Over the years, I’ve gone through countless graphic design magazines. While many people now prefer digital formats, I still like the feel of holding printed materials in my hands.
Digital design magazines are easy to scroll through and great for quick ideas. However, nothing compares to holding a printed issue. The feel of the pages, the smell of fresh ink, and the weight in your hands bring more than reading satisfaction. For me, it is a connection to the design world that goes beyond the screen.
A new designer on our team wondered why I still spend money on printed magazines. That question pushed me to revisit some of my favorites. I ended up reading over 40 design magazines, combining Reddit suggestions, expert picks, and ones I’ve collected over time. This list is my way of showing that design magazines are a must-have for anyone serious about growing in the field.
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Print magazines ✔️ You can hold them in your hands, flip through the pages, and fully enjoy the visuals |
Digital magazines ✔️ You can read them anytime and quickly find past content |
I like to mix both print and digital graphic magazines. I save my favorite printed issues for when I want to relax and get inspired. At the same time, I use digital versions to quickly check new trends or bookmark things for later use.
At first, I collected design magazines just for their cool covers and layouts. I’d browse, enjoy the visuals, and put them on a shelf. But later, I discovered they’re actually full of useful ideas that can guide and improve how you work. You just need to know how to use them properly.
I’ve learned not to just flip through a magazine like it’s any other reading material. I do a quick scan first, letting the images and designs catch my eye. Anything that makes me stop gets a bookmark. Then I dig deeper. I focus on the colors, the structure, or the typography that stand out. This simple habit has taught me more about design than many of the courses I’ve taken.
I’ve built a personal library of the coolest magazines over the years. Whenever I see something amazing in a magazine, e.g., a great branding layout or color combo, I save it. Typically, I scan the pages. Then I sort everything into folders, naming them logos, layouts, colors, or packaging. Now I have a collection I can browse anytime I need new ideas.
One of the best ways I learned design was by copying layouts I admired. I opened free vector graphics software and tried to recreate the entire spread. This practical approach helped me notice the hidden structure, the spacing, and how the text and images work together.
My favorite way to design is by mixing ideas from different magazines. I’ll take a layout from Architectural Digest, add great fonts from Slanted, and use color palettes from Creative Review. This mix of styles has inspired some of my most popular projects.
Whenever a layout excites me, I immediately use it as a starting point for a client pitch or a quick design draft. Don’t just admire magazines. They’re practical tools if you work with them on purpose.
Whenever I feel creatively stuck, I turn to Idea magazine. It’s been around since 1953 in Japan and always brings something new to the table. Unlike many Western graphic design publications, Idea goes deeper. It sheds light on the design’s roots, looks at trends, and features brilliant examples of typography and layout.
What hooks me is how smoothly it mixes design history with modern-day styles. One issue may focus on Bauhaus, while another is dedicated to the eye-popping motion graphics. When I see Karel Martens’ work in there, I stop everything. His designs are so powerful that they always motivate me to move more diligently in my work.
Every time I go through this magazine, it makes me pause and rethink how I use space and structure in design. Even the golden ratio in graphic design feels fresh again.
What sparks ideas:
Subscription cost: ¥3,300–¥3,600 per issue; Digital copies available via Bookend with the same pricing.
Architectural Digest may be best known as an interior design magazine, but I can’t imagine my graphic design work without it. Since 1920, it’s delivered stunning visuals that teach you about layout, space, and color unobtrusively and effectively.
Most of all, I like the amazing photos in this graphic designer magazine. They are full of balance, texture, and personality. The last issue featured natural textures and sustainable materials, and I used its color scheme for a branding project. With this magazine, I know that inspiration can come from anywhere, and you should never stick to traditional types of graphic design only.
Some of the best minds in design write for this magazine. You’ll find materials from Alexandra Lange, a Pulitzer-winning critic, and Sarah Archer, a respected design writer. Plus, whenever I see a photo by Jason Schmidt, I know it’s going to be good. His interior shots always set the perfect mood.
What sparks ideas:
Subscription cost: Print + Digital: $99.99/year; Digital-only: $49.99/year
If you want a graphic design magazine that speaks the language of professional design, GDUSA is it. It’s been around since 1963, and it still shapes what’s hot in branding, packaging, and advertising today.
Most of all, I like the blend of real industry knowledge and eye-catching visuals. The annual “Design Awards” issue is the highlight. I’ve marked so many pages to use as a guide on gifts for graphic designers. The featured products and studios are always a cut above the rest.
This creative magazine doesn’t just talk theory, but gives you tools you can use. The latest issue focused on inclusive design and featured new branding success stories. I always finish an issue ready to try a few new tricks in my own projects.
What sparks ideas:
Subscription cost: Free for U.S. design professionals, 6 issues/year
Eye on Design, run by AIGA, isn’t an average graphic design magazine. It’s made for designers who like to color outside the lines. With bold visuals, fresh digital trends, and unusual topics, it dares to go where other magazines for graphic designers don’t.
I came across it while browsing for free online graphic design courses, and one article led to another. Anne Quito’s writing, in particular, made me see how design can shape culture in subtle ways.
This magazine doesn’t follow the rules, and that’s what makes it so special. The last issue explored augmented reality in editorial work. It inspired me to try interactive elements in a real client pitch.
What sparks ideas:
Subscription cost: Digital content is free on AIGA’s site
If you're into design, Communication Arts is a top design magazine you should definitely check out. It’s been around since 1959 and highlights the best in visual communication, advertising, and photography. Each issue showcases the top samples by creative talents.
