As a graphic designer, I love trying out new design tools + resources and learning new design apps + programs. If you want to dig into specific design specialties like Adobe XD or Illustrator or InDesign, or iPad illustration, or brand design, this one’s for you!
Here are some of my favorite design resources + tools:
I use the Adobe suite of design programs (if you haven't gathered that already 😉), and though they can be pricey with the monthly subscription model, they come with great features beyond just Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign. You get access to an entire library of high quality fonts (Adobe Fonts, formerly called Adobe Typekit). The programs can integrate with each other through Creative Cloud Libraries, sharing assets like colors, logos, etc across programs. I use Adobe Sign for client contracts and easy document signing. They've even added some new programs recently that have been fun to play with, like Adobe Express (formerly Adobe Spark), which is for designing quick social media graphics. If you want a free 7-day trial of my personal fave – InDesign – click right here.
Want to learn more about Adobe XD? It's great for wire-framing and website design. My pal Chaitra is the queen of XD and web design, try her free email course here!
Want to learn more about Adobe Illustrator? It's perfect for designing logos, illustrations, icons, vector art, seamless patterns, surface design, and more. My friend Melissa teaches an amazing course called Illustrator Essentials, check it out here.
Want to learn more about iPad lettering + illustration? I love Gia Graham's monthly newsletters, they always include a simple iPad illustration tutorial, and it's been a fun creative outlet to try each month. See all of her classes here (that cut paper one looks amazing!).
My favorite place to get design assets like fonts, templates, icons, mockups, stock photos, and more is Creative Market. I could scroll on their search pages for hours, there are so many talented designers on there. And when you signup for their emails, you get 6 free design assets to download every Monday.
Want to learn more about brand design? My pal Jamie from Spruce Rd. is the queen of branding, and her blog series called Brand Self-Care is so fascinating! She shares her entire branding design process from start to finish, check it out here.
And of course, if you want to learn more about my personal favorite, Adobe InDesign, you can watch my free design tutorial showing you how I design a printable day planner from start to finish in just 20 minutes (including time for some promo graphics to coordinate!). Watch it here, or read some of my other popular design-related blog posts here.
