The Best FREE Design Resources

[@MillaVicern]

I’m not a graphic designer but for some reason Kel is just my comfort KZbin and I always feel so calm watching their videos…

[@spicysprinkles3223]

Same they are such an interesting person imo

[@PaperWolfe]

I totally agree. They’re one of the only youtubers I actually have notifications on for

[@joannegreen1700]

She’s so helpful to watch as I’m trying to learn more

[@punkyllama420]

Opening up a Kel Lauren video = like plonking yourself down on a comfy couch

[@kodzu2987]

@Cade they literally just said their pronouns are they/them in their intro,,,

[@JesseNyberg]

These are great, Unsplash is the GOAT. I don't know anyone who doesn't use it at this point.

[@yuh5294]

With affinity, remember that there are three programs: affinity photo is kinda like photoshop, affinity designer is kinda like illustrator, and affinity publisher is kinda like indesign! You have to buy them separately but they work together pretty well. I use affinity and it is WAY simpler to use than the Adobe suite and is more beginner friendly.

[@beingbjarke]

All they are missing now is an animation/motion design and video editing programme.

[@lemonline3719]

Yes! I also love Krita, Inkscape, and Scribus

[@Caerph1lly]

@@beingbjarke Yeah, exactly! One of the ONLY reasons I haven't switched is there is absolutely no alternative top After Effects, Affinity or elsewhere. There are alternatives to premiere, but motion graphics, adobe is still the only option.

[@beingbjarke]

@@Caerph1lly For desktop users that's certainly true. I've tried mobile motion design using alight motion and node video but they are still very limiting. I only use them for ship edits.

[@madeofdots]

for textures, sometimes i like to use fabric store or tile & stone websites! i work for an interior design company rn, and i've come across a few while working here, but they always have pictures of samples of the fabrics and tiles and you can find some really interesting textures that way!

[@TeddyWuvsYew]

As a graphic designer trying to figure out the best way to utilize textures (or just how to do it "correctly", like do I just set the photo as an overlay?) in my designs, I would love to see a video dedicated to how you scan/use and implement your textures in your designs. I was also intrigued on how you said you scan flowers and in what case you would use that as a texture too :) Love your content btw, it's very informative and inspirational !!

[@tahirhaithem9841]

As a fellow graphic designer I've learned to stop thinking about the correct way of doing things and just letting things happen.

[@Stephanie-cd6pc]

@@tahirhaithem9841 so true lol, graphic design for me now is the epitome of "fuck around and find out"

[@tahirhaithem9841]

@@Stephanie-cd6pc you'll be able to feel more creative once freed from the uncessant desire to find the factors x y and z that are supposed to make you a "true" designer.

[@AtlasPro1]

Now this is what I was waiting for!

[@xophryz]

What are you doing here!!

[@estrelaconfusa]

Interesting crossover

[@thekraken1173]

Unexpected to see you here

[@joseoswaldoolverarodriguez5767]

Here's a comment for you guys: Thanks to Kel I got into graphic desing, I always looked for some art related content in youtube cause I wanted to study something similar to it. At the end I did not beacause of my parents, I live in Mexico so as you may know in here we dont support arts, anyway: I wanted to try so badly to do design but I had fear. I decided to use Kel as inspiration and I downloaded Inkscape and learned how to use it from videos in the web. It turns out that Im pretty fucking good at this and it makes me sick how my family never showed me any type of support. So I wanted to tell you that this gon be a difficult path, but as long as you trust in yourself eveything will come easyly. Thanks a lot to Kel for giving futur designers the courage to get started!

[@MrZxcvbnm22]

I would love to see a video where you detail how you manage and create your own textures. And then to see a couple applications. Would be great!

