5 Online Resources that are Perfect for Web Designers
- Kuler
- Skillshare
- Creative Bloq
- Rochester Institute of Technology Design Archives
- Behance
Web designers often have a lot of resources at their disposal, but there are online resources available that can help every professional in the industry. Lists of these resources can be found all over the Internet, including one by Complex, and provides even beginner professionals with a treasure trove of information that can make all the difference in their career. Here are just five of the best online resources available right now.
1. Kuler
Web designers often start with color to build projects. Adobe's Kuler website makes the color selection process easy and intuitive, enabling designers to build a palette for personal or professional projects. The site works by helping a designer pick a starting color and then moves on to showcase complementary, triad, comparable and even shade hues that would work well with the chosen color. Kuler also provides professionals with the chance to create their own custom colors and gives designers the color codes to use in different programs. Kuler is available through web browsers, tablets, or smart devices. In addition, Kuler has an option to enable teams to see the color work all on the same platform.
2. Skillshare
Skillshare is a great online resource for Web designers. This is an online skill-based course website; it is built to provide professionals with courses they can follow along with in order to build on their skills or even learn new ones. Everything from Web and graphic design to branding identity and logo creation are available on the site; other courses, such as those focused on business and marketing, are also available. The large selection of courses, all taught by experts in their field, allows professionals to expand their own skill set while working full-time. It's one of the best online resources for those who are interested in continuing their professional education.
3. Creative Bloq
Creative Bloq is an online resource that is considered a behemoth in the Web design world. This website covers everything from graphic design to typography and is updated every day, making it a great choice for professionals who need to stay current on industry topics and trends. The website also hosts magazines, which can be bought online and downloaded to smart devices, as well as events that are hosted across the globe. Not only will professionals find interviews and features, the site also offers inspiration articles, tips, reviews, and more, all in one convenient place.
4. Rochester Institute of Technology Design Archives
A great Web design resource is the Rochester Institute of Technology, known as RIT, and its Design Archive. This site is dedicated to graphic design from historical, theoretical, biographical, and educational perspectives. Much like MIT, which also provides online graphic and web design courses for free, RIT offers free access to a suite of designers who are known to be legends in the industry. Professionals who are especially interested in the historical aspect of design will find that this is a website worth bookmarking.
5. Behance
Behance is one of the world's largest online networking sites for creatives, including Web designers. Owned by Adobe, Behance offers professionals the chance to create a portfolio of their work on the site for other creatives and potential employers may see. Everyone from Web designers to animators can publish their work on the site, creating what can only be described as a curated gallery of some of the world's best design, all of which are available online. It is a great resource for inspiration when professionals are stuck for ideas and can provide useful feedback from others on the site, elevating a project from beginning to end.
Related Resource: 25 Best Master's in Web Design Online 2018
Web design is a creative career that requires a great deal of knowledge about design before anything is even crafted for a website. Having a few good resources on hand will help designers move through the process with more ease. The above five online resources are a great place to start for any Web professional and can be looked to for inspiration, tips, and education.