70 Secret Design Resources

35 Design Tools, 15 Resources and 20 Videos and Podcasts

Author

Sushant Vohra
November 08, 2024

Hi Friends!

As a designer and a creative enthusiast, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from an endless stream of invaluable resources, templates, and inspiring content. These tools have helped me level up, streamline my workflow, and unlock new levels of creativity. I wouldn't be where I am today without them.

That's why I’ve curated a comprehensive list of 70 must-have design resources just for you. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, this collection covers everything from productivity hacks and creative tools to inspiration sources, all designed to help you work smarter, faster, and with more creative freedom. 👇

💊 70 Design Resources

35 Design Tools

Color & Typography

  1. Hue Tools – Thousands of color names for naming design concepts or CMF choices.

  2. ColorContrast – Checks if designs meet accessibility standards.

  3. ColorHub – Color palette generator with mood and color names.

  4. Coolors Color Generator – Comprehensive color palette generator.

  5. Freefaces – Curated typefaces available under free licenses.

  6. Font Share – Free, high-quality fonts.

  7. Font Joy – Generates font combinations.

  8. Fonts by Studio Feixen – Unique fonts with free trial versions.

  9. Use and Modify – Collection of open-source, free-to-use fonts.

  10. Velvetyne – Free and open-source typefaces.

Mockups & Visual Assets

  1. Studio York Town Book Design Mockups – High-quality book design mockups.

  2. Deck.Gallery – Resources for presentation, brand guidelines, pitch decks.

  3. Art Directed Mockups – Premium graphic design mockups.

  4. Micro Volume Mockups – Quality mockups for graphic design.

  5. Mockup World – Free graphic design mockups.

  6. Virtual Threads – Real-time 3D animated T-shirt mockup generator.

UI/UX & Web Design

  1. Laws of UX – Best UX practices, explained simply.

  2. 60 FPS – Collection of delightful app design details.

  3. Framer Website Builder – Website builder with AI features.

  4. SearchSystem – Curated design moodboard website.

  5. HUDSandGUIS – Collection of futuristic interfaces.

AI & Generative Design Tools

  1. Lummi.ai – Free AI stock photo library.

  2. Krea.ai – AI tool for real-time adjustments to reference images.

  3. Runway ML Gen2 – Multi-modal AI for generating videos.

  4. Eleven Labs – Realistic Text to Speech platform.

  5. AI Fabric Texture Generator – Generates fabric textures.

Miscellaneous Design Resources

  1. A11y Project – Resources for designing assistive tech and web accessibility.

  2. ShapeType – Lettering game to learn letter construction.

  3. ShaderGradient – Creates animated gradients.

  4. Doodleipsum – Customizable illustrations and doodles.

  5. Collected – Website inspiration site.

  6. Periodic Table of Storytelling – Storytelling framework visualized.

  7. Immerse Zone – Reverse search engine for royalty-free images.

  8. Rebrand Gallery – Library of inspiring rebrands.

  9. Minimal Gallery – Minimalist website inspiration.

15 Creative Resources

Educational Tools & Frameworks

  1. 101 Design Rules – Design principles by Brian Collins.

  2. FictiveKin Websystems – Best practices for web system design.

  3. Design Methods Library – Comprehensive design methods and reading recommendations.

  4. Branding Guidelines Archive – Repository of brand style guides.

  5. Off-Grid – Interviews, articles, and inspiration for designers.

Stock Images & Icons

  1. Icons8 – Customizable stock photos and icons.

  2. IconBuddy – 180k+ open-source icons for apps and decks.

  3. Burst Photos – CC0 stock photos by Shopify.

  4. Shot Deck – High-definition movie stills for reference.

  5. Eyecandy – Database of high-quality GIFs.

Contract Templates & Business Resources

  1. AIGA Contract Templates – Design services agreements.

  2. Micro Volume Design Services Contract - Comprehensive 20 page service client for freelancers and agencies.

  3. Google Ads Transparency Library – Competitor ad analysis tool.

  4. Good on You – Directory with sustainability ratings for fashion and beauty brands.

  5. Design Threads Report – Thought-provoking questions on design philosophy.

20 Videos & Podcasts

Design, UX & Branding

  1. High Resolution Podcast – Podcast series on design.

  2. Best Web Design Resources 2024 Worth Bookmarking – Resource video on web design.

  3. Rory Sutherland Talk – Insightful talk on design and marketing.

  4. Science of Storytelling TEDx Talk – TEDx talk on storytelling’s impact.

  5. Contours of CAD and AI – Future of engineering design tools report.

Business & Freelancing

  1. Solopreneur Business Advice – Tips from successful solo founders.

  2. Freelance Pricing Secrets – Guide on setting freelance design rates.

  3. Landing Big Brands – Hoodzpah founders on working with major brands.

  4. Closing Deals with Tough Clients – Chris Do roleplay on challenging client negotiations.

  5. How to License Your Idea – Insights on licensing ideas for profit.

Storytelling & Communication

  1. Storytelling Masterclass – 56-minute breakdown of storytelling techniques.

  2. How to Become Articulate – Tips for communication skills.

  3. How to Ask Questions that Make People Love You – Techniques for engaging questions.

  4. How to Write a Director’s Treatment – Guide for visual storytelling in films.

  5. Building a Profitable Personal Brand – Personal branding advice.

Design Inspiration & Skills

  1. Photorealism Mindset – Achieving photorealism in CGI.

  2. Blender Lighting Tips – Lighting strategies for commercial visuals.

  3. How to Start a Clothing Brand – Tips for launching a relevant clothing brand.

  4. Scott Wilson Interview – Startup advice from MINIMAL Inc. founder.

  5. Your Cringe is a Superpower – Embracing vulnerability in design.

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