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 Set of Retro Media Icons in Affinity Designer

      How to Create a Set of Retro Media Icons in Affinity Designer

      Tutorial Intermediate

      Retro style always remains trendy as it inspires artists and designers with its subtle palettes and smooth shapes. In this tutorial we’ll be creating a set...

    2. Envato Tuts+ Community Challenge: Created by You, September 2016 Edition

      Envato Tuts+ Community Challenge: Created by You, September 2016 Edition

      Tutorial Beginner

      Welcome to our monthly feature of fantastic tutorial results created by you, the Envato Tuts+ community! Check out this set of results and join in for the...

    3. How to Create a Fantasy Snail Photo Manipulation With Adobe  Photoshop

      How to Create a Fantasy Snail Photo Manipulation With Adobe Photoshop

      Tutorial Intermediate

      In this tutorial, I'll show you how to create a fantasy snail carrying a house. First we'll build the basic scene using two moss images. Later we'll import...

    4. How to Create a Futuristic Racing Illustration in Sketch

      How to Create a Futuristic Racing Illustration in Sketch

      Tutorial Intermediate

      Follow this tutorial to create a beautiful retro-futuristic style racing illustration. We’ll be using powerful Sketch drawing tools to create a futuristic...

    5. International Artist Feature: Canada

      International Artist Feature: Canada

      Tutorial Beginner

      For this article in the international artist series, we turn to Canada, featuring five artists who create fantastic work, from illustration to graphic design...

    6. How to Create a Mermaid in Adobe Photoshop

      How to Create a Mermaid in Adobe Photoshop

      Tutorial Intermediate

      Fantastic creatures may not be real, but Photoshop can make them so! In this tutorial I will show you how to turn yourself into a realistic-looking mermaid.

    7. How to Use Color to Set the Mood in Adobe Photoshop

      How to Use Color to Set the Mood in Adobe Photoshop

      Tutorial Advanced

      Color sets the mood in every digital painting. So in this tutorial, digital artist Melody Nieves will show you how to paint three totally distinct moods in...

    8. How to Create Flat Pirate Icons in Adobe Photoshop

      How to Create Flat Pirate Icons in Adobe Photoshop

      Tutorial Intermediate

      Ahoy, matey! Are you ready to make a fancy set of pirate icons in Adobe Photoshop? Hoist the colours! In this tutorial we’ll be using basic shapes as well as...

    9. History of Art: Ancient Egypt

      History of Art: Ancient Egypt

      Tutorial Beginner

      Welcome back to our series on art history. In this article we’ll move forward from Mesopotamia to ancient Egypt where we’ll get into hieroglyphics,...

    10. How to Create a Coloring Book Style Illustration in Adobe Illustrator

      How to Create a Coloring Book Style Illustration in Adobe Illustrator

      Tutorial Beginner

      Are you ready start creating your own coloring page? Trust me; it’s easy and fun! Join me in this tutorial and you’ll be an expert in this!

    11. How to Create a Fantasy Fairy Photo Manipulation With Adobe Photoshop

      How to Create a Fantasy Fairy Photo Manipulation With Adobe Photoshop

      Tutorial Intermediate

      In this tutorial I'll show you how to create a fantasy fairy photo manipulation. You will learn how to build a colorful flowery background, retouch a model,...

    12. Envato Tuts+ Community Challenge: Created by You, August 2016 Edition

      Envato Tuts+ Community Challenge: Created by You, August 2016 Edition

      Tutorial Beginner

      Each month we feature incredible designs and illustrations created by our readers from our tutorials here on Envato Tuts+. Check out this month's entries for...