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Mastering the Art of Visual Composition
A plain-language look at visual composition: how balance, alignment, proportion, focal points and flow work together to organize a design on the canvas.
Design Guides
Understand design, make better visuals.
Independent, plain-language guides to graphic design principles, color, branding, visual storytelling and how the field is changing.
146 in-depth guides 19 topics Oct 2026 latest guide
Featured guides
Guides to start with
Each one links on to more specific articles in its topic.
Unlocking the Secrets of Color Theory
A beginner foundation in color theory: the color wheel, hue, saturation and value, and the common harmony schemes designers use to combine colors.
How to Create a Strong Visual Brand
A plain-language overview of what makes up a visual brand: logo, color, type, imagery and layout, and how these parts work together to feel like one thing.
A Guide to Creating Engaging Visual Content
A plain-language guide to making images, graphics and video stills people actually look at, from defining purpose to fitting format and audience.
The Art of Designing for Web
A plain-language look at designing for browsers: how layout, responsiveness, on-screen type, loading speed and navigation shape a page people can actually use.
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Fundamentals
Layout and color basics every design rests on.
Brand And Story
Identity, voice and storytelling through visuals.
Brand Identity Building and keeping a coherent visual brand and voice. 6 guides Visual Storytelling Content, campaigns and narratives told through images. 6 guides Logo Design What a logo is for, how marks are built and how they are used. 8 guides Brand Guidelines And Systems Documenting and applying a brand across many touchpoints. 8 guides Social And Marketing Visuals Designing images and layouts made for feeds, ads and campaigns. 8 guides
Craft And Practice
Mediums, people and process behind design work.
Design By Medium Designing for web, mobile, print and user experience, plus tool types. 7 guides Human-Centered Design Accessibility, emotion and social purpose in design. 6 guides Design Process Collaboration, research, feedback, creativity and experimentation. 6 guides Print And Production Preparing designs for physical output and understanding how they get made. 9 guides
Past And Future
History, technology, trends and teaching.
Type And Imagery
Lettering, pictures, illustration and motion as building blocks of visuals.
Design As Work
Careers, client relationships, rights and responsibilities in design.