The 20 Best Websites Every Designer Should Know for Inspiration
In the ever-evolving world of design, staying inspired and updated with the latest trends and resources is essential for any designer. The internet is a treasure trove of inspiration, offering countless websites where designers can explore new ideas, find resources, and enhance their skills. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, having a go-to list of top design websites can significantly boost your creativity and productivity.
This curated list of the best websites every designer should know for inspiration covers a broad spectrum of resources. From platforms showcasing creative work to sites offering professional development opportunities and design tools, these websites are invaluable for keeping your designs fresh and innovative. Dive into this list and discover the resources that will help you stay ahead in the dynamic field of design.
10 Websites for Design Inspiration
Behance
Behance, created by Adobe, is one of the leading online platforms for showcasing and discovering creative work. It covers a wide range of categories, including graphic design, illustration, photography, and architecture. Designers use Behance to broadcast their work to a global audience, making it an excellent resource for finding new talents and trends. Companies also use Behance to explore and access creative talent worldwide, making it a crucial platform for both inspiration and professional opportunities.
Awwwards
Awwwards recognizes the talent and effort of the best web designers, developers, and agencies globally. It features daily, monthly, and yearly awards for outstanding web design. You can browse through a variety of categories, tags, and technologies to find inspiration from the best websites around the world. Awwwards also hosts conferences and online courses, making it a comprehensive resource for web design excellence and learning.
Dribbble
Dribbble is a community of designers who share small screenshots of their work, known as “shots,” to showcase their projects, processes, and current work. This invite-only platform is known for its high-quality design submissions across various fields such as web design, graphic design, illustration, and typography. Dribbble is ideal for networking, getting feedback, and discovering the latest design trends.
Designinspiration
Designinspiration offers a curated collection of high-quality design work across various categories. Users can explore designs using search tags or specific topics, and the platform provides tools for creating vision boards and sorting designs by color schemes. This makes it an excellent resource for finding specific design elements and organizing inspiration for your projects.
Oksuro
Oksuro is a platform dedicated to sharing AI-generated images and prompts created by designers. It focuses on providing high-quality, sensuous, and inspiring visuals that can be used in various design projects. Oksuro aims to bridge the gap between AI technology and creative design, offering a unique blend of innovation and artistry.
Pinterest is a widely-used platform where users can discover and save ideas through visual bookmarks called “pins.” It covers a broad range of topics, making it a versatile tool for finding design inspiration. Designers can create mood boards, explore color palettes, and stay updated with current trends across different fields, making Pinterest an indispensable resource for creativity.
Muzli Inspiration by InVision
Muzli Inspiration curates designs, news, and trends from top sources like Behance, Dribbble, and Mashable. It uses automated curation and human discovery to present high-quality design inspiration every time you open a new tab in your browser. Muzli covers a variety of creative fields, including web design, mobile design, logos, and illustrations, making it a constant source of fresh ideas.
Instagram, a social media platform initially designed for photo sharing, has become a significant source of inspiration for designers. It allows users to share images and short videos, making it easy to follow and engage with other designers. With features like hashtags and IGTV, Instagram helps designers discover new trends, showcase their portfolios, and connect with the creative community.
Savee.it
Savee.it is an online platform designed for creatives to browse and save visual inspiration from around the world. It serves as a curated collection of creative work that users can explore to find new ideas and artistic directions. The website includes additional features such as apps, browser extensions, and access to a marketplace, enhancing the overall utility for users seeking inspiration and networking opportunities. For more details, you can explore Savee.it
One Page Love
One Page Love is dedicated to single-page websites and landing pages. It offers a vast collection of beautifully designed single-page websites across various industries. The site provides inspiration and templates for creating effective, streamlined designs. It’s a great resource for designers looking to create impactful, concise web pages.
10 Websites For Specialized Design Resources
Freepik
Freepik is a comprehensive digital resource platform offering a wide range of creative assets including vectors, photos, PSD files, and icons. It caters to designers by providing tools for creating and editing content directly within the browser, such as an AI image generator, a mockup generator, and a background remover. Freepik regularly updates its library with new content, ensuring fresh and trendy resources for users. The platform also encourages creatives to contribute their own designs, offering a space for artists to sell their work.
Adobe stock
Adobe Stock is a comprehensive resource for royalty-free media, offering a vast selection of stock photos, illustrations, vectors, videos, audio, and templates. It caters to creatives by providing high-resolution assets across various categories and themes. Users can choose from flexible subscription plans or purchase credit packs to access content. The platform also encourages contributors by allowing them to sell their own media. Adobe Stock integrates seamlessly with other Adobe products, enhancing the workflow for users of software like Photoshop and InDesign.
Mobbin
Mobbin provides an extensive library of mobile design patterns from leading apps, offering valuable insights into UX/UI design practices. The site features high-quality screenshots and design breakdowns of popular mobile apps, making it a great tool for researching and gathering ideas for mobile projects. Mobbin’s curated collection helps designers understand current trends and best practices in mobile design.
