✨ A Dreamy Design Tutorial

[logo] How to create dreamy color blurs in Adobe Illustrator, busting common myths about online learning, and a web designer’s guide to conversion rate optimization. [hero-image] Art by [Ryan Hammond]( Ever wonder how designers create those blurry, gradient-like effects we’re seeing everywhere on Dribbble? Over on the blog, Herefor studio’s very own Ryan Hammond dropped by to share his [process for creating these dreamy color blurs in Adobe Illustrator](—and it’s a lot easier than it looks! Unlike traditional gradients that we are accustomed to creating using a gradient tool, this new technique makes use of Adobe Illustrator’s Mesh Tool—allowing for more control and an infinite amount of unique color possibilities. Head on over to the blog for the [full mini tutorial with step-by-step visuals]( that demonstrate the process. We’re also sharing some whimsical Shots that implement the color blur effect to inspire your own designs. We can’t wait to see what you create! ■Sponsored Ready to accelerate your creative career? UX Design could be perfect for you. Want to advance your design career or break into tech? Every company needs a UX Design professional to engage digital audiences. Learn to how to think and speak like a UX designer, all while keeping your day job with our part-time UX Design Career program. You’ll learn from live instructors, receive support from industry professionals, and graduate job-ready with a portfolio in just 6 months. Will it be challenging? Yes. Will it be rewarding? Absolutely. [Sign up today!]( [Ready to accelerate your creative career? UX Design could be perfect for you.]( While people have traditionally learned art and design at brick-and-mortar schools, modern times have seen a shift in that trend. The good news is that when it comes to the arts, online programs can be just as valuable (and less expensive!) then investing in a traditional education. But if you’re not quite convinced, our friends at School of Motion joined us on the blog to bust the [5 most common myths about online learning](. Pulling from their own experience building a world class motion design program, they’re shattering every false, preconceived notion you may have about mastering a new skill online. From lack of quality feedback, missing out on meaningful connections, and the biggest myth of all—employers don’t prefer online programs. Wrong! If you’re eager to learn a new in-demand skill like animation but are apprehensive about an online education, check out [School of Motion’s complete blog post]( and get ready to challenge those age-old assumptions. Plus, learn about their awesome motion design curriculum and how it can help you get the ball rolling…literally. ■You’ve designed a beautiful website. But now that it’s launched, is it just existing, or is it performing? If you want to take your web design expertise to the next level, it’s crucial you [start adopting a conversion rate optimization (CRO) mindset](. What the heck is conversion rate optimization, you ask? Our friends at Marketing Essentials dropped by the blog to break it down and explain why it’s so important to keep this topic in mind as a web designer: “CRO is all about making small tweaks to different elements of your site to learn what visitors respond to best and, ultimately, get more people to convert on your site. Conversions could be anything from clicking a button to get more information, filling out a form, to tapping your number to call. The goal of any good website should be to elicit more conversions.” Along with an intro to CRO, learn what kinds of things you should be testing on your site, how to run a CRO experiment, and a list of handy tools to help you track results. Take your web design skills to the next level and don’t miss out on this [beginner’s guide to conversion rate optimization!]( ■What else we’re reading - Did you know the [unassuming pin-back button]( has over a century of social, political and, yes, design history to its name? The forthcoming book Button Power looks at these diminutive design objects that decidedly pack a punch above their weight class. - Field Notes [released a short film]( featuring the nine independent letterpress shops who helped bring to life their newest cross-country limited edition—the United States of Letterpress. - Is a Gