The best design magazines for creatives in 2025

They’re not just about pretty pictures or impressive layouts; they’re about ideas, inspiration, and staying connected to what’s happening in the industry. Inside Lummi HQ, we’re a bunch of junkies when it comes to diving into the latest print and digital design mags, so we decided it was a worthwhile idea to compile a list of our favorites and share them with you

Whether you’re into typography, UI, branding, or just looking for fresh ideas, the best design magazines are here to guide you, challenge you, and keep you in the know.

Here’s a list of essential design magazines that any creative person should check out.

1. Creative Boom

Creative Boom is a UK-based magazine that focuses on showcasing exciting work, offering tips, tools, and resources to help creatives thrive.

One of the things that our team likes most about this mag is that it feels effortlessly cool and tasteful. There’s nothing forced, just the latest in quality and design and creativity.

With an online magazine, a popular podcast, and a vibrant network, Creative Boom is definitely one of the best design magazines out there.

Why you’ll love it

If you’re searching for industry news, inspiration, or practical advice, Creative Boom ensures you have the resources and cool stuff you need to get fresh ideas and stay up to date.

2. Smashing Magazine

Founded in September 2006 in Germany, Smashing Magazine has been a reliable and practical resource for web designers and developers for over 17 years. Unlike many publications, Smashing Magazine doesn’t chase trends. Instead, it focuses on delivering content that helps professionals tackle real challenges in their projects.

The team behind Smashing Magazine cares deeply about quality content. They balance professionalism with a friendly, informal tone, making their articles, digital books, and other resources approachable and impactful.

Why you’ll love it

For anyone looking to grow their creative knowledge, Smashing Magazine is a great resource in the design and development world. They aim to help creatives refine their skills, boost productivity, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

3. Wallpaper*

If you want to explore the intersection of design, architecture, and lifestyle, Wallpaper* magazine is your go-to. This publication is sleek, stylish, and packed with visual inspiration.

Wallpaper* is a magazine that makes you think about design beyond your screen or notebook, and gives you the latest trends to take your projects a step further.

Why you’ll love it

Wallpaper Magazine introduces you to high-end design ideas that push boundaries. They call themselves a “global design authority”, and after just a few moments reading their content, you’ll see why they say that.

4. It’s Nice That

One of the most beautifully designed magazines is It's Nice That. This publication celebrates this by highlighting artists, designers, and creators who are shaping today’s visual culture. When it comes to delivering the cool factor in design, they are dialled in.

The content feels fresh and current, and the website is easy to navigate when you need a quick burst of inspiration.

Why you’ll love it

If you’re a true believer in quality design, fresh ideas, and what’s making waves in the creative world, you’ll find yourself scrolling through their website or flipping through their issues for hours.

5. Graphic Design USA

Graphic Design USA is an industry classic. GD USA is a publication that's been around for decades and continues to deliver valuable insights into the business of design.

You’ll find features on branding, packaging, and emerging trends, alongside interviews with industry leaders.

Why you’ll love it

This magazine keeps you connected to the professional side of design. While it may not be as “hip” as some of the others on the list, they focus on what’s really important if you want to be a designer with a professional standard.

6. Azure Magazine

When architecture meets design, you get Azure. This publication focuses on innovation in architecture, interior design, and product design. So, while Azure mainly focuses on a more specific area of design, it is still a great resource for those who want to explore the bigger picture of how design shapes our world.

Why you’ll love it

Azure challenges you to think beyond digital and graphic design. It encourages you to see how your work fits into a larger context.

7. Applied Arts Magazine

If you’re looking for a magazine that covers multiple creative fields like visual communications, design trends, and other key topics, check out Applied Arts Magazine.

It highlights work from advertising, photography, and design professionals. Each issue dives deep into creative projects and offers insights into how they were made.

Why you’ll love it

Applied Arts Magazine inspires you to explore other creative fields and understand how different disciplines influence each other.

8. TYPEONE

If you are a graphic design and typography geek, this one’s for you. TYPEONE focuses entirely on typography and type design. It explores how type is used in branding, art, and culture.

You’ll find profiles of type designers, features on new typefaces, and discussions about the future of typography.

Why you’ll love it

TYPEONE makes you think critically about type. This mag covers everything from the basics of choosing great fonts to understanding how to use them in your designs effectively.

9. Eye Magazine

Eye Magazine goes beyond surface-level design trends. Think of this as a publication that takes a critical approach to graphic design, exploring its history, theory, and impact on culture.

If you’re the kind of designer who enjoys deep dives and intellectual discussions, this is your magazine.

Why you’ll love it

Eye Magazine challenges you to think about the why behind design. This magazine dives in beyond the aesthetics, and helps you get true inspiration for your next project.

10. Communication Arts

Communication Arts is another industry staple. It covers a broad spectrum of creative fields, including graphic design, illustration, advertising, and photography.

Their annual competitions are a goldmine of inspiration, showcasing some of the best work in the business.

Why you’ll love it

Communication Arts gives you a sense of what excellence looks like. They offer a constant reminder to push your work to the next level.

11. Slanted Magazine

Slanted magazine is bold, experimental, and international. It brings together designers from around the world to showcase unique perspectives and styles. It often focuses on typography but doesn’t shy away from other design disciplines.

Why you’ll love it

Slanted Magazine pushes you out of your comfort zone. It introduces you to ideas and approaches you may not have considered before.

12. The Modernist

For fans of mid-century design and architecture, The Modernist is a treasure. It celebrates the past while exploring its relevance to today’s design challenges. The content includes features on architecture, graphic design, and cultural history.

Why you’ll love it

The Modernist shows you how history influences modern design. Their articles are a great way to connect the dots between the past and present.

How to make the most of these design magazines

Now that you have this list of the best design magazines, how do you use them? Start by picking one or two that resonate with your interests. You don’t need to read every magazine on the list. The goal is to find ones that align with your passions and goals.

Also, don’t just consume—engage. Take notes, save your favorite articles, and think about how you can apply what you’ve learned to your projects. These magazines are not just for passive reading; they’re tools to help you grow.

Final thoughts

The best design magazines are more than just publications. They’re your mentors, your inspiration, and your connection to the broader design community. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills, stay updated on industry trends, or simply get inspired, these magazines have got you covered.