We will provide comments on inspirational design industry blogs.

 

 

5 Design blogs to read

Part of the appeal of the design world is that new trends, ideas and software are constantly emerging. No two days (or client projects) are the same at thefingerprint. Our continued success comes from knowing that emerging trends and change are inevitable.

Taking on board the latest developments in design, there are certain blogs that help keep our fingerprint on the pulse of what works for our valued clients. In turn, we understand what will appeal to their potential customers in terms of the website designs and content we create. Widely respected by many designers, they are a great resource for seeing what is happening in this fast-paced, exciting industry.

With this in mind, we will outline why reading design blogs is helpful for designers and clients in terms of finding inspiration. We hope that you enjoy visiting the five standout design-related blog recommendations that will follow.

Why read blogs about design?

Here are just a few reasons why designers, their clients and students may choose to read design blogs.

1. Keeping up to date

Discovering current trends such as popular fonts, typography and the Pantone Colour of the Year can help your website attract new customers. It keeps your brand relevant and can appeal visually to your target demographic.

At thefingerprint, we are conscious to consider your ideas and existing branding (if applicable). However, blending these suggestions with cutting-edge design principles results in design that hit the mark. This balance gives your website or design project a fresh look whilst staying true to your business.

2. A source of inspiration

Reading design-led blogs can also help you when approaching a full-service design agency like thefingerprint. They provide a rich source of inspiration in terms of the design elements you require, including colour selection, infographics and video content. Inspiring the start of a design project, we know there’s bound to be something there to excite every reader.

The five blogs suggested in this blog can also help increase your confidence when briefing us at the start of our working relationship. Although we are happy to guide you and offer the value of our multi award-winning expertise.

3. They highlight new software and topical issues

AI-generated design tools such as Adobe Firefly have been the talk of the internet this year. And whilst we feel it has a (limited) role to play, industry design blogs do include articles on the latest developments that are influencing design practice today.

No one denies that new software is going to be released. However, well-written design blogs offer guidance and educate their readers on their benefits and limitations of new software. They can be enjoyed by designers and their clients alike, to access design and website-related news.

4. Professionals trust them

Written by design lovers and experts in their field, the online articles found within industry design blogs are engaging, often jargon-free and respected by the design community. Industry-renowned, they offer authority and can be trusted to express current opinions on a range of issues.

They are an interesting read and can be dipped in and out of whenever your schedule allows. More approachable for members of the public than many design publications or advanced courses, having a subject broken down into rewarding bitesize blog articles promotes design to a wider audience.

Which five design blogs would thefingerprint recommend?

Addressing the topics that matter, we believe that reading any of the following design blogs will inspire, educate and inform your understanding of how design works in practice.

Brand New

Described as “probably the most well-respected blog focused on corporate and brand identity work” by Creative Boom, this site responds to the latest logo transformations and famous rebrands. Past pieces have discussed the new First Choice and Nationwide logos (introduced in October 2023). A retro-feel site, it is usually updated daily. So fans of design can get their fix of logo developments as change happens.

Full access to its articles will cost $2 per month or $20 per year. Yet it will expand your appreciation of logo design. Check out this trusted site at Brand New.

Dribble

With a jobs board and inspiration section, the Dribble website features an unmissable blog known as ‘Courtside’. Popular with graphic designers and other creatives, it prides itself on its “community-focused” nature. Readers can submit ideas for an article, to build a following for this well-liked blog.

Expect plenty of tips in the Dribble blog. Plus, there is a podcast called ‘Overtime’ too! Free to access, why not take a look at its fascinating blog ‘Stories’ to better understand the design landscape.

Creative Review

It’s fair to say that the Creative Review voice spans various aspects of modern life. From design to advertising, fashion, photography, music and film, this blog claims “The sharpest opinion, analysis and advice on life in the creative industries”. Its podcast ‘Creativity Sucks!’ has just returned for a new series, with the opening episode covering the design canon.

Whilst this website is subscription-based, we feel it offers immense value as subscribers receive access to quarterly printed magazines. You can also enjoy “40 years of ideas via the digital magazine archive” as another example of the many benefits offered. Discover Creative Review here.

The Design Blog

The brainchild of LA-based designer Ruby Bacanovic. This website proudly curates the “works of designers and design studios from all over the world”. Whilst popular with a loyal audience of students and young designers, this resource offers daily inspiration. Helpful topics revolve around each day’s themes (e.g. Monday sees Designer of the Week and a Featured Video).

Discover The Design Blog for accessible branding and graphic design food for thought.

Identity Designed

This blog is a modern ‘swatch book’ of global design inspiration. True to its name, it highlights and breaks down brand identities. These include Monkey Baa and the logo reinvention of Norwich department store Jarrolds.

Accompanying the Identity Designed blog is the publication ‘Identity Designed: The Definitive Guide to Visual Branding’. Written by David Airey, it celebrates the design process. Author Alina Wheeler described the guide as “An inspiring and intelligent resource for designers and their clients as they redesign their future”.

Be Inspired and Guided by thefingerprint

These five design blogs will fire up your creativity, realise what is possible and introduce current design trends. However, we appreciate there are many demands on your time. We remain here to project manage your design project with considerable design expertise and skill.

Reach out to discuss your upcoming website, design or rebranding project by calling +44 (0)7740 348 521 or emailing design@thefingerprint.co.uk.

 

If you are enjoying this article please read our blogs Why writing a blog is important for business and SEO, Why a brand is important and why it’s not just a logo or Canva – should companies use it?.