Top YouTube Channels & Creators Every Design Student Should Follow
Institute Media
Jul 1
3 min read
Design education has gone beyond lecture halls and studio critiques. Today, YouTube is a goldmine of knowledge for design students—offering tutorials, process videos, critiques, design theory, and real-world insights from practicing designers and architects. Whether you're into architecture, graphic design, product design, or UI/UX, these creators are changing the way we learn.
Here’s our curated list of YouTube channels every design student should follow—to stay inspired, stay informed, and stay ahead.
Focus: Branding, design thinking, business of design
Why You Should Follow: Hosted by Chris Do, The Futur breaks down the how and why behind design decisions. Perfect for students who want to understand the creative industry, not just the craft.
Best Video to Start With: “The Key to Learning Design Faster”
2. 30X40 Design Workshop
Eric Reinholdt: Entrepreneurship and Architecture (Source - RTF)
Focus: Architecture, portfolios, studio work, process breakdown
Why You Should Follow: Architect Eric Reinholdt makes architecture approachable. His studio vlogs and tutorials cover everything from sketching to business strategies, making it ideal for architecture students and aspiring solo practitioners.
Best Video to Start With: “How to Make an Architecture Portfolio”
Why You Should Follow: Satori is one of the most consistent channels when it comes to Adobe Illustrator, branding, and layout tips. Easy-to-follow and straight to the point.
Best Video to Start With: “10 Graphic Design Trends for 2025”
4. Leewardists
Building on humour: Notes from life as an architect in India (Source - Hindustan Times)
Focus: Architecture explained through comics and storytelling
Why You Should Follow: A desi favorite. Leewardists bring humor, storytelling, and simplicity to complex architectural ideas. Their content is perfect for Indian students and relatable AF.
Best Video to Start With: “Why Do Architects Talk Like That?”
5. Jared Owen
Meet the Artist: Jared Owen (Source - BlenderNation)
Focus: 3D breakdowns of iconic objects, mechanisms, and structures
Why You Should Follow: For product design and engineering students, this is visual gold. Jared breaks down how things work—from locks to skyscrapers—using 3D models.
Best Video to Start With: “How the Burj Khalifa Was Built”
Focus: User experience, UI design, product thinking
Why You Should Follow: If you're venturing into UI/UX, these channels break down processes like wireframing, journey mapping, and usability testing in easy visual formats.
Start With: “UX vs UI Explained”
7. Gaurav Juyal / Design Habit
Exploring Careers in Design with Art Attack Host - Gaurav Juyal | National Institute of Design (NID) (Source - Youtube)
Focus: Design education in India, creative process, art + storytelling
Why You Should Follow: Gaurav Juyal (of Art Attack fame) brings energy and insight to design education. Especially useful for young Indian creatives finding their own voice.
Best Video to Start With: “Design Thinking in Everyday Life”
8. Will Paterson
What Makes a Good Logo? Will Paterson Answers (Source - Youtube)
Focus: Logo design, branding, typography
Why You Should Follow: Will's videos go deep into what makes a good brand identity, how to use type effectively, and how to improve your portfolio with better process and logic.
Best Video to Start With: “How to Present Your Logo Design Work”
Final Thought
YouTube isn’t just entertainment. If you’re intentional about it, it becomes your second classroom. These creators can help you bridge the gap between academics and the real design world.
So hit subscribe, take notes, and learn like the design rebel you are.
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