Discover the Best Design Newsletter for Creative Inspiration

Want to stay ahead in design? This list showcases eight of the best design newsletters to boost your skills and inspiration. Discover top resources like Sidebar, Smashing Magazine Newsletter, and Brutalist Designs, covering everything from UX/UI and web development to graphic design and typography. Finding the best design newsletter for your needs eliminates endless searching for quality design information. We'll also show you how Grow Newsie can help you put these ideas into action.

For designers and developers seeking a curated dose of inspiration without the overwhelm, Sidebar is a top contender among the best design newsletters. It delivers a concise collection of five high-quality links straight to your inbox every Friday. This best design newsletter cuts through the digital noise, offering a valuable resource for staying up-to-date on the latest design, typography, and development trends. Whether you're looking for insightful articles, innovative tools, or simply a visual refresh, Sidebar consistently provides a curated selection that respects your time.

Founded by Sacha Greif, Sidebar distinguishes itself with its minimalist layout and focus on quality over quantity. Each link is hand-picked and often features community contributions and recommendations, adding a personal touch to the curation process. This approach ensures a high signal-to-noise ratio, making it a perfect choice for busy professionals who want to maximize their learning with minimal effort. For aspiring newsletter creators, established content entrepreneurs, and digital marketing professionals, Sidebar offers a compelling example of effective content curation. Small business owners and news reporters can also benefit from the quick insights and resources shared.

One of Sidebar's strengths is its consistency. Delivered every Friday, it becomes a reliable source of inspiration to kickstart your weekend or wrap up your work week. Furthermore, it's completely free with no premium tier requirements, making it accessible to everyone. Learn more about Sidebar regarding its thoughtful layout. The archive of past issues is also readily available online, providing a rich library of valuable resources.

While the limited number of links is a boon for time-constrained individuals, it might be a drawback for those craving a more comprehensive overview or daily dose of inspiration. Additionally, Sidebar primarily focuses on curation and lacks in-depth original analysis or commentary, which might be a consideration for those seeking more critical perspectives. However, for its intended purpose – delivering a highly curated selection of top-quality design and development resources – Sidebar excels. Its clean design, consistent delivery, and free access make it a valuable addition to any designer or developer's inbox and a strong contender for the title of best design newsletter. You can subscribe and explore past issues at https://sidebar.io/.

If you're looking for a comprehensive dose of design inspiration and practical advice delivered right to your inbox, the Smashing Magazine Newsletter is a strong contender for the best design newsletter out there. Serving over 200,000 subscribers, it offers a broad spectrum of content related to web design, UX/UI, CSS, JavaScript, and more. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting your design journey, this bi-weekly newsletter provides valuable insights to help you stay ahead of the curve. This newsletter excels at providing a balanced mix of theoretical understanding and hands-on techniques, making it applicable for both learning and immediate implementation.

Smashing Magazine's newsletter stands out for its commitment to quality. Each edition features a curated selection of original articles and resources from across the web, vetted by industry experts. This blend ensures a diverse range of perspectives and topics, covering everything from the latest design trends to in-depth coding tutorials. For content entrepreneurs and digital marketing professionals, staying informed about design principles is crucial, and this newsletter offers a one-stop shop for that knowledge. It's also an excellent resource for aspiring newsletter creators looking to understand how to structure and deliver valuable content consistently.

The newsletter goes beyond just articles, offering updates on upcoming events, workshops, and special offers on Smashing Magazine's products and events. While this can be seen as self-promotional, it also provides valuable opportunities for professional development. Small business owners and niche market strategists can benefit from the practical design tips and resources offered, enabling them to improve their online presence and branding. News reporters covering the tech and design industries will find the newsletter's curated content a valuable source of information and industry trends.

Features:

Pros:

Cons:

Website: https://www.smashingmagazine.com/the-smashing-newsletter/

Despite its length, the Smashing Magazine Newsletter earns its place on the "best design newsletter" list because of its comprehensive coverage and consistently high-quality content. If you're looking for a broad overview of the design landscape and are willing to sift through a larger volume of information, this newsletter is a valuable resource. However, if you prefer a more focused approach tailored to a specific niche, you might consider exploring other options. The newsletter itself is free, aligning with the free access to much of Smashing Magazine's online resources.

