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.
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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. How to create 3D text effects with Project Neo and Adobe Firefly

      How to create 3D text effects with Project Neo and Adobe Firefly

      Tutorial • Beginner

      Let's try out the new design tool, Project Neo, to learn how to create text-to-3D images instantly with the support of Adobe Firefly

    2. What is the Bezold effect?

      What is the Bezold effect?

      Tutorial • Beginner

      In this article we'll uncover the Bezold effect, where altering a single color in a design transforms the entire color scheme.

    3. Simultaneous contrast: Make your colors work smarter

      Simultaneous contrast: Make your colors work smarter

      Tutorial • Beginner

      Unlock the magic of simultaneous contrast! Discover how surrounding colors can supercharge your designs, making hues pop and visuals sizzle. Elevate your...

    4. Vibrating boundaries: Making colors POP!

      Vibrating boundaries: Making colors POP!

      Tutorial • Beginner

      Discover the visual power of vibrating boundaries, a stunning example of simultaneous contrast. Learn how this optical illusion can make your designs pop...

    5. The principles of design

      The principles of design

      Tutorial • Beginner

      Wondering what goes into the creation of a successful design piece? With this video course, learn what the principles of design are, see examples of...

    6. The basic elements of design

      The basic elements of design

      Tutorial • Beginner

      In this article, we'll explain what the elements of design are, and we'll talk about why these basic design elements, also called design principles, are so...

    7. Why we see ghost images: After-images and successive contrast

      Why we see ghost images: After-images and successive contrast

      Tutorial • Beginner

      Have you ever wondered why you sometimes see "ghost images" after staring at a bright color or pattern? This article delves into the fascinating phenomenon...

    8. Advanced color theory: Why the color wheel is wrong

      Advanced color theory: Why the color wheel is wrong

      Tutorial • Beginner

      If you're basing your color harmonies on the red, yellow, blue color wheel and find yourself endlessly tweaking colors to get the result you want, check out...

    9. How to design an anti-design poster

      How to design an anti-design poster

      Tutorial • Beginner

      In this tutorial, you'll learn to create an anti-design poster that explores the style that ignores conventional graphic design rules. The result is a...

    10. How to add a gradient fill in Affinity Designer

      How to add a gradient fill in Affinity Designer

      Tutorial • Beginner

      Want to know how can you do gradients in Affinity Designer? Learn about linear, elliptical, radial, and conical gradients and what the Fill Tool can do,...

    11. How to make mixed media collage art

      How to make mixed media collage art

      Tutorial • Intermediate

      In this tutorial, you'll learn to create a mixed media collage art with magazine cutouts and digital assets to achieve an eclectic yet creative look.

    12. Typeface vs. Font: What Is the Difference Between Them?

      Typeface vs. Font: What Is the Difference Between Them?

      Tutorial • Beginner

      Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a font and a typeface? Well, wonder no more because that’s exactly what we’re clarifying today.

    Related Categories

    Adobe Photoshop
    Adobe Illustrator
    Drawing
    Adobe InDesign