Top 10 blogs aspiring web designers should be checking out

The award winning web design and branding team from London digital agency Cyber-Duck run down their top ten inspirational design blogs.

BittBox- http://www.bittbox.com/

Come and get your freebies! With weekly competitions, offers and other treats for the budding designer, BittBox attempts to offer its users something more than just design commentary. Check in on Free Texture Tuesdays for interesting and unusual textures to incorporate into your designs.  

Digital Buzz- http://www.digitalbuzzblog.com/

Essential for any interactive designer, Digital Buzz provides commentary and analysis on everything to do with web trends and the latest developments, from the latest viral campaign causing a stir to augmented reality games and social marketing slideshow presentations.

I Love Typography- http://ilovetypography.com/

For the hardcore typeface addict. A slick, clean blog dedicated to all things font. If you like to discuss the finer points of kerning, alignment and hierarchy, this blog provides a well informed yet accessible approach to type.

COLOUR lovers- http://www.colourlovers.com/blog/

A truly beautiful blog that aims to give users an understanding of the deeper implications of colour and not just from a generic, empty marketing perspective. This blog taps into what is essential about colour and how it is used in art, nature, fashion, packaging and many other implementations.

You the Designer- http://www.youthedesigner.com/

You the Designer provides help and advice on pursuing and developing a career in design. The blog takes a personal approach, allowing users to learn from the real experiences of the blogmaster. The blog also includes a design jobs board as well as a forum to connect you to other designers and network with potential clients.

Spoon Graphics- http://www.blog.spoongraphics.co.uk/

This is a great blog for step-by-step tutorials. Learn how to create incredible visual effects using Photoshop by following their illustrated guides. This month learn how to create vibrant lighting effects like those in the new Blackberry advert featuring U2.

Fazai 38- http://blog.fazai38.com/


Find incisive comment on all things design here, from the aesthetics and ergonomics of a phone case to the finer points of automotive advertising. This blog also provides helpful tips and tools on where to find free design templates and design case studies.

Freelance Switch- http://freelanceswitch.com/

This blog provides help and advice for freelance designers on everything from staying on call for clients whilst on holiday to effective communication between designer and client. The blog does away with all the unnecessary flowery language and gets straight to the point, giving users advice based on real life experiences.

Smashing Magazine- http://www.smashingmagazine.com/

The blog that backs up the offline publication, Smashing Magazine is a highly polished, highly professional blog that, in its own words, will “smash you with the information that will make your life easier, really.” And actually, a quick scroll down the page very quickly reveals blog after interesting blog packed with information that’s actually really useful.

Mashable- http://mashable.com/

An invaluable guide to social media for the budding designer. As well as news and views on the goings-on of the wider online community, the blog provides how-to articles and tips on considering every online interaction from a commercial perspective- an incredibly important part of design.