lucinexue

[lucinexue]

Hi! I'm a graphic design student too, but I feel like I'm not learning a lot in class. Do you know if there are any onli e classes or websites I can go to do some advance self-studying? XP P.s. I love your blog and your works so much!

Yes, there are definitely sources online to look at!

But… if you’re learning on your own I’d like to start with some advice… (I’m so sorry this is going to get long, but I wanted to make sure I gave all the advice I was thinking of!)

Look at archives for inspiration and follow design blogs.

You need to develop an eye for design. Most don’t know what “good” design is if they don’t actively look for it and create it. You can look up designers, museums, collections, and even @studioblrcollective has other students posting their work! (shameless plug, I know).

Ask others for advice on your work!

You may think you made the best that you could’ve made, but when you ask others they may have come up with something you didn’t think of! Get advice, post it, ask for feedback, and see what you get back!

Make up your own projects

Actually solving a problem and trying to figure out what the best visualization is for what you’re doing will do you a lot of good! Training your mind is just as important as training your craft and skills at the computer. Make your own business cards, make a flyer for something, join the school’s newspaper/editorial groups, make your own greeting cards for holidays, and so on! Whatever you’re interested in. :)

Just google what you need to know

Don’t know how to do a cool thing you see? Just google it or get on YouTube. Articles on design sites or some random designer may have posted how to do what you’re looking for. (and if you need help finding the tutorial or can’t find one you can always ask fellow designers like me. <3 )

Those online web design courses you see everywhere (graphic designers aren’t limited to just print!)

I’m sure codecademy is the most common for people to recommend, but it’s alright. It’s a good starting point if you don’t know how to code at all. The only problem with it is that it doesn’t teach you how to think like a developer. It gives you the answers and just makes you regurgitate syntax. Syntax is good for starting out, but once you know the syntax and vocabulary you need to start making your own problems to solve (make a portfolio site, make a fan-site, make an app, etc.). This also applies to learning the basics of typography and color. Doing exercises are fine, but actually applying it to a project makes you look at it in a completely different way.

Those online graphic design courses and tutorials

They are super helpful for specific things, but googling could’ve found you the same information. Also, some of these sites you have to pay for and I’m not sure if you’re up for that. I’ll link some down below anyway if you’re still interested (there are some free ones). Just remember that figuring it out on your own by testing or just looking it up and finding articles may be the cheaper (and possibly better) way to go.

Books are also fantastic!

For learning principles (which I don’t think you need since you’re already a student) I would definitely get some books. Typography books are so helpful and all of the information you need is usually there (they’ll address the most important technicalities). These can be good refreshers or if you get inspiration books that’d be good too! (if you want recommendations just let me know)

That’s my general advice! Here are some links you can start looking into (and of course scour the internet for more)!

Archives and Collections

AIGA Design Archives

MoMA (Museum of Modern Art)

itsnicethat (some inspiration)

typographicposters (more posters!)

bookcoverarchive (book covers!)

posterposter (posters!)

designshack (has an inspiration page)

underconsideration (has links inside:)

underconsideration/brandnew (new things)

underconsideration/fpo (printed pieces only)

underconsideration/artofthemenu (restaurant design only)

underconsideration/quipsologies

jessicahische.is/heretohelp (she has her own references page!)

Some inspirational designers

pentagram

louisefili

komboh

relajaelcoco

jessicahische.is/working

sagmeisterwalsh

tanamachistudio

jeanjullien.com

Online tutorialsI don’t have a bunch of these because I’m not a huge fan of them

codecademy (web/programming)

bezier.method (learning the pen tool)

creativelive (live sessions are free, but if you want to re-watch an old one you have to pay)

udemy (has some free ones and some for sale)

creativemarket (an example of one of those “Top 10 ____ you should know!!”)

I made a separate post called “Learning Graphic Design On Your Own” inspired by this question that’s more about the process rather than just links! :)

(I also put this list of links as a page found HERE that I’ll update whenever I find more or think of other places! Feel free to bookmark if you’re looking for inspiration!)