Are you looking for ways to improve your design skills? Want to create better graphics to improve your online presence?

Creative Market share their study tips in this infographic.

Here are a few points from their list:

• Understand the basic terms
• Find design blogs
• Follow designers on social media
• Find free online courses
• Recreate your favourite work

Check out the infographic for more.

 

Design is all around us. From the layout of websites and mobile apps to the packaging of everyday products, design plays a pivotal role in shaping our world.

If you’ve ever wanted to dip your toes into the world of design but are hesitant due to the perceived cost of learning, worry not! There are numerous free resources available that can help you get started on your design journey.

In this blog post, we’ll explore 12 free ways to learn design, from understanding the basics to finding inspiration and honing your skills.

 

Learn Your Design History

Design is deeply rooted in history, and understanding its evolution is essential for anyone aspiring to become a designer.

Learning about iconic design movements, influential designers, and groundbreaking innovations can provide valuable insights into the principles and aesthetics that have shaped the field.

Fortunately, there are numerous free resources available to help you delve into design history:

• Online Museums: Many museums offer virtual tours and online exhibitions that showcase design history. Websites like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Victoria and Albert Museum provide access to a wealth of design-related content.
• Library Archives: Libraries often digitize historical design books, magazines, and documents. Websites like Project Gutenberg and Google Books offer access to a vast collection of design-related literature.
• YouTube: Look for documentaries and video lectures on design history. Channels like The School of Life and The Futur offer engaging content on various design topics.

 

Understand the Basic Terms

Before diving into design, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamental terminology and concepts that underpin the discipline.

Familiarizing yourself with these terms will help you communicate effectively with other designers and better understand design principles.

You can find free resources to help you build your design vocabulary:

• Glossaries: Various websites and blogs offer glossaries of design terms. These glossaries often provide concise definitions and examples to help you understand each concept.
• Design Forums: Participating in design forums like Behance or Dribbble can expose you to a wide range of design terminology and discussions. Engaging with the design community can be an excellent way to learn from others.
• Design Courses: Some free online design courses, such as those on Coursera and edX, include modules that introduce key design terminology. Look for introductory courses in design fundamentals.

 

Find Design Blogs

Design blogs are a treasure trove of information, inspiration, and tutorials. They often feature articles written by experienced designers, showcasing their work, sharing insights, and offering valuable tips.

Some renowned design blogs include Smashing Magazine, A List Apart, and Design Shack. Reading these blogs regularly can help you stay up-to-date with design trends and techniques.

 

Follow Designers on Social Media

Social media platforms are fantastic places to discover and connect with designers from around the world.

Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest are teeming with talented designers who regularly share their work and insights.

By following these designers, you can gain inspiration, learn about their creative processes, and even interact with them to seek advice or feedback.

 

Research the Greats

Studying the work of legendary designers can provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Many famous designers, such as Paul Rand, Milton Glaser, and Massimo Vignelli, have left a lasting impact on the field.

Learn about their lives, examine their portfolios, and read their writings to gain a deeper understanding of their design philosophies.

To access their work, you can visit design museums’ websites, explore design books and articles, or even search for interviews and documentaries about these iconic figures. Understanding the greats can help you appreciate the rich history and diverse approaches to design.

 

Study Other Designers’ Work

In addition to learning from design legends, it’s essential to study the work of contemporary designers.

Look for designers whose style and projects resonate with you. Analyze their design choices, color palettes, typography, and layout techniques.

While you should never copy their work, studying it can provide valuable insights and ideas that you can incorporate into your own designs.

 

Use Free Adobe Alternatives

Adobe Creative Cloud is a powerhouse of design software, but it comes with a subscription fee. However, there are free alternatives that offer similar functionality:

• GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program): GIMP is a robust image editing software that can rival Adobe Photoshop in many aspects. It’s an excellent choice for digital artists and photographers.
• Inkscape: Inkscape is a vector graphics editor that can serve as a free alternative to Adobe Illustrator. It’s perfect for creating logos, illustrations, and vector-based designs.
• Gravit Designer: Gravit Designer is another versatile vector design tool that is available for free. It offers a user-friendly interface and many powerful features.
• Canva: Canva is a user-friendly online design tool that simplifies graphic design for beginners. While it offers premium features, a wide array of design templates and tools are available for free.

By utilizing these free alternatives, you can practice your design skills without the financial burden of premium software subscriptions.

 

Find Free Online Courses

The internet is teeming with free online courses that cover a wide range of design topics.

Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer free courses in design fundamentals, graphic design, UX/UI design, and more.

These courses often provide video lectures, assignments, and quizzes to help you learn at your own pace.

 

Watch Great Video Tutorials

Video tutorials are a fantastic way to learn design techniques step-by-step. Websites like YouTube and Vimeo host thousands of design-related tutorials, ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

Whether you’re interested in mastering Adobe software, learning typography, or understanding color theory, you’ll find a tutorial that suits your needs.

Many professional designers and educators create and share these tutorials for free.

 

Watch TED Talks on Design

TED Talks are renowned for their thought-provoking content, and there are plenty of talks that delve into the world of design.

These talks feature designers, architects, and artists who share their insights, experiences, and creative processes. Some notable TED Talks on design include “Simplicity Sells” by David Pogue and “Design is in the Details” by Paul Bennett.

Watching these talks can broaden your perspective on design and inspire you to think differently about your creative projects.

 

Recreate Your Favorite Work

One of the best ways to learn design is by doing. Choose a design project that you admire and try to recreate it from scratch.

Whether it’s a logo, a poster, a web page, or an illustration, the process of recreating existing work can teach you valuable lessons about design principles, techniques, and tools.

It’s not about copying but rather about understanding how the design was constructed and applying those insights to your own creations.

 

Make Something New

While learning from existing designs is essential, don’t forget to express your creativity by making something entirely new.

Start with simple projects and gradually work your way up to more complex ones. Experiment with different design elements, color schemes, and layouts.

Whether you’re designing a personal blog, a digital art piece, or a mobile app prototype, the act of creating will help you refine your skills and develop your unique design style.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, learning design doesn’t have to be costly. With the wealth of free resources available online, you can embark on your design journey without breaking the bank.

From understanding design history to studying the work of great designers, exploring free software alternatives, and creating your own projects, these 12 free ways to learn design offer a comprehensive roadmap to help you develop your design skills and unleash your creative potential.

So, start today, and let your design journey begin!