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 Bodega Shop Illustration in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Create a Bodega Shop Illustration in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Beginner

      In this tutorial learn to create a bodega on a street with lampposts using basic shapes in Adobe Illustrator.

    2. How to Create a Steampunk Owl Photo Manipulation in Adobe Photoshop

      How to Create a Steampunk Owl Photo Manipulation in Adobe Photoshop

      Tutorial Advanced

      In this tutorial, instructor Melody Nieves will show you how to draw and then construct your own steampunk owl using photo manipulation techniques in Adobe...

    3. How to Draw a House Step by Step

      How to Draw a House Step by Step

      Tutorial Intermediate

      Perspective is confusing, but you can't draw a realistic house without it. In this tutorial I will show you how to draw a house step by step in the two-point...

    4. How to Create an Abstract Vietnamese Woman Portrait in Adobe Photoshop

      How to Create an Abstract Vietnamese Woman Portrait in Adobe Photoshop

      Tutorial Intermediate

      In this tutorial I'll show you how to create an abstract piece featuring a young Vietnamese woman in a traditional long dress. Long dresses, lotus, and...

    5. How to Create iMessage Stickers in Adobe Illustrator and Make Extra Cash!

      How to Create iMessage Stickers in Adobe Illustrator and Make Extra Cash!

      Tutorial Intermediate

      Missing home? Learn to create simple iMessage stickers, inspired by the theme of "home", and sell them for profit!

    6. How to Create Traditional Romanian Objects in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Create Traditional Romanian Objects in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Intermediate

      In today’s tutorial, we’re going to take a close look at the process of creating a particularly interesting icon pack, since we’re going to illustrate some...

    7. How to Create a Modern Cottage in a Scandinavian Style in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Create a Modern Cottage in a Scandinavian Style in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Intermediate

      In today's tutorial you will learn how to create a modern cottage in Scandinavian style with the help of the most basic shapes and tools of Adobe Illustrator.

    8. How to Become an Art Director

      How to Become an Art Director

      Tutorial Beginner

      Today we’ll take a peek behind the curtain at the career paths of Art and Creative Directors. I spoke to several artists who have worked or are currently...

    9. How to Create a 90s Radio in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Create a 90s Radio in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Beginner

      In this tutorial, you'll learn to create a radio in the style of the 1990s using basic shapes in Adobe Illustrator.

    10. How to Create a Bold Fruit Pattern in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Create a Bold Fruit Pattern in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Beginner

      Learn how to create a juicy watermelon and orange fruits seamless pattern in Adobe Illustrator using basic shapes.

    11. Envato Tuts+ Community Challenge: Created by You, April 2017 Edition

      Envato Tuts+ Community Challenge: Created by You, April 2017 Edition

      Tutorial Beginner

      Welcome to our monthly feature of fantastic tutorial results created by you, the Envato Tuts+ community! This is an assortment of those comment submissions...

    12. How to Create a Spring-Themed Icon Pack in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Create a Spring-Themed Icon Pack in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Beginner

      In today’s tutorial we’re going to take a look at the process of creating a spring-themed icon pack. We'll follow a step-by-step approach in order to learn...