Youworkforthem
YouWorkForThem is an online marketplace specializing in design assets for creative professionals. It offers a diverse range of products including fonts, graphics, photos, and videos. The site is organized into categories like new releases and best sellers, facilitating easy access to trending and popular design resources. YouWorkForThem also provides tools and services such as web fonts and licenses for different uses, catering to both individual creatives and corporate clients.
UXArchive
UXArchive is known for its comprehensive library of mobile user flows. It features detailed screenshots and descriptions of various user interactions, such as onboarding, purchasing, and registration processes. UXArchive is an excellent resource for designers looking to study and improve user experience by learning from real-world examples of successful mobile apps.
Flaticon
Flaticon offers a vast collection of free and premium vector icons. It’s a go-to resource for high-quality, editable icons for any project, providing both monochrome and multicolor options. The site allows designers to download icons in various formats and customize them to fit their design needs, making it an essential tool for adding visual elements to your projects.
Noun Project
Noun Project features a huge library of icons available for royalty-free use. It’s a fantastic resource for finding diverse and simple icons to enhance your design projects. The site allows users to search for icons based on keywords and offers tools for customizing and downloading icons in various formats, making it easy to find and use the right icons for any design.
Creative Market
Creative Market is a platform where designers can buy and sell digital design assets, including templates, illustrations, and fonts. It’s a fantastic resource for unique design elements that you won’t find elsewhere. The site’s diverse marketplace and community-driven approach make it an excellent source of inspiration and a place to discover new tools and assets for your designs.
Cgtrader
CGTrader offers a wide selection of free 3D models across various categories, including architecture, vehicles, furniture, and more. The platform allows users to download models in multiple formats and provides options for animation, PBR, and low-poly models. It also supports a community of 3D designers, offering tools for freelancing and the ability to post projects to hire 3D artists directly. For more detailed browsing and access to free and purchasable 3D models, you can visit [CGTrader’s Free 3D Models page] https://www.cgtrader.co.
Quixel
Quixel Bridge is a comprehensive tool that integrates seamlessly with Unreal Engine, offering a centralized platform for managing and exporting 3D content. It provides direct access to Megascans’ vast library of 3D assets and MetaHumans, facilitating their use in Unreal Engine without the need for separate downloads or exports. Bridge supports various formats and connects to multiple 3D applications, enhancing workflow efficiency for creatives. It’s also available across multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Why You Have to Use Design Websites for Inspiration
Using design websites for inspiration is essential for several reasons. Here’s why you should make them a part of your creative process:
Benefits of Using Design Websites
Staying Up-to-Date with Trends
Design trends evolve rapidly, and keeping up with them is crucial for any designer. Design websites provide a constant stream of the latest trends, styles, and techniques. By regularly browsing these sites, you can stay informed about what’s current in the design world, ensuring your work remains fresh and relevant.
Learning and Skill Development
Many design websites offer more than just visual inspiration. They also provide tutorials, articles, and insights from industry experts. This additional content can help you learn new techniques, understand different design principles, and stay informed about the latest tools and software. Continual learning is vital in the ever-changing field of design, and these resources can aid in your professional development.
Finding Resources and Tools
Design websites often feature or link to various resources and tools that can assist in your projects. From free vector icons and textures to premium design assets and templates, these sites can provide valuable materials that save time and improve the quality of your work. Additionally, discovering new tools through these sites can streamline your design process and introduce you to more efficient ways of working.
Networking and Community Engagement
Being part of a design community is beneficial for growth and networking. Many of these websites have active communities where you can share your work, receive feedback, and connect with other designers. Engaging with a community of like-minded professionals can provide support, constructive criticism, and opportunities for collaboration.
Maximizing the Use of Design Websites
Regular Browsing
Make it a habit to visit your favorite design websites regularly. Even a few minutes of browsing each day can keep you updated with the latest trends and provide a steady flow of inspiration.
Creating Collections
Use tools available on these websites, such as bookmarks or collections, to save your favorite designs. This way, you can easily reference them later when you need inspiration for a project.
Participating in Challenges
Many design websites host challenges or competitions. Participating in these can push your creative boundaries, provide new learning experiences, and give you exposure within the design community.
Learning from the Best
Pay attention to the work of top designers showcased on these websites. Analyze their designs, understand their techniques, and try to incorporate some of their best practices into your own work.
Which One is the Best Website for Me?
Choosing the best website for design inspiration depends on your specific needs, style, and the type of projects you work on. Here’s a guide to help you determine which website might be the best fit for you.
