14 Best Design Blogs in 2020
Last Updated: February 25, 2020 〉 Author: Monika
You have to agree that without design, the world would be less impressive and colorful. Designs generate buzz and provoke interest. When executed well, it makes anything an apple to the eye. Therefore, designing has seen itself become a pursuit and a love for many to the extent of professionalization.
The design space is also evidently getting more creative by the day. In light of that, we have several blogs and bloggers out there who continue to make design content available to creatives and creative wannabes. The world of design is so extensive because different designers draw their inspiration from unconventional wells.
The design blogs and bloggers have content that covers a wide array of spheres that range anywhere from interior décor, food, lifestyle, fashion, photography, graphics design, web design, and everything in between.
Whether you are a pro designer, an amateur, or someone who wants to learn on anything design, or maybe you want to start a blog, and you are looking for inspiration, sit back and relax. We have compiled for you a few of the big names in the design industry — the best blogs and bloggers of our time.
1) The Design Blog-TDB
The Design Blog has to be one of the best interdisciplinary blogs around. It lives up to its tagline-“Don’t just be a designer-be a good one.” The blog presents the work of phenomenal designers from around the world.
The blog, started by Ena Bacanovi who hails from Zagreb in Croatia and developed by Jen Yuan, has been up and running since 2011. The blog is diverse and offers a vibrant graphic design content. The kind of articles on the blog has a very youthful feel to it, making it a target for young designers as well as students.
Aside from the daily inspirations that The Design Blog offers, they also have Print, Freebies, and Tutorials.
2) David Airey
David Airey is not about going small on things design. He has a string of design-related blogs and books to his name. Among his many blogs, he has his ones like DavidAirey.com, Logo Design Love and Identity Design. His books Logo Design Love and Work For Money have also been a hit.
Given his experience in design, David Airey shares profound ideas and thoughts on matters design from Logo design to graphics design and everything in between. He is also very upbeat on social media, making his insight and mind accessible to the public.
3) Smashing Magazine
Smashing Magazine is doing a fantastic job of educating those who have an interest in design usability, SEO, and UX. Magazine offers insight on these topics from the most natural things you can understand to more technical aspects.
It is also an excellent networking platform as it provides job boards where employees and employers can meet. The blog also has a category of events where you can publish events, such as conferences and workshops.
Lastly, the site offers a “Books” section that provides physical and digital books. These mentioned features make the blog educative, insightful, and interactive.
4) Inspiration Grid
This particular blog is sensational in that it offers a comprehensive range of designs in the form of images and design-related projects.
The work on there is arranged as a grid. And what happens is that when you select an image or project, you get to see more of the work by that designer. It is more like a gift that keeps on giving. If you are looking to discover fantastic design work, Inspiration Grid is your go-to blog.
5) Jacob Cass
Jacob Cass is famous for all standards. From giving a TED talk to winning accolades in this field, I cannot overemphasize Jacob Cass’ prowess in this line of work. He was among the very first bloggers to try out responsive web design on his blog after it was started.
Jacob has also worked with Creative Carrot, which is a renowned design agency. His blog is known as Branding, Identity, and Logo Design Explained. What sets his blog apart is that he readily explains the technical design words using simple analogies. Which automatically makes his work understandable even to the average person.
6) Abduzeedo
Abduzeedo, abbreviated as ABDZ, started as a personal blog back in 2006 by Fabio Sasso. Later on, it developed into a digital publication where writers could submit their articles on matters design. Most designers share pieces on photography, design, and UX.
7) Creative Bloq
Creative Bloq has to be one of the design blogs that much encourage self-development of designers. This is because the blog is majorly geared towards helping one another as designers to get the most exceptional insight on software through reviews, design tips, feedback, freebies, tutorials, and other complimentary resources making it a very informative space for designers. This enables designers to have up-to-date knowledge and skills for upward progression in the field and industry.
8) Amber interiors
Amber Lewis introduces us to the way she sees the world of design through her blog, Amber Interiors. She has a design studio in Los-Angeles from which she does her design work.
The bulk of what Amber Interior Design Studios offer is on interior design, interior architecture, and furniture. Her blog is famous for before-and-after stories, on-the-ground trend scouting, artistic and designer spotlights, and not forgetting shopping for aesthetics such as unique rugs, cushions, etc.
9) Women of Graphic Design
Women of Graphic Design is a blog that majorly aims at celebrating the great women in the field of graphics design by showcasing their beautiful work. To a great extent, the blog also focuses on work regarding gender equality as well as diversity and social activism.
This site is an excellent choice for young female designers seeking female inspiration and role models. It is also a blog that is open to submissions, so this is a unique platform for you as a young female designer to introduce your work to the world.
10) Old Brand New
Old New Brand is a blog by a multi-faceted designer called Dabit. He’s the founder and creative director of this creative studio that focuses on design, art direction, photography, branding, and brand partnerships.
To prove the kind of exceptional work done by Old Brand New, they have bagged several awards such as Best Decorating Bloggers of 2015 by Better Homes and Gardens.
Dabito’s work is centered on DIYs on modern as well as vintage pieces of work. He has also worked with super clients like Samsung, Motorolla, eBay, American Express, Google, and Pepsi, to mention a few. If not for anything else, follow Old Brand New for their DIY projects, interior trends, and personal photography.
11) Eyeswoon
The blog takes the mundane things of life and presents them in a manner that is easy and pleasing to the eye. Eyeswoon focuses on fashion, lifestyle, foods, and entertainment. It was founded by Athena Calderone who wears several hats as an interior designer, home chef, and entertaining expert.
She hosts seasoned chefs, actors, and actresses as well as other entertainers and co-designs and co-creates with them. Eyeswoon is the ultimate go-to for table-setting ideas, refined product finds, and delectable recipes using fresh produce.
Athena has received honorable mentions and features from Elle Decor, Harper’s Bazaar, Architectural Digest, Martha Stewart, Food & Wine, The New York Times, and many others. She has also been syndicated such as Vogue, Food52, Domaine and Bon Appétit.
12) A Beautiful Mess
Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman are the owners of A Beautiful Mess. The two are sisters who have a fun spirit that shows through the feel of their blog. They describe themselves as homebodies who have spent most of their lives co-designing and co-creating home crafts.
Elsie and Emma showcase crafts like jewelry, sewing, photobooks, plants, holiday, décor in different spaces such as living rooms, offices, outdoor spaces, interior styling, small spaces, statement walls, recipes and meal ideas for breakfast, small bites, cocktails, and drinks.
They also have a section for style exploring hair, makeup, and their sister style. The advice section is on business, photography, blogging, and happiness.
Mainstream blogs:
13) Dribbble
It may, at times, be challenging to find the right platform to showcase your design work as a designer. Dribbble offers that platform. It allows designers to showcase their work on the site as well as get inspiration from the works of different designers.
Design work on Dribbble is classified into categories which include animation, branding, illustration, mobile, print, product design, typography, and web design.
14) One Extra Pixel
One Extra Pixel is an excellent learning platform for designers who are seeking progress in their design journey. The blog has tips and goes the extra mile of guiding designers on how to perform design activities step-by-step.
Whether you are looking to learn design or you’re already a sense in that regard, these blogs and bloggers can further help you in your design journey. Design is undoubtedly a beautiful thing because it colors our lives. Happy designing, even as you explore your creative side!
About author
Monika: An engineer who loves design in any form. From graphic designs to interior design and architecture. Designs websites, as well as free WordPress themes. Writes about WordPress to make it easier for others to start. Likes gardening, painting and of course loves open source.