Creative Boom
https://www.creativeboom.com/page/about-us/
The first resource I discovered that I wanted to share was a completely new find for me, but one I immediately saved to my bookmarks bar. Creative Boom (com) is a UK-based website founded in 2009 by journalist and editor Katy Cowan, showcasing all things creative, from film and animation to spatial design and beyond. Stumbling upon this site was a genuine breath of fresh air.
What initially drew me in was the length of information they offer across all areas of design and creative culture. Each section feels thoughtfully curated, and what I particularly appreciate is how they give individual artists and designers their own spotlight. Rather than just featuring big-name studios, Creative Boom highlights emerging talent and innovative work that might otherwise go unnoticed. The articles dive deep into creative processes, interview designers about their inspirations, and provide context about current trends in various design fields.
I highly recommend Creative Boom as a resource not only for finding diverse sources of inspiration but also for staying motivated if you’re working in any creative field yourself. There’s something encouraging about seeing the range of work being produced and the stories behind each project. It reminds you that creativity takes many forms and there’s room for different approaches in the design world.
I found an excellent graphic design article published just last week about the brand refresh for the Mrs&Ms company’s Kings Hawaiian, which offered insights into both the design process and strategic thinking behind their visual identity update.
Envato Tuts+
https://tutsplus.com/
Taking a different route from creative blogs, I wanted to find a resource specifically focused on design tutorials, and I believe I struck gold with Envato Tuts+. As someone who finds myself Googling “how to do” for various software programs, finding this extensive video tutorial library felt like finding a treasure.
Visiting the website, you’re immediately greeted with an array of video tutorials that span virtually every creative software you can imagine. What I appreciate is their well-organized “popular software” section, which features tutorials for industry standards like Adobe Creative Suite, but also includes players like Affinity and Procreate, plus many other specialized design tools.
The tutorials appear to be created by experienced designers who understand that learning software isn’t just about memorizing button locations but about understanding practical workflows. Each video walks you through processes step-by-step, which is exactly what you need when you’re stuck on a specific technique mid-project.
Since we’re currently learning Affinity Designer in class, I decided to test their tutorial quality with a real-time example. I chose their guide on “how to merge layers” since layer management comes up constantly in design work and can be tricky to master. The tutorial was thorough and clearly explained, providing exactly the kind of practical instruction that makes the difference between struggling through a technique and actually understanding it. What makes Envato Tuts+ particularly valuable is that it’s completely free, making professional-level instruction accessible to designers at any budget level.
https://design.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-merge-layers-in-affinity-designer–cms-106812
Instructables
https://www.instructables.com/
My final resource takes a different approach, moving from digital design to hands-on arts and crafts with Instructables (.com). Founded in 2005, the site started as documentation for Squid Lab’s projects but evolved into a collaborative platform where makers worldwide share creative solutions and DIY projects.
Instructables is like “extreme crafts for dummies” in the best way possible! The site hosts hundreds of self-published projects with detailed step by step instructions for everything from simple fixes to complex electronics. Each project includes materials lists, clear photography, and often downloadable templates.
What sets Instructables apart is its authentic community aspect. Unlike the polished content on Creative Boom or Envato Tuts+, these are real people sharing trial-and-error experiences, including what went wrong and alternative approaches. This makes projects feel achievable rather than intimidating.
To test the platform, I explored a DIY LED Domino Clock project that seemed both doable and useful. The tutorial started well with clear assembly instructions, but once it reached wiring and soldering, I realized this wouldn’t be simple dollhouse crafting. The technical complexity reminded me that while Instructables makes ambitious projects feel accessible, they still require genuine commitment and specialized tools.