Meets 90s Graphic Design

    Laura Keung
  • All Theory tutorials:

    1. The Rise of the Sans Serif

      The Rise of the Sans Serif

      Tutorial Beginner

      In this article, we'll take a look at the history of sans serif typefaces. You'll learn what makes them great and discover some options for your next project.

    2. How to Paint Watercolor Flowers in Clip Studio Paint

      How to Paint Watercolor Flowers in Clip Studio Paint

      Tutorial Beginner

      If you want to learn how to paint watercolor flowers digitally, in this tutorial I'll show you how to make a watercolor effect in Clip Studio Paint.

    3. A Brief History of Display Fonts

      A Brief History of Display Fonts

      Tutorial Beginner

      In this article, we touch on the history of display fonts, outlining some essential tips and great examples from our Envato Elements library.

    4. How to Make a Vaporwave Album Cover in Photoshop

      How to Make a Vaporwave Album Cover in Photoshop

      Tutorial Intermediate

      In this tutorial, you'll discover an easy way to create a vaporwave album cover in Photoshop.

    5. How to Make an Old Paper Texture in Photoshop

      How to Make an Old Paper Texture in Photoshop

      Tutorial Beginner

      In this tutorial, you'll learn how to create an old paper texture from scratch and how to use it like an overlay in Photoshop.

    6. Comic Sans: The Font We Love to Hate? Plus Fonts Similar to Comic Sans

      Comic Sans: The Font We Love to Hate? Plus Fonts Similar to Comic Sans

      Tutorial Beginner

      Derided by design fans but loved by millions of Microsoft users, Comic Sans is one of the most popular—and divisive—fonts ever created. Since its release in...

    7. How to Make a Pastel Duotone Effect in Photoshop

      How to Make a Pastel Duotone Effect in Photoshop

      Tutorial Beginner

      In this tutorial, I will show you how to create pastel duotone effect in Photoshop with almost no effort.

    8. How to Create a Mountain Landscape in Flat Style in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Create a Mountain Landscape in Flat Style in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Intermediate

      In this tutorial we will create a mountain landscape in flat style using the most basic shapes and tools of Adobe Illustrator.

    9. Art Deco Graphic Design: Let's Talk About This Trend

      Art Deco Graphic Design: Let's Talk About This Trend

      Tutorial Beginner

      Are you a fan of the 1920s Art Deco style? Today we'll take a look at exactly what Art Deco design is and share some of the best Art Deco graphic designs and...

    10. How to Make a Pastel Effect in Photoshop (Aesthetic Edit Action)

      How to Make a Pastel Effect in Photoshop (Aesthetic Edit Action)

      Tutorial Intermediate

      In this tutorial, I will show you how to create a pastel effect in Photoshop along with Windows 95 inspired interface elements.

    11. 25+ Free Graffiti Fonts (Dope Font Styles to Download Now)

      25+ Free Graffiti Fonts (Dope Font Styles to Download Now)

      Tutorial Beginner

      Wanna bring a bit of that street art vibe to your projects with graffiti fonts? Today we have a list of the best graffiti fonts—both premium and free—that...

    12. How to Draw a Line in Photoshop

      How to Draw a Line in Photoshop

      Tutorial Beginner

      If you want to learn how to draw a line in Photoshop CC, in this short tutorial I’ll show you the popular methods to draw many types of lines—for example,...