Learning graphic design has never been more accessible, thanks to the wide range of free resources available online. YouTube is an excellent platform for beginners to get started with design tutorials, tips, and inspiration. In this article, I’ll explore the best YouTube channels to learn graphic design, helping you find the right resources to build your skills and enhance your knowledge.
1. The Futur
The Futur is one of the most popular YouTube channels for aspiring designers. Founded by Chris Do, this channel offers a wealth of information for beginners and intermediate designers, with content ranging from design fundamentals to business advice for creative professionals. The Futur’s focus on design thinking, branding, and career development makes it an excellent resource for anyone looking to grow as a designer.
Why Subscribe to The Futur?
- Focus on design principles: Videos cover topics like color theory, typography, and layout design.
- Design business tips: Chris Do frequently shares valuable business advice for freelancers and agency owners.
- In-depth tutorials: The channel provides thorough, easy-to-follow tutorials on tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects.
Tip: If you’re looking to not only improve your design skills but also gain insight into the business side of design, this channel will really give you the guidance you need. It’s perfect for those who want to turn their design passion into a professional career.
2. Yes I’m a Designer
Run by Martin Perhiniak, a certified Adobe instructor, Yes I’m a Designer offers high-quality tutorials for beginners and experienced designers alike. Martin’s tutorials are clear, concise, and cover a wide range of topics—from basic design principles to advanced Adobe software techniques. His videos often break down complex topics, making them easier for beginners to grasp.
Why Subscribe to Yes I’m a Designer?
- Step-by-step tutorials: Martin’s videos guide you through design techniques with clear explanations.
- Focus on Adobe software: The channel specializes in Adobe tools like Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, making it ideal for those learning to use Adobe Creative Suite.
- Beginner-friendly: Tutorials are designed for beginners but also offer more advanced lessons as you grow in your design skills.
Tip: Martin makes learning Adobe tools accessible even if you’re just starting out. His focus on practical, real-world design examples ensures that you’ll learn how to apply what you’re learning to your own projects.
3. Pixel & Bracket
Pixel & Bracket is an excellent YouTube channel for graphic design beginners. The channel focuses on digital design, offering tutorials on everything from logo creation to branding. The videos are accessible, with simple explanations that make learning design concepts easy for those just starting.
Why Subscribe to Pixel & Bracket?
- Clear and simple tutorials: Learn the basics of logo design, digital illustration, and more in a straightforward, easy-to-understand way.
- Design challenges: The channel often features design challenges, helping you practice what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios.
- Engaging and fun content: Pixel & Bracket’s content is both informative and entertaining, making learning more enjoyable.
Tip: If you’re just starting and need a channel that breaks down digital design basics in a way that’s easy to follow, this is the one. It’s especially good for those looking to learn by doing through creative challenges.
4. Adobe Creative Cloud
The official Adobe Creative Cloud YouTube channel is a treasure trove of tutorials for graphic design beginners. Since it’s the official channel, the tutorials are directly from Adobe and focus on their products. The channel is perfect for anyone looking to get familiar with Adobe tools, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
Why Subscribe to Adobe Creative Cloud?
- Product-specific tutorials: Get in-depth tutorials directly from Adobe on how to use their software tools effectively.
- Feature updates: Learn about the latest updates and features in Adobe software.
- Tips and tricks: The channel offers useful tips and shortcuts to help speed up your design process.
Tip: If you’re planning to use Adobe software in your design career, Adobe’s own tutorials are essential for staying up to date and learning from the experts. They also provide quick tips that can significantly improve your workflow.
5. Will Paterson
Will Paterson is a popular YouTuber and graphic designer who specializes in logo design, branding, and Adobe Illustrator tutorials. His channel provides practical, easy-to-follow advice for beginners who want to learn how to create professional logos and build a personal design style. Will’s tutorials focus on the creative process and the techniques behind creating memorable logos.
Why Subscribe to Will Paterson?
- Logo design tutorials: Learn the art of designing logos and building a portfolio.
- Adobe Illustrator mastery: Will’s channel is perfect for mastering Illustrator, one of the most widely used design tools.
- Design tips and tricks: Will shares his design insights, helping you improve your skills and design approach.
Tip: If you want to focus on mastering Illustrator and logo design, Will is a great guide to take your skills to the next level. His tutorials are designed to build your confidence in logo design and help you refine your personal style.
6. Roberto Blake
Roberto Blake is a YouTube channel dedicated to helping creatives grow their businesses. Although it covers more than just design, Roberto shares a lot of valuable content specifically for graphic designers, such as tips on freelancing, building a portfolio, and becoming a professional designer. His videos are a blend of design advice and business strategies.
Why Subscribe to Roberto Blake?
- Focus on design career development: Roberto talks about how to grow your design career, land clients, and make money as a designer.
- Freelance advice: If you’re considering freelancing as a designer, Roberto’s channel offers valuable insights into the business side of design.
- Practical design tips: Get practical advice on design tools, trends, and techniques to stay ahead in the industry.
Tip: If you want to combine design with career development, Roberto’s content is perfect for broadening your design business horizons. His tips will help you navigate the challenges of growing as a freelance designer or agency owner.
7. Spoon Graphics
Spoon Graphics is a YouTube channel that offers a mix of graphic design tutorials, freebies, and inspiration. It’s perfect for those who want to learn how to create professional design projects like logos, posters, and digital illustrations. The channel features easy-to-follow tutorials that focus on both the technical and creative aspects of graphic design.
Why Subscribe to Spoon Graphics?
- Variety of design tutorials: Learn how to create different types of designs, from illustrations to typography.
- Free resources: Spoon Graphics also offers free design assets like brushes, textures, and templates that you can use in your own work.
- In-depth explanations: The channel goes beyond just showing how to use tools, offering explanations about the creative process behind each design.
Tip: Spoon Graphics is a great resource for creatives who want variety—whether it’s logo design or digital illustration, they’ve got it covered. You’ll also get access to plenty of resources to make your designs stand out.
8. The Digital Arts
The Digital Arts is a YouTube channel focused on helping graphic designers and digital artists improve their craft. It covers various design techniques, industry trends, and tutorials on design software. The channel is a great resource for those looking to advance their skills in digital art and graphic design.
Why Subscribe to The Digital Arts?
- Tutorials on digital design: The channel offers tutorials on digital art techniques, including how to create illustrations, animations, and graphics.
- Advanced design tips: It’s ideal for beginners who want to dive deeper into design, with more intermediate-level tutorials.
- Creative inspiration: Get inspired by various design projects and learn how to bring your ideas to life.
Tip: If you’re looking for more than just the basics and want to dive into the deeper techniques of design and digital art, The Digital Arts will help you advance your skills. It’s perfect for those who want to take their design knowledge to the next level.
Conclusion: Learn and Grow with the Best YouTube Channels
YouTube offers an abundance of free resources for learning graphic design, and the channels mentioned in this article are some of the best for beginners. Whether you want to master Adobe tools, learn logo design, or grow your design career, these channels provide valuable tutorials, tips, and inspiration. By subscribing to these channels, you can access high-quality content that will help you develop your skills and succeed in the world of graphic design.
Keep experimenting, stay inspired, and don’t be afraid to try new ideas. With YouTube and these channels, you’ll be on your way to becoming a skilled designer in no time.
From zero to design hero — keep creating!
by Cris.