She Strengthens

Staying Ahead in the Design Industry Without Breaking the Bank

As creative professionals, we know how crucial it is to stay on top of industry trends, exude confidence in our vision and abilities, and maintain a positive and inspired mindset. However, accessing valuable resources can be a significant obstacle, especially for those on a limited budget.

Rethinking Traditional Resources

During my design school days, I relied on affordable resources to stay informed about the latest design trends, typefaces, package design, editorial layouts, and color theory. I thought that once I graduated, I would have access to pricey design community memberships, industry talks, and conventions, as well as subscriptions to glossy art magazines and design annuals. But reality had other plans.

Embracing Online Resources

Instead, I’ve learned to leverage online classes and free resources to stay inspired and productive. Here are ten valuable resources that can help you do the same:

1. Canva: A Free Design Platform

Canva offers a free online collage-making platform for designers of all levels. This versatile tool allows you to create art for social media, build cards, save-the-dates, and thank-you cards, exporting high-quality print-ready PNG files.

2. The AWWWards: Celebrating Design Excellence

The AWWWards recognize design, creativity, and innovation on the internet, considering both aesthetics and user experience. This platform helps you stay updated on industry standards without the need for expensive subscriptions.

3. Style Tiles: Streamlining Design Communication

Style Tiles are a game-changer for art directors, web designers, and anyone working on websites or mobile apps. This resource helps you tell a story through fonts, color, and style collections, defining your vision in an accessible, client-friendly manner.

4. FotoJet: Free Design Software

FotoJet is a free software platform that allows you to build print materials, collages, or sharable images for the web. With its user-friendly interface and pre-set templates, you can create stunning designs with ease.

5. Responsive Web Design Resources: A Crash Course

This website offers a wealth of resources to help you master responsive web design, including case studies that analyze real-life projects and demonstrate how design can boost metrics.

6. HOW.com: Pricing Freelance Work with Confidence

Figuring out how much to charge for your work as a freelance designer can be daunting. HOW.com provides up-to-date articles and expert insights to help you navigate this critical aspect of your business.

7. Book Cover Archive: Endless Inspiration

The Book Cover Archive is a treasure trove of design inspiration, featuring a vast collection of beautiful book covers. This resource is perfect for those times when you need a creative boost.

8. Browser Stack: Test Your Design Across Devices

Browser Stack is an essential tool for testing your design across various devices and viewports, ensuring that your website looks great on mobile, iPad, desktop, and more.

9. The 99 Percent: Making Ideas Happen

The 99 Percent, launched by Behance, offers a wealth of resources on how to turn your ideas into reality. With articles, videos, and expert insights, this platform helps you stay positive and motivated in the face of challenges.

10. The Noun Project: Affordable Iconography

The Noun Project provides a vast library of free and affordable icons, allowing you to elevate your designs without breaking the bank. You can also upload your own icons for sale, gaining exposure across the design community.