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 Folded Text Effect in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Create a Folded Text Effect in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Beginner

      In the following steps you will learn how to create a folded text effect in Adobe Illustrator.

    2. How to Create a Retro-Style Airline Destination Travel Poster

      How to Create a Retro-Style Airline Destination Travel Poster

      Tutorial Advanced

      This tutorial takes a look at the design and style of 1950s air travel tourism poster design. We'll take a look at the typographic qualities and composition...

    3. How to Create an Internet Security Flat Illustration in Affinity Designer

      How to Create an Internet Security Flat Illustration in Affinity Designer

      Tutorial Intermediate

      In this tutorial we’ll be creating a composition of flat internet security icons in Affinity Designer, using geometric shapes, the Vector Crop Tool,...

    4. How to Create a Computer Peripherals Icon Set in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Create a Computer Peripherals Icon Set in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Beginner

      In today’s tutorial we’re going to learn how to create a set of four computer peripherals, using the same body as the central structure to which we will add...

    5. How to Create a Tropical Bungalow on a Palm Beach in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Create a Tropical Bungalow on a Palm Beach in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Beginner

      In this tutorial we are going to create a tropical bungalow on a palm beach background using the most basic shapes and tools of Adobe Illustrator.

    6. The Must-Have Adobe Illustrator Assets for Digital Artists and Designers

      The Must-Have Adobe Illustrator Assets for Digital Artists and Designers

      Tutorial Beginner

      There are so many tools and assets designers and artists can add to their virtual toolbox that it's hard to know where to begin! Stop the guessing game and...

    7. International Artist Feature: Ireland

      International Artist Feature: Ireland

      Tutorial Beginner

      For this article in the international artist series, we turn to Ireland, featuring seven artists who create fantastic work from illustrations to paper...

    8. How to Design a Set of Circus Icons in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Design a Set of Circus Icons in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Intermediate

      Retro circuses and funfairs have their own enchanting atmosphere that makes me want to draw them again and again. If you enjoy those shapes and colors of a...

    9. How to Create a Desktop Illustration in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Create a Desktop Illustration in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Beginner

      Learn how to create a this fabulous night desktop with flat design style using basic shapes in Adobe Illustrator.

    10. How to Create Realistic Feet-Inspired Hiking Boots in Adobe Photoshop

      How to Create Realistic Feet-Inspired Hiking Boots in Adobe Photoshop

      Tutorial Intermediate

      In this tutorial, instructor Melody Nieves will show you how to create an awesome pair of feet-inspired hiking boots using basic photo manipulation...

    11. How to Create a Set of Divider Elements in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Create a Set of Divider Elements in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Intermediate

      In today’s tutorial we’re going to try something new both to me and probably some of you, and learn how to create a set of stylized divider elements, using...

    12. Envato Tuts+ Community Challenge: Created by You, February 2017 Edition

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

      Tutorial Beginner

      Welcome to our monthly feature of fantastic tutorial results created by you, the Envato Tuts+ community! Check out this month's collection of incredible...