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. What Is Flat Design? Design in 60 Seconds

      What Is Flat Design? Design in 60 Seconds

      Tutorial Beginner

      In this quick video, instructor Melody Nieves will take you through the basics of what you need to know about flat design.

    2. International Artist Feature: Morocco

      International Artist Feature: Morocco

      Tutorial Beginner

      For this article in the international artist series, we turn to Morocco, featuring six artists who create fantastic work, from 3D illustrations to graphic...

    3. How to Design a Flat Sci-Fi Blaster in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Design a Flat Sci-Fi Blaster in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Intermediate

      Are you keen on sci-fi movies, games and fancy weapons? Follow this tutorial and try your hand at weapon design by creating a futuristic space blaster in...

    4. How to Create Flat Design Headphones in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Create Flat Design Headphones in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Beginner

      In the following tutorial you will learn how to create a headphones illustration using basic shapes in Adobe Illustrator. It's super easy!

    5. History of Art: The Middle Ages

      History of Art: The Middle Ages

      Tutorial Beginner

      Welcome back to our series on art history! From the lands of Asia, we now venture onward to experience the world of art from the Middle Ages.

    6. How to Create a Set of Flat Clock Icons in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Create a Set of Flat Clock Icons in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Intermediate

      In this tutorial we’ll be creating three different types of clock in a trendy flat style, applying solid colors and geometric shapes. We’ll learn to design...

    7. International Artist Feature: Chile

      International Artist Feature: Chile

      Tutorial Beginner

      For this article in the international artist series, we turn to Chile, featuring six artists who create fantastic work, from illustrations to graphic design...

    8. How to Create a "Share the Love" Icon Pack in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Create a "Share the Love" Icon Pack in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Beginner

      Since this week is all about love, we’re going to continue the theme and create a love sharing icon pack to explore the different ways in which you can...

    9. How to Create a Love-Themed Icon Pack in Adobe Illustrator

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

      Tutorial Beginner

      Since Valentine’s Day isn’t all that far away, I thought it would be nice to give you a head start this year and teach you how to create a nice little...

    10. International Artist Feature: Japan

      International Artist Feature: Japan

      Tutorial Beginner

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

    11. Photoshop in 60 Seconds: How to Create a Simple Geometric Pattern

      Photoshop in 60 Seconds: How to Create a Simple Geometric Pattern

      Tutorial Beginner

      In this quick video, instructor Melody Nieves will show you how to make a simple geometric pattern in Adobe Photoshop.

    12. Illustrator in 60 Seconds: How to Create a Phone Icon

      Illustrator in 60 Seconds: How to Create a Phone Icon

      Tutorial Beginner

      In today's tutorial we're going to show you how to create your very own phone icon using nothing more than simple shapes and tools that you probably already...