Identifying Your Needs
General Inspiration
If you’re looking for a wide variety of design inspiration across different fields, platforms like Behance, Dribbble, Pinterest and Oksuro are excellent choices. These platforms showcase a diverse range of creative works, including graphic design, illustration, photography, and more. They also offer networking opportunities with other designers, making them ideal for both inspiration and professional growth. Oksuro is particularly unique as it focuses on AI-generated images and prompts created by designers, bridging the gap between AI technology and creative design.
Pinterest is a versatile tool for finding design inspiration, creating mood boards, exploring color palettes, and staying updated with current trends across different fields.
Web and UX/UI Design
For those focused on web design and user experience, Awwwards and UXArchive provide a wealth of resources. Awwwards offers inspiration from award-winning websites, while UXArchive allows you to study detailed user flows and interactions from successful mobile apps.
Mobile App Design
Designers working on mobile apps will find pttrns and Mobbin invaluable. pttrns specializes in mobile UI patterns, providing a comprehensive gallery of design elements. Mobbin offers an extensive library of mobile design patterns from leading apps, helping you stay current with UX/UI design practices.
Logo Design
If your focus is on logo creation, Logoinspirations is a dedicated platform showcasing a wide variety of innovative logo designs from different industries. It’s perfect for finding new concepts and getting ideas for logo projects.
Icon and Vector Resources
For high-quality icons and vectors, Flaticon and Noun Project are top choices. Flaticon provides a vast collection of editable vector icons in both monochrome and multicolor options. Noun Project features a diverse library of royalty-free icons suitable for various design projects.
Making the Right Choice
To choose the best website for your needs, consider the following:
- Type of Projects: Identify the nature of your design projects and choose platforms that cater specifically to those areas.
- Learning Goals: If you aim to learn new skills, look for sites offering tutorials and courses.
- Resource Needs: Determine whether you need design assets and tools, and select sites that provide these resources.
- Community Engagement: If networking and community feedback are important, opt for platforms with active user communities.
Design Tips
Creating impactful and visually appealing designs requires more than just creativity; it involves understanding and applying key design principles. Here are some essential design tips to help you enhance your work.
Less is More
Simplicity and Clarity
The principle of “less is more” emphasizes simplicity and clarity in design. Avoid overcrowding your designs with too many elements. Focus on the essentials and remove anything that doesn’t add value. This approach not only makes your design more visually appealing but also ensures that your message is communicated effectively. Clear and simple designs are easier for users to understand and engage with.
Effective Use of White Space
White space, or negative space, is the area of a design that is left empty. It helps to create a clean, uncluttered look and can significantly enhance the readability and aesthetics of your design. Proper use of white space allows the important elements of your design to stand out and provides a better user experience by making the content easier to digest.
Consistency
Maintain Visual Consistency
Consistency in design involves using similar elements and styles throughout your project. This includes typography, color schemes, and layout structures. Consistency helps to create a cohesive look and feel, making your design more professional and polished. It also reinforces brand identity and ensures a seamless user experience across different platforms and media.
Stick to a Color Scheme
Using a consistent color scheme is crucial for maintaining visual harmony. Choose a color palette that reflects the mood and tone of your project and stick to it throughout your design. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also helps in creating a strong brand identity.
Focus on Readability
Choose the Right Typography
Typography plays a crucial role in the readability and overall aesthetics of your design. Select fonts that are easy to read and appropriate for your project’s tone. Avoid using too many different fonts, as this can make your design look cluttered and unprofessional. Instead, use a combination of two or three complementary fonts to create a balanced and cohesive look.
Ensure Proper Contrast
Contrast is essential for readability. Ensure that there is sufficient contrast between the text and background to make the content easy to read. This is especially important for users with visual impairments. High contrast designs are more accessible and ensure that your message reaches a broader audience.
Prioritize User Experience
User-Centered Design
Always keep the end user in mind when designing. User-centered design involves understanding the needs, preferences, and behaviors of your target audience and creating designs that meet these requirements. Conduct user research, gather feedback, and iterate on your designs to ensure they provide a positive user experience.
Functional and Intuitive Navigation
Navigation is a critical aspect of user experience. Ensure that your designs have intuitive and easy-to-use navigation systems. Users should be able to find what they are looking for quickly and effortlessly. Logical structure and clear labeling of navigation elements can significantly enhance the usability of your design.
Embrace Creativity
Experiment with New Ideas
Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Creativity often involves stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring unconventional ideas. Use inspiration from various sources, including the websites listed in this guide, to fuel your creativity and develop unique, innovative designs.
Stay Updated with Trends
The design field is constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest trends is essential. Follow design blogs, join communities, and regularly visit inspiration websites to keep abreast of new techniques, tools, and styles. Incorporate relevant trends into your work to keep your designs fresh and modern.
The design landscape is constantly evolving, and staying inspired is key to your success as a designer. Regularly visiting these recommended websites will not only provide you with endless ideas and resources but also connect you with a community of like-minded professionals. Embrace the wealth of inspiration and tools available to you, and let your creativity thrive.