As creatives, you can get stuck in your own head from time to time. And failure to expose yourself to new ways of looking at things can take a toll on your the quality of your work.
Because you need to look at things from a different perspective, here is a peek at some of the best graphic design blogs to keep you inspired.
Without further ado, let’s drum up some inspiration. While there are countless graphic design blogs out there, here are ten of our very favorite sources of design eye candy.
1. High On Design
High on Design is a blog developed by the Wix Design team that covers all ends of the visual spectrum. The blog has everything from interviews with designers to book reviews and articles that talk practice and philosophy. What’s more is, they’ve curated a monthly playlist to get those design juices flowing.
2. Design Clever
Design Clever is a curated online design space. Rather than a source of articles and op-ed pieces, Design Clever is an online gallery that showcases product design, photography, and top-shelf branding.
Additionally, readers can submit their own designs to be featured on the website. While this site isn’t necessarily a resource for designers seeking new information, it’s kind of a scaled-back version of things like Instagram–a quiet look at cool graphic designs.
3. FormFiftyFive
FormFiftyFive, or FFF, has been around since 2007 and was formed by a group of designers, coders, and illustrators, coders.
FFF is an established resource for viewing some of the best design out there, as well as for reading the latest design news. There’s even a jobs board for creatives looking for a new gig.
4. Logo Design Love
This one is for all those logo designers out there. Logo Design Love celebrates the art of simplicity, dedicating the bulk of its content to showcasing the beautiful and brilliant logos that make us identify with a brand. Additionally, you’ll get some insights into famous style guides from NASA to the Boy Scouts of America.
5. AIGA’s Eye on Design
The AIGA, The Professional Association for Design, is an institution that’s been in the design game since 1914. As the oldest organization for designers in the US, the AIGA is a wealth of resources for designers at all levels.
We have to say, Eye on Design is one of the best resources if you’re looking for an in-depth read on topics like sexuality, money, music, and more — and how they relate to the world of design.
6. Illustration Age
Illustration Age is a solid resource for illustrators. It’s a delightful combination of comic books and artwork, articles, classes and digital tools.
This design blog is unique in that it offers so much content geared at artists and designers–covering the challenges of making it in a competitive creative field.
We like Illustration Age for its ability to bring something new to the table — something more than just a showcase. That said, you’ll still get your fill of eye candy.
7. Old Brand New
Old Brand New is the brainchild of the artist, Dabito, who identifies himself as a “vintage vulture.”
Dabito’s blog isn’t exactly a traditional graphic design blog, but the colorful compilations of modern and vintage homewares are inspirational nonetheless.
We like this one for its sunny color palette — which brings together items from eBay and vintage shops and combines them with envy-inducing plant arrangements.
8. The Dieline
The Dieline is a blog developed by Andrew Gibbs, a designer known for iconic branding for Jelly Belly, Target, and Bed Bath & Beyond.
The blog serves as a gathering place for the best package design the world over. And users can review, critique and get inspired by their peers. Additionally, the site features articles, trends, and plenty of visual stimulation.
The site features everything from articles on the state of the industry to concepts, materials, and beyond. Plus, you’ll have the option to sort through the wealth of content by material or vertical (i.e. food packaging, beauty, etc.). While the Dieline is very niche, it’s a valuable resource for those designers seeking use cases for packaging design.
9. Canva’s Design School
Sure, Canva is known for being an affordable tool that pros and novice designers alike can use to create their own designs. But, they also have a fantastic blog. The content is diverse, ranging from help with business card design to best practices for graphic designers.
Canva’s blog is one of the best graphic design blogs for readers who wish to level up their skill set and learn more about the craft. The blog is called “Design School” because it provides so much information. We’re talking marketing and blogging tips, templates, and good old fashioned inspiration.
10. Grain Edit
Grain Edit is a modern design blog that focuses on the “classics,” great design work from the 1950s through the 1970s. They also feature contemporary designers that have a throwback feel. The blog feels pretty straightforward, and it’s a good resource for designers looking for their new favorite artist, whether it’s someone from the past or present.
The site also features interviews with designers, articles, posters and anything ephemeral.
Conclusion
Well, we certainly hope this fuels your creative spirit–from logo design and typography to getting your nostalgia on, creeping around on the internet can give you that same visual inspiration you’d get from visiting a gallery–except, well, you don’t need to go anywhere.
Finally, we’d like to add our name to the list — Designs Desk is a new blog specializing all things graphic design. Stay tuned for the latest industry news, as well as how-tos and inspiration.