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. How to Create a Tunisian-Inspired Motif in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Create a Tunisian-Inspired Motif in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Intermediate

      Learn to design a Tunisian-style motif and customize your own throw pillows or cushions using Adobe Illustrator CC!

    2. International Artist Feature: Puerto Rico

      International Artist Feature: Puerto Rico

      Tutorial Beginner

      For this article in the international artist series, we turn to Puerto Rico, featuring six artists who create fantastic work, from illustration to graphic...

    3. International Artist Feature: Egypt

      International Artist Feature: Egypt

      Tutorial Beginner

      Welcome back to our International Artist Series. Discover six Egyptian artists who create phenomenal work, from cool 3D animations to graphic designs!

    4. Art Therapy: What It Is and How It May Help You

      Art Therapy: What It Is and How It May Help You

      Tutorial Beginner

      Creating art can be stressful, but it can be also extremely liberating once you let yourself be! Read this article to learn the benefits of free creating.

    5. International Artist Feature: Jamaica

      International Artist Feature: Jamaica

      Tutorial Beginner

      Welcome back to our International Artist Series. Today we catch up with six incredible artists from Jamaica, a big-hearted island in the Caribbean Sea.

    6. How to Draw an Abstract Gold Background in Adobe Illustrator Using Gradient Mesh

      How to Draw an Abstract Gold Background in Adobe Illustrator Using Gradient Mesh

      Tutorial Beginner

      Today you will learn how to create a vector abstract background using just the Mesh Tool in Adobe Illustrator!

    7. Art History: Cubism

      Art History: Cubism

      Tutorial Beginner

      Welcome back to our series on art history! From the Impressionist movement, we now venture onward to the early-20th-century art movement of Cubism.

    8. Where Are They Now? Catching Up With Veteran Tuts+ Authors

      Where Are They Now? Catching Up With Veteran Tuts+ Authors

      Tutorial Beginner

      Catch up with five amazing authors from the ten-year history of Tuts+. Learn about their first tutorials, inspirations, and recent design adventures.

    9. How to Create 10 Common Icons and Their Variations in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Create 10 Common Icons and Their Variations in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Beginner

      To celebrate our tenth birthday, learn how to create a set of ten must-have UI icons, using the most basic shapes and tools that Illustrator has to offer.

    10. How to Create a Set of Barber Tools in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Create a Set of Barber Tools in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Beginner

      Learn the process of creating a set of barber-themed tools and accessories using basic shapes and tools in Adobe Illustrator.

    11. International Artist Feature: Austria

      International Artist Feature: Austria

      Tutorial Beginner

      For this article in the international artist series, we turn to Austria, featuring six artists who create cool 3D illustrations, graphic designs and more!

    12. How to Design a Set of Retro Kitchen Items in Affinity Designer

      How to Design a Set of Retro Kitchen Items in Affinity Designer

      Tutorial Intermediate

      Today we’ll be using geometric shapes, tools, and functions of the Draw Persona of Affinity Designer to create a set of retro kitchen devices.