If you're looking for a design newsletter that pushes boundaries and challenges conventional aesthetics, Brutalist Designs might be your next obsession. This best design newsletter contender focuses exclusively on brutalist web and graphic design, making it a unique resource for those interested in this raw, unfiltered style. Brutalist Designs dives deep into the core principles of brutalism, showcasing its unconventional design choices, experimental typography, and rejection of traditional user-friendly interfaces. It's a celebration of bold, statement-making design.

Brutalist Designs earns its spot on this "best design newsletter" list because it provides a curated window into a niche but influential corner of the design world. The newsletter delivers a bi-weekly showcase of brutalist websites and designs, providing concrete examples of how this aesthetic translates into real-world projects. Each issue includes in-depth interviews with designers who embrace brutalist principles, offering insights into their creative process and philosophy. Beyond showcasing examples, Brutalist Designs also analyzes trends and the evolution of the brutalist aesthetic, helping readers understand its place in the larger design landscape. It even provides links to tools and resources for those looking to experiment with creating their own brutalist designs. The newsletter also fosters a sense of community by featuring a section dedicated to reader submissions.

While the newsletter doesn't have a price associated with it (it appears to be free), the "cost" comes in the form of its highly specialized focus. This niche appeal, while a strength in terms of curated content, means it might not resonate with mainstream designers or those seeking practical advice for conventional commercial projects. This hyper-focus is both a pro and a con. The newsletter's irregular publishing schedule can also be a drawback for those who prefer consistent content delivery.

Features and Benefits:

Pros:

Cons:

Website: https://brutalistdesigns.com/ (Please note: this link is provided based on the prompt information but may not be a functioning website.)

Brutalist Designs is a valuable resource for designers, content creators, and anyone interested in exploring the unconventional side of web and graphic design. While its specialized nature might not appeal to everyone, its curated content and community focus make it a unique and valuable resource for those seeking inspiration beyond the mainstream. For aspiring newsletter creators and niche market strategists, studying Brutalist Designs offers insights into building a dedicated following around a highly specific topic.

Web Designer News is a valuable resource for anyone seeking a daily dose of design inspiration, industry news, and practical tools. It's a strong contender among the best design newsletters due to its community-driven approach and wide scope of content. This newsletter acts as a centralized hub, collating information from various sources so you don't have to spend hours trawling the web. Whether you're a seasoned designer, a budding developer, or a digital marketing professional looking to stay ahead of the curve, Web Designer News offers something for everyone.

One of the key features of Web Designer News is its daily delivery of fresh content. This consistent influx of information ensures you're always up-to-date on the latest trends and developments. The newsletter categorizes its content into sections like inspiration, tools, and news, making it easy to find what you're looking for. Each featured item includes a brief summary, allowing you to quickly scan and decide which articles deserve a closer look. With just one click, you can access the full article on the original website.

This newsletter leverages a community-powered submission and upvoting system. This means the content is constantly evolving and being shaped by the very people it serves. For aspiring newsletter creators, this model is an excellent example of how to foster engagement and build a loyal audience. Established content entrepreneurs and niche market strategists can learn from the platform's broad yet targeted approach, attracting a diverse readership within the design sphere. Small business owners can use Web Designer News to discover new design tools and resources to enhance their brand presence, while news reporters can stay abreast of emerging trends in the digital design landscape.

Pros:

Cons:

Website: https://webdesignernews.com/

Despite its cons, the sheer volume and variety of content, coupled with its community-driven nature, make Web Designer News a valuable resource for anyone involved in the design world. It earns its spot on this list of best design newsletters as a powerful tool for staying informed, inspired, and connected. If you're willing to sift through the daily influx of information, you're bound to discover valuable insights and resources. There's no cost associated with subscribing, and no specific technical requirements are needed – just a working email address. Compared to more curated newsletters, Web Designer News provides a broader perspective, albeit with less editorial filtering. A simple tip for managing the volume of content: skim the summaries and prioritize the categories most relevant to you.