One thing I love about it is how it combines old-school design wisdom with fresh, modern styles. When I see the work of Stefan Sagmeister, I know I’m in for something thoughtful and eye-catching.
This magazine delivers top-notch content every time. The typography insights are incredibly valuable, and the photo layouts always impress. A recent issue elaborated on branding through storytelling, and I found myself taking notes for my next big pitch. In a world going digital, this magazine proves that print is far from dead. I appreciate this greatly.
What sparks ideas:
Subscription cost: ~$58–$60/year for print + PDF; 6 issues/year
If you are genuinely fond of design, Eye can be one of the top design publications for you. Launched in London in 1990, it’s a quarterly read that goes beyond looks, touching upon the meaning, history, and impact of design.
Most of all, I like its depth. Every issue feels like a smart conversation with experts. Rick Poynor’s pieces always get me thinking deeper about design choices. Frankly speaking, their typography insights and grid layout guides taught me more than any class.
The most recent issue of Eye explored how AI is changing editorial design, showing how tradition and technology can work together. It’s one of those cool magazines that helps me reflect on design as both a craft and a modern tool. The Eye is always replete with graphic design ideas and helps me stay ahead of the curve in my creative work.
What sparks ideas:
Subscription cost: £80/year (4 issues) ~ $100 USD/year; Student discounts up to 50% off digital/print
Creative Review is one of the classic creative magazines. It started in 1980, but it sure doesn’t act its age. This magazine isn’t limited to graphic design only. You’ll find stories about advertising, photography, digital visuals, and basically, the whole creative scene here.
I particularly like that the publishers and contributors always seem to know what’s cool before it’s cool. I’ve spotted design styles here long before they showed up everywhere else. Eliza Williams' articles are a real treat. The how-to part and inspirational ideas are definitely worth reading.
In the recent issue, I read about how inclusive branding affects the way we see culture. That really stuck with me. It showed how design always carries meaning. It reflects the values behind the visuals. I often bring up these ideas with the FixThePhoto team when we talk about telling ethical and thoughtful stories through images.
What sparks ideas:
Subscription cost: £99–£230/year (~$120–$280 USD for 4 issues)
Slanted, a digital design magazine from Germany, is anything but ordinary. Since 2005, it’s been mixing creative freedom with edgy design. It started with a focus on typography but has become a favorite for designers who like to break the mold. Each issue is bold and artsy. Readers love colors, surprising textures, and creative layouts that pop off the page.
I found Slanted while exploring how to use free architectural design software for 3D text. One interview with Erik Spiekermann changed everything for me. It was like learning from the best.
One issue I won’t forget was focused on the design scene in Seoul. It was a perfect mix of local traditions and modern global style. Most of all, I love how this magazine embraces the messiness of creativity.
What sparks ideas:
Subscription cost: €40/year (biannual, 2 issues), €80–120 for 4-issues package
Wallpaper has been delivering stylish design since 1996, and it always stays on trend. Based in London, this magazine covers everything from architecture and interiors to fashion and product design. It’s not about theoretical nuances, but more about a visual treat that’s perfect for fast inspiration.
The minimalist layouts and polished photoshoots always look captivating. They’re simple, elegant, and refreshing. I especially enjoy materials by Philippe Starck. His bold ideas and storytelling always get my creativity flowing.
The last issue had an amazing story on eco packaging. It helped me brainstorm ideas for a branding project focused on sustainability. What I love about this magazine is how it’s both stylish and smart. It truly shows how design can promote a whole lifestyle.
What sparks ideas:
Subscription cost: Standard monthly subscription $40/year via MagazineCafe
Interior Design Magazine, first published in 1932, is one of the best graphic design magazines. Even though it’s dedicated to interiors, I constantly find creative ideas for page layouts and color palettes here. The photography is amazing, and I’ve picked up some useful tips on composition that I now use in branding work too.
One of the latest issues looked at creative ways to reuse old spaces and featured eco-friendly materials. It got me thinking about how design can tell powerful stories. Projects by Kelly Wearstler in the magazine always challenge me to rethink how texture and color work together. This magazine proves that good design hinges upon how we shape the spaces around us.
What sparks ideas:
Subscription cost: print + digital bundles (~$60–$90/year)
Since 1986, Applied Arts has been one of the most interesting magazines for discovering great creative work in Canada. It covers design, illustration, ads, and photography, so there’s always something fresh to explore. The awards issue is a real highlight. It’s like a snapshot of the best visual work out there.
One recent edition focused on how digital tools are changing design. It talked about how people can use free graphic design software for their projects. Seeing Jessica Walsh’s work in there reminded me that design can be bold, smart, and fun all at once. This magazine always helps me see how art and business can work hand in hand.
What sparks ideas:
Subscription cost: ~CAD 50–70/year
This list of the top graphic design magazines wasn’t built overnight. I spent three months flipping through over 40 design magazines, and my colleagues from the FixThePhoto team joined in with their expert takes on branding, type, digital art, and photography.
We evaluated both print and digital graphic design magazine subscriptions, swapped issues among ourselves, and used them in real projects. Thus, we were able to find out which magazines offer real value, not just flashy covers.
When testing, we paid attention to:
Some famous magazines didn’t get into our top picks. Design Week, for instance, provides solid industry updates but acts more like a trade newsletter. HOW magazine offers good branding insights, but it is tough to subscribe to now that the print edition has stopped. Print design magazine is great for learning design history, but it doesn’t keep up with new trends.
After careful testing and gathering different opinions, we’re confident that the magazines we recommend can be really useful in your creative work.
