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. Cancel Adobe? Best Alternatives for Designers

      Cancel Adobe? Best Alternatives for Designers

      Tutorial Beginner

      Thinking about canceling your Adobe subscription to save money and protect your privacy? Here you'll find the best Adobe alternatives.

    2. From Screen to Brand: The Impact of Color Palettes on Movie Marketing Strategies

      From Screen to Brand: The Impact of Color Palettes on Movie Marketing Strategies

      Tutorial Beginner

      In the film industry, visual language extends far beyond the events on-screen. The marketing strategies that propel a film to box office success are both...

    3. Trend Watch: Neo-Brutalism in Typography

      Trend Watch: Neo-Brutalism in Typography

      Tutorial Beginner

      In this article, we'll take a brief look at neo-brutalist graphic design, its origin, its use in web design, and some awesome neo-brutalist fonts you can use...

    4. Pride Art & Graphic Design: From the Pink Triangle Origins to the Gilbert Font

      Pride Art & Graphic Design: From the Pink Triangle Origins to the Gilbert Font

      Tutorial Beginner

      Curious about the origins of Pride graphics? In this article, we'll take a look at the origins of the Pink Triangle, the Gilbert Baker pride flag, Keith...

    5. Summer Color Palette Inspiration: Trending Palettes and Templates

      Summer Color Palette Inspiration: Trending Palettes and Templates

      Tutorial Beginner

      In this article, discover the best summer season palettes and summer color analysis to use as inspiration for your next project.

    6. How to Make a Watercolor Brush in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Make a Watercolor Brush in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Beginner

      Wondering how to make a watercolor brush in Illustrator? Today you'll learn how to do watercolor painting in Illustrator using three different methods.

    7. Why 90s Graphic Design Was a Total Game Changer

      Why 90s Graphic Design Was a Total Game Changer

      Tutorial Beginner

      In this article, we’ll explore the impact that pop and underground culture had on graphic design throughout the 90s and see how 90s design is making a...

    8. What Is the Maximalism Graphic Design Trend?

      What Is the Maximalism Graphic Design Trend?

      Tutorial Beginner

      In this article, we take a look at the the maximalism graphic design trend through the decades and different design trends. This is one of the most chaotic,...

    9. What Fonts Are Trending Now and Font Trends for 2024

      What Fonts Are Trending Now and Font Trends for 2024

      Tutorial Beginner

      Consider this your ultimate guide to trending fonts in 2024. From 90s magazine fonts to the influence that K-culture will be wielding on typography in the...

    10. Inspiration: Star Wars Day Resources

      Inspiration: Star Wars Day Resources

      Tutorial Beginner

      Join us as we celebrate Star Wars Day with a carefully curated selection of the best resources from Envato Elements to help you create your own sci-fi...

    11. How to Create a Pride Rainbow Gradient Overlay in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Create a Pride Rainbow Gradient Overlay in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Beginner

      June is seen as LGBTQI Pride month (although this varies around the globe), but you can show your Pride all year round by creating your own pride rainbow...

    12. T-Shirt Design Trends for 2024

      T-Shirt Design Trends for 2024

      Tutorial Beginner

      If you're looking to sell T-shirts, it's best to keep them trendy. In 2024, that means fun and quirky designs! Let's look at the trends that will be taking...