For those seeking a deep dive into the world of user experience, the UX Collective newsletter is a must-have. More than just a collection of quick tips, this weekly digest offers a curated selection of in-depth articles exploring UX design, product thinking, and design systems. It's curated by the team behind the popular Medium publication of the same name, ensuring a high standard of quality and a consistent editorial perspective. This newsletter emphasizes the strategic "why" behind design decisions, rather than just the "how," making it invaluable for anyone looking to elevate their UX game.

The UX Collective newsletter earns its spot on this list of best design newsletters due to its commitment to providing valuable insights into the UX field. Features include weekly curated top UX-focused articles, original content from respected UX practitioners, case studies, research findings, career advice, professional development resources, and coverage of emerging UX trends and methodologies. It's a fantastic resource for aspiring and established designers alike, offering a blend of theoretical understanding and practical application. You can Learn more about UX Collective and its growth strategy.

One of the biggest benefits of subscribing to the UX Collective is the depth of its content. It goes beyond surface-level advice and delves into the core principles of user-centered design. This focus on strategic thinking makes it a valuable resource for product managers, designers, and anyone involved in creating user-friendly products and experiences. The newsletter also champions inclusive and ethical design approaches, a crucial aspect of modern UX practice.

While the newsletter is free, some of the articles it links to are hosted on Medium, which may require a membership for full access. Additionally, the content leans more towards the theoretical side of UX, so if you’re primarily looking for quick, practical tips, this might not be the best fit. The newsletter also focuses more on UX strategy and less on visual design aspects. However, for those seeking a deeper understanding of the "why" behind UX decisions and looking to stay on top of industry trends, the UX Collective newsletter offers valuable and insightful content. It’s an excellent choice for anyone serious about crafting meaningful user experiences and deserves consideration as one of the best design newsletters available. You can subscribe through their website: https://newsletter.uxdesign.cc/.

If you're a designer, or even just someone with a keen interest in web design, you know that typography can make or break a website. Finding the right fonts and implementing them effectively is crucial for creating a visually appealing and engaging online experience. That's where Typewolf comes in. As a design newsletter focused exclusively on typography, it earns its place on this list of best design newsletters for its unparalleled depth and quality of typographic content. Typewolf helps designers stay current with typography trends and make informed font choices, ultimately contributing to better website design and improved user experience.

Created by Jeremiah Shoaf, Typewolf delivers a weekly roundup of websites showcasing inspiring typography examples. Each featured site includes detailed font identification, allowing you to pinpoint the exact typefaces used and understand how they contribute to the overall aesthetic. Beyond just identification, Typewolf provides typography guides and best practices, teaching you how to effectively use different fonts, create harmonious pairings, and avoid common typographic pitfalls. These educational resources are invaluable for both aspiring and experienced designers looking to elevate their typography skills.

Typewolf also curates font recommendations, introducing you to new and interesting typefaces you might not have discovered otherwise. They often feature both free and premium options, catering to various budgets. Furthermore, subscribers can access exclusive discounts on premium typefaces, making it a cost-effective resource for designers who frequently work with high-quality fonts.

While the free version of the newsletter offers substantial value, Typewolf also offers paid guides and resources that delve deeper into specific typographic topics. These guides can be a worthwhile investment for designers serious about mastering the art of typography.

Pros:

Cons:

Website: https://www.typewolf.com/

For anyone seeking to improve their understanding and application of typography in web design, Typewolf is a must-subscribe. Whether you're building your own newsletter, working on client projects, or simply passionate about beautiful typography, Typewolf provides the knowledge and resources you need to make informed font choices and create visually stunning designs. While other best design newsletters may cover a broader range of design topics, none delve into the world of typography with the same depth and expertise as Typewolf.

Designer News earns its spot on our list of best design newsletters because it offers a unique, community-driven approach to staying updated on the pulse of the design world. If you're looking for a newsletter that reflects what's actually resonating with practicing designers, this is a strong contender. Instead of a single editor curating content, Designer News aggregates the most upvoted submissions from its website, creating a democratically chosen collection of articles, resources, and discussions. This makes it an excellent choice for aspiring designers, established content entrepreneurs, digital marketing professionals looking for design inspiration, and even small business owners seeking to understand current design trends.

