I’ve collected a lot of resources along the way. These are some of the books, tools, software, and references that have helped me learn, create, and grow as a designer. Hopefully you find something useful here!
Sections
4
Worth Reading
Tools/Software
Inspiration & Research
Motion Design
Worth Reading
One of the best books I’ve read! A must-read for anyone thinking about freelancing.
The Freelance Manifesto: Field Guide
A must-read for creatives looking to find inspiration.
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You
Currently reading this one! Definitely worth checking out if you’re interested in entrepreneurship, freelancing, or building a career on your own terms.
The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere
Highly recommend this to any artist or designer! It covers the basics and gives you a great foundation in graphic design history.
The History of Graphic Design. 45th Ed.
A great resource for learning the foundations of typography.
Thinking with Type, 2nd ed.: A Critical Guide
A great read for anyone interested in web and UX design. This was recommended to me in one of my web design classes and covers the basics of creating websites that are simple, intuitive, and easy to navigate. Highly recommend!
Don't Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense ...
A great resource for learning how to approach design problems and develop creative ideas. This was recommended to me in one of my graphic design classes. Highly recommend!
Graphic Design Thinking: Beyond Brainstorming ...
Tools/Software
My go-to for pretty much everything design. Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, and more. Definitely worth learning if you’re getting into design.
Adobe Creative Cloud
A must-have for digital design and collaboration. Great for creating websites, apps, presentations, UI/UX, and so much more.
Figma
Great for designing and building websites without needing to code. Also a great option for creating a polished, interactive portfolio.
Framer
Great for exploring 3D design, animation, modeling, and creating more dimensional visuals.
Cinema 4D
Another great 3D tool for animation, modeling, and experimenting with 3D design.
Blender
One of my go-to resources for discovering inspiring motion design, studios, artists, and creative work.
Motionographer® Unexpected Inspiration™
Great for learning motion design through tutorials, courses, and resources, especially if you’re just getting started.
School of Motion
Highly recommend! I’ve been using a MacBook Air since college, and it’s still going strong. It handles Adobe Creative Cloud and other demanding design software really well, making it a great option if you’re on a budget. I’d recommend at least 16 GB ...
MacBook Air 13-inch and MacBook Air 15-inch
This app has been a lifesaver since college, and I’ve been using it ever since. Great for staying organized, managing projects, taking notes, and keeping all your creative resources in one place.
Notion
Inspiration & Research
Great for finding inspiration and building moodboards.
Pinterest
My new go-to for finding unique inspiration, discovering interesting references, and going down creative rabbit holes.
Are.na
Great for discovering typefaces, exploring typography in context, and finding inspiration for your own design work.
Fonts In Use
Great for discovering inspiring website design and seeing what other designers are creating.
Awwwards
One of my go-to resources for discovering inspiring motion design, studios, artists, and creative work.
Motionographer
Motion Design
A must-have for motion design, animation, visual effects, and bringing your designs to life.
Adobe After Effects
Great for exploring 3D design, animation, modeling, and creating more dimensional visuals.
Cinema 4D
Another great 3D tool for animation, modeling, and experimenting with 3D design.
Blender
One of my go-to resources for discovering inspiring motion design, studios, artists, and creative work.
Motionographer
Great for learning motion design through tutorials, courses, and resources, especially if you’re just getting started.