[@cmmiestcat]

*THANK YOU KEL FOR PROVIDING US THE BEST RESOURCES LIST EVER THAT ISN'T ACTUALLY TERRIBLE*

[@yayamakes]

Kel this was much needed, was looking for good mock-ups and textures for a project - took a 5min break and saw u uploaded, perfect timing bee 🌍⚡️

[@foca.noshape]

I'm concluding my fashion design course, and today I'm loving more the graphic design area. I have following you for years now and your videos/work always amazed me, and today is like a guide, love you and thank you for the amazing content, means a lot to me (Brazillian fan)

[@timothydrewfilms5272]

Quick Note: GIMP is not Windows Only. It's available for all platforms.

[@tenderbri888]

for a future video: are there any graphic design creators that you recommend? i'm trying to find more great gd youtubers like you kel😅😅

[@mariacarolina6244]

Hey I’ve know a few, there’s Abi Design, she’s great and so lovely, and Jackelyn Designs, she’s a new youtuber but she’s also great and she does some awasome designs! and the last one is Paola Kassa, she's so sweet and she gives a lot of advices and tips, i hope that i helped you, somehow 🤗✨

[@tenderbri888]

@@mariacarolina6244 ooh thanks! i'll check em out :)

[@dzsulien]

Dantier and Balogh are pretty good too! 😃👌 Interior - and graphic design stuff

[@woeandgrow]

I'm a designer and artist who switched over to the Affinity programs a few years ago after years of using Adobe and I don't regret it one bit. I love the Affinity programs and find them often easier and more efficient to use effectively. I use them for vector art, logos and merch design and they're great. Also, Sketch is another good option for UI elements like icons, backgrounds, emojis, etc.

[@israelg3174]

For all you new designers and even experienced please take these resources into consideration, Kel blessed everyone with these resources!

[@Ornithological]

this video was a blessing, i was looking for free mockups and programs that can support psd (cause my main program fire alpaca, which is a great free drawing program, doesnt support psd). You really came in clutch with this one!

[@cindylunatic6693]

im starting my internship at an agency on monday. I was so nervous but just watching your vids calmed my nerves.

[@Miko-hx3eo]

Velvetyne is awesome! My typography teacher at my French design school is one of their designers :D

[@maikolverasson1735]

I love the chill way you open your videos and the low voice.

[@amandabeasley7573]

kel this video came to me at the perfect time!! i am a beginner freelance mograph designer and editor and money is always a struggle. you literally SAVED MY LIFE! THANK YOU!!

[@dylanwebb3966]

Kel this is so helpful for many young creatives. Thank you for giving back over KZbin!!

[@balynsus]

16:40 Gimp actually is also available for Mac, i have it on my macbook.

[@lemonline3719]

Figma/Sketch alternatives: - Lunacy - Penpot InDesign alternative: - Scribus

[@yomamavsai]

She's actually good. She deserves a like and follow.

[@adriel4703]

I used to use gimp before switching to photoshop, and it was great. Also it's available on mac and linux too, not just windows, but it's an easy mistake to make since a lot of similar software is windows only.

[@kimberleysoda2046]

You make me feel so safe, Kel!

[@welliot]

Yes yes yes

[@deIcorazon]

so so grateful for your existence

[@jeremysistrunk3742]

So Kel, I purchased the MARTIN font and I could not be happier. I had you in mind while I'm designing this Activism app. It's such a nice font for headings and titles.

[@suushii1674]

this video is amazing!!! I've just started my first year at college for graphic design. You really inspired me to take the step forward with perusing this as a career. Thank you for the resources!!!!! :)

[@IIshABanana]

I was having a stressful morning but then I saw Kel released a new video!! Their videos always make me feel so much better and calmer.

[@jildacheng9545]

i started graphic design with gimp back in like 2010 during middle school 😊 eventually transitioned to photoshop when i took graphic design in high school, but i always remember gimp for being amazing when getting started

[@emmaflood8089]

Question: does building a portfolio to get a job count as personal use?

[@andrezaalbuquerque734]

yes, comercial use is just when you make money selling something =)

[@seasnow9394]

Thank you so much for these tips Kel!! I do traditional art but am hoping to break into some digital art and media work too at some point soon!

[@ahhdreein]

loveee these long videos, very helpful! and looking forward to this ^^

[@frankydrappier237]

Great and informative video, however, if I may, a small remark: you can do some vector stuff in Krita, and Gimp is available for Windows, Mac and Linux. Also: Scribus would be your open source DTP (Indesign) alternative. A bit clunky, but it does the job. Affinity "trinity" is awesome.

[@aravindvinayakan]

This is such an incredible resource! Thank you for putting this out there, keep up the amazing work!

[@HAVgiraffe]

i was already preparing a doc to type out all of the programs and you created one to download! bless

[@patopat2818]

This is a gold mine! Thank you so much Kel!

[@twinklestyle]

Kel loved this video! One thing I’ve been wondering is if you have any recommendations for places to get inspiration for designs or jumping off points? I try Pinterest but I always have a hard time finding what I’m looking for and you seem to be awesome at finding inspirations / mood boards in your videos!

[@krystalcotriss]

Have you tried dribbble or behance?

[@lemonline3719]

I would subscribe to the codrops and SuperHi newsletters if you do web design

[@jacksondanielles3347]

Thank you for always being so helpful to us and always showing us skills and tips ❤ You are a big inspiration

[@MusicFeedsMyS0ul]

I’ve been using photoshop exclusively for mock-ups for a while but I’ve had issues due to space. It wasn’t worth it for me so Ive switched to using Photopea and it’s worked great with psd files.

[@tragicriots]

As I'm trying my hardest to take graphic design as a new favorite hobby (I already web design on tumblr) your channel is my favorite. I have a history of doing well quality gifs in photoshop and doing basic graphics.... I don't feel as though everything is complicated now watching your videos. They're helpful. 😘❤

[@Kilomanustudio]

Thank you Kel Lauren for sharing and for your inspiration. I would love to see a tutorial on the texture part. How do you make them and how do you use them.

[@aravindvinayakan]

Fusion 360 is a pretty well regarded 3D program that's free for personal use!

[@rachamanda13]

I use photoscape for my memes and thumbnails! I've also used it for posters for clubs and events. I don't know very much about adobe but I think it is similar to photoshop. The free version is pretty useful, and I think the pro version costs $40 as a one time payment. As far as I know it is only for mac!

[@balaw1980]

Thank you. A wealth of info for this non-graphics designer who wants to know a bit more about the field.

[@TRSjulie]

There is not a single haircut you couldn’t do complete justice!!

[@Chewychaca]

My Adobe alternate is ⛵🏴‍☠ *Whistles the end of the SpongeBob theme.

[@alexj4239]

I would love to see a little challenge vid where you do some designs on photopea! this is so helpful, thank you!

[@wadalapichu4873]

thanks a lot for this:) ive been thinking of leaving collegue and that means goodbye to adobe and alot of other suscription programs, this was really helpful as always!

[@lisannetober4583]

In LOVE with your videos, seriously! Thanks for your amazing work and being an inspiration for so many! :)

[@adesignaday4754]

Great video! I recently made the switch from inkscape & gimp to the adobe programs (for college) and I'm struggling aha sad. Thank you very much for the free site tips!

[@EmRayDesign]

This is so unbelievably helpful and thank you for making the design world more accessible to all! Such a fan of your videos and work. :-)

[@miss_br]

graphic design student here, thank you so much for this :) !

[@florak1087]

Great video...even after 2 years. Will save it but look for new videos from you. THanks

[@KennethSteigely]

I stumbled upon this video and am sure glad I did! Thanks for the great resources.

[@valentinamolano9478]

Loveeee it. Spline it’s a very good program for 3d modeling, it’s interface is very easy and intuitive.

[@johnnybless33]

Great job. You should have more views. Tons of tools for designers like me. useful info. Keep it up. Someone out there is missing out on this.