This best design newsletter aggregates content covering a broad range of design-related topics, from UI/UX design and new design tools to career advice, evolving industry trends, and even occasional debates on controversial design topics. Think of it as a curated feed of what the design community is buzzing about. For news reporters covering the design industry, this can be an invaluable resource for identifying emerging trends and key discussions.

Features and Benefits:

Pros:

Cons:

Website: https://www.designernews.co/

Implementation/Setup Tips:

Subscribing to the Designer News newsletter is straightforward. Simply visit the Designer News website and sign up using your email address. There are no technical requirements or costs associated with subscribing.

Comparison:

While other design newsletters like Sidebar and Inside Design offer curated content from a specific editorial perspective, Designer News stands out with its community-driven approach. This makes it a valuable complement to other curated resources, providing a broader view of the design landscape.

Designer News provides a unique and valuable perspective on the design world. Its democratic approach to content curation offers a window into the current interests and discussions within the design community, making it a valuable addition to any designer's toolkit. For those seeking a best design newsletter reflecting the voice of the design community itself, Designer News is a must-subscribe.

Hack Design stands out among the best design newsletters by offering a unique approach: a structured, free design course delivered straight to your inbox. Instead of focusing on current trends and industry news, it dives deep into design fundamentals, making it perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to solidify their core design knowledge. This makes it a valuable resource for aspiring newsletter creators looking to enhance their email design, digital marketing professionals seeking to improve visual communication, and even small business owners aiming to create more appealing branding materials. Think of it as a free online design school, neatly packaged into digestible email lessons.

Created by design experts from leading companies like Twitter, Facebook, and Dropbox, Hack Design offers a comprehensive curriculum covering everything from UI/UX principles and typography to color theory and visual hierarchy. Each lesson builds upon the previous one, creating a sequential learning experience that systematically strengthens your design skills. The newsletter also provides practical exercises and assignments to help you apply the concepts you learn, along with curated resources for continued exploration. You can even learn more about Hack Design and its underlying content strategy.

For established content entrepreneurs or niche market strategists, understanding design principles can significantly impact the effectiveness of your newsletter. By applying what you learn from Hack Design, you can create visually compelling emails that capture attention, increase engagement, and ultimately drive conversions. Even news reporters can benefit from sharpening their design eye to better present visual stories.

Features:

Pros:

Cons:

Website: https://hackdesign.org/

While other design newsletters might offer a constant stream of news and trends, Hack Design’s strength lies in its systematic approach to foundational design principles. It's not just about staying up-to-date; it's about acquiring the core skills necessary to create effective and visually appealing designs across various platforms. If you're serious about improving your design skills, regardless of your current level, Hack Design deserves a spot in your inbox.

This list of top design newsletters—from Sidebar's curated links to the in-depth articles of Smashing Magazine, the raw aesthetic of Brutalist Designs, the community-driven Web Designer News, the UX-focused UX Collective, the typography expertise of Typewolf, the insightful discussions on Designer News, and the learning resources from Hack Design—offers a wealth of inspiration and practical knowledge. By analyzing what makes these newsletters successful, you can gain valuable insights to apply to your own. Key takeaways include the importance of consistent delivery, high-quality content, a targeted niche, and a strong brand identity.

Now, it's time to turn that inspiration into action. Choosing the right tools for building and growing your best design newsletter is crucial. Consider your specific needs and resources. Do you prioritize a simple interface for drafting, a powerful analytics dashboard for tracking subscriber engagement, or advanced automation features for scheduling and delivery? Remember, your tools should streamline your workflow, not complicate it.

Growing your design newsletter can involve strategies similar to those used for SaaS products. For example, affiliate marketing can be a powerful tool. To effectively manage your affiliate program, consider using dedicated software. Refgrow's article on the best affiliate software for SaaS offers valuable insights into choosing the right platform for your needs.

Furthermore, consider how a platform like Grow Newsie can help you take your design newsletter to the next level. From content creation and subscriber management to monetization strategies, Grow Newsie provides a suite of tools to help you build and scale your newsletter. Think about how you can leverage its features to cultivate a thriving community around your design insights.

Creating a successful design newsletter requires dedication and a strategic approach. By learning from the best, choosing the right tools, and consistently delivering valuable content, you can transform your passion for design into a thriving online publication. So, take the leap, embrace the journey, and watch your design newsletter flourish.