Design resources
If you’re trying to get started with a career in design, whether it be Product Design, Web Design, Graphic Design, or anything in between, it can be hard to figure out where to start.
I created this list of my recommendations for books, YouTube channels, podcasts, educational programs, and beyond to help newcomers find a place to get started.
But first things first, welcome to the design community!
Hello friend! Quick note, some links included on this page are affiliate links. That said, I only recommend products or services which I know, trust, and think are valuable for the community. If you purchase a product or service with one of these links, I may receive a small commission on this sale but this is at no additional cost to you. The earnings support me and my work so I can continue to provide you with great content and resources.
Videos about design, careers in tech, and life
I’ve created many videos on YouTube sharing stories about my experiences as a designer working in the tech industry.
I'm focused on helping people fulfill their dream of becoming a designer, as well as helping others understand what it means to be one. If you’re interested in joining along for the ride, subscribe to my YouTube channel for new content posted weekly!
Design creators
Femke is a Product Designer. On her channel she covers everything from UX Design to User Research, Prototyping and Product.
The Futur’s mission is to teach 1 billion people how to make a living doing what they love.
Christine Chun is a Product Designer who creates content about design as well as outfit ideas for working professional women.
Maddy shares weekly videos about UI/UX design including process, behind the scenes looks at projects, and Adobe XD tutorials.
Sera’s channel is about Product Design, research, and strategy.
Charli is a web and graphic designer who posts design videos about tools, projects, and concepts.
Sharing her journey from design student to industry professional.
Sharing tips and advice for those interested in starting a career in UX / Design.
Books & case studies
Book series
Design Better by Invision
For design management
Professional case studies
Design for business impact by Designer Fund
Getting started with design software
Paid courses
Learning Figma
Course for beginners by Georgia Davis
Skillshare classes created by Maddy Beard
Use code: ANNUAL30AFF for 30% off new Skillshare subscription
6 Tactics For Getting Organized in Figma
6 Tips for Streamlining Components in Figma
Figma training
With Joey Banks
UX Academy Foundations
Course with DesignLab
Intro to Design
Course with Springboard
Free guides
Figma
Learn Design by Figma
Best practices by Figma
Sketch
Sketch 101 by Sketch
The Ultimate Guide to Getting Started In Sketch by DesignLab
Adobe XD
Adobe XD Step by step guide by Adobe
Design podcasts
User Defenders
with Jason Ogle
This podcast is aimed at highlighting those leading the way in their craft by diving deeper into who they are, and what makes them tick/successful, in order to inspire and equip those aspiring to do the same.
Design Matters
with Debbie Millman
The world's first podcast about design and an inquiry into the broader world of creative culture through wide-ranging conversations with designers, writers, artists, curators, musicians, and other luminaries of contemporary thought
Design Better
with Aaron Walter and Eli Woolery
Uncover insights from the world’s top design leaders.
High Resolution
with Bobby Ghoshal and Jared Erondu
Bringing clarity to how the best companies approach, communicate, and deploy design.
Design Life
with Charli Prangley and Femke van Schoohoven
Design Life is a podcast about design and side projects for motivated creators.
Guides and extras
Guide for early career Product Designers
If you’re just getting started in Product Design and not sure where to start then check out my $10 mini, digital guidebook for help.
Customizable illustration collections by Blush
Easily create and customize stunning illustrations with collections made by artists across the globe.
Awesome design schools and programs which support a career in Product Design
As of right now, I am only familiar with colleges which are based in the USA.
Universities
California College of the Arts (CCA)
Rochester Institute of Technology
Undergraduate programs
Interaction Design at Art Center
Masters programs
MHCI+D at University of Washington
Human-Computer Interaction Masters at RIT
I also found this list with even more schools to check out.
Paid online courses
I am personally affiliated with two awesome, online UX and Product Design bootcamp programs: Springboard and Designlab. If you have any questions about either of these programs feel free to reach out!
Springboard
Become a Designer. Guaranteed.
Springboard's online UX and UI/UX Design programs are 6-9 months long with flexible learning and personalized 1:1 mentorship from top design talent across the globe. You'll finish the course with a 40 hour industry design project and have partnered with a real company solving real-world design problems. They guarantee you'll get a job within 6 months of graduating or your money back.
$1,000 off of Springboard’s UI/UX Design Career Track
Use my code at checkout: HelloAlexaSB1000
Quick link to UI/UX course: https://bit.ly/3AQfGwM
$1,000 off UX Design Career Track
Use my code at checkout: HelloAlexaSB1000
Quick Link to UX course: https://bit.ly/3s2PZoE
Designlab
Build your new career in UX design
Designlab's UX Academy students receive world-class 1-on-1 online training in UX design, access to a vibrant community, and help landing that first product design job.
No design experience? Join one of their rigorous 4-week Design 101 online courses! Students are paired with Designlab mentors to learn the fundamentals of design.
Quick link to the courses: https://share.designlab.com/helloimalexa