[@larryhaylock1248]

Love this video and your so right on Adobe (whisper) 😄 your content is awesome and I'm a graphic designer college student currently from Honduras 🇭🇳

[@MikeWalter420]

this video saved my life, thx 🥺💖

[@adelaidedesilva5191]

Kern Club is great for Fonts ! A lot of them are paid but they have an amazing selection of REALLY unique fonts for free too

[@amystudders]

Krita is such a great programme! I use it for digital art

[@emilyrain8968]

this is so so helpful as a beginner, thank you!!!

[@feliperuizok]

this video safe my life as design estudent, thank u : )

[@redsharkdigital]

Kel we love the video! Such an informative and detailed video with great resources. Keep up the good work!

[@marianacosta5077]

Exactly on the moment you started talking about adobe alternatives, I got an Illustrator ad 👀

[@photom3]

just when I think I know all of these, then comes some new things. Good Info.

[@ilaydaylmaz700]

thanks for your all recommended. i am using photoshop and i wanna be a collage artist. that's all recommended very useful for me! thx Kel

[@natsasmr99]

I'm an HCI student and figma became my whole world. Like I created my resume and make mood boards on Figma

[@ElijahBerg0011]

The video everyone needed.

[@thatgirlelora]

the way i clicked on this so fast lol

[@alantrotter]

For textures, definitely Texturelabs: also a KZbin channel with some great tutorial videos, but there's a site with an incredible array of very useful textures, all completely free, including for commercial use (supported by a Patreon).

[@By_Ash_Away]

Wow, this is such an invaluable resource, thank you!

[@stella98613]

thank u so much for always sharing helpful resources for fellow designers

[@breadboi420]

you should also talk about video editing i think. there are some good programs there 😋

[@catarinamonteiro6212]

Rawpixel also has a really good free assets collection ✨

[@michiyoymzk4504]

im curious what texture site were they referring to when they mentioned "aren't run by weird, misogynist men"?

[@AliciaYellowLodge]

Thank you so much for sharing!💖 So many don't want to share this kinf of information. It was so helpful!

[@baandoptager]

Finally back! 👍

[@MartyNextDoor]

Great video! I use a lot of the same resources that you covered, but I picked up a lot that I hadn't heard of! Thank you :)

[@mintyemerald3935]

Keep in mind Paper is freemium, aka it is free but it has limitations and there is paid version with extra features

[@bluepersona7916]

THANK YOU KEL!!!! MORE POWER TO YOU🤩

[@aryankathawale9269]

how the hell did i just watch this entire video without blinking

[@tomoghnosen]

GIMP is my favorite, its a very good alternative to Photoshop.

[@Keldar-g4p]

Damn, this piece of content is worth A LOT

[@flovita]

“make that lil donut” lmao im still triggered by that damn donut 🍩 😭

[@yasminagizzatova2756]

This is so so helpful. Thank you so much!!!

[@el_chivo99]

i am here once again to ask that u put the music in ur vids on spotify!! they’re so fire

[@matheuspereira230]

Your content is NEEDFUL! Thank you so much ❤️‍🔥

[@pornholio100]

Thanks a lot for foodiesfeed! Its awesome!

[@jillianmcguire8056]

Hey! @Kel Lauren - this video is incredibly helpful! Is there anyway you can do a tutorial about how to make your own textures in more depth?

[@user-gg2ue1ze8b]

hi kel! was wondering whether posting music posters on instagram for fun would be considered as commercial or personal use? i'm kinda conflicted on whether i'm allowed to use these free personal use fonts in my designs that i post...

[@KelLauren]

that’s personal use! you’re okay :)

[@jeremyscheatday7305]

GIMP is available for Mac too.

[@tahirshaikh8952]

Yes I am waiting for this"Thanks"👍

[@sproutswithjoy]

omg this is such a needed video THANK YOU!!!

[@detena.]

Thank you Kel! Dope video

[@itslittleplug]

You always become inspired

[@ayymejay]

collletttivo also has amazing free fonts

[@vaalentinanoelart]

I loooove pexels!

[@vaalentinanoelart]

btw clip studio paint for drawing is awesome