1. Design & Illustration

Design & Illustration Learning Guides

Discover our selections of the best free design tutorials on a range of topics, all in one place. If you want to brush up your Photoshop skills or learn a new piece of software like Adobe XD, you’ll find learning guides here to help you do that. Or maybe you want something more specialised, like learning how to draw textures or how to paint hair. We’ve got guides to help you with that too.

Just browse through the list and click on a topic that interests you to discover more and to find links to our hand-picked selection of free tutorials, designed to teach you that new skill or software as easily and enjoyably as possible.

  1. Low Poly Ninja Game Character with Blender

    2 Posts
    In this epic two part series, you'll learn how to create a low poly ninja character model for games using Blender. The final model will be around 1,200 polys, which is a good amount for iPhone or iPad games. Although this tutorial covers building the character in Blender, the workflow is universal and can easily be followed using any other 3D modeling/software package.
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  2. Build the Caterpillar 797 in 3D Studio Max

    3 Posts
    In this series, you’ll learn how to model the ridiculously huge Caterpillar 797B mining dump truck. Spanning three parts, this tutorial will give you an in-depth look at what it takes to create a fully realized vehicle model in 3D Studio Max using blueprints and photo reference. You’ll learn how to work with Max’s edit poly modifier, spline tools and much more.
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  3. Logo and Identity Design

    16 Posts
    Audiences identify with effective logos and well composed brand identities. Learn how to craft creative logo designs with impact. In this Creative Session, we have a compilation of inspiring logo design and branding material.
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  4. Intro to Photoshop Layer Styles

    11 Posts
    Photoshop Layer Styles are a popular way to add effects, such as drop shadows and strokes, to layers in a non-destructive way. In this Session, we'll show you how to use Layer Styles in Photoshop, how to create Layer Styles and all the different options available to master them!
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  5. Create A Stylized Character With Maya And ZBrush

    6 Posts
    In this multi-part tutorial series, Shaun Keenan shares the techniques and workflow he uses to create characters. You'll start by blocking out the character in Maya and then move into ZBrush where you'll make further refinements and sculpt the clothing. Once complete, you learn how to retopo the model, create textures, light and render the character.
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  6. Introduction to Photoshop CS6

    29 Posts
    Photoshop CS6 has finally arrived. It has come packed with new features and tweaks that will significantly improve your workflow and enhance your tool set. In this series we will take a look at some of Photoshop CS6’s new features and show you how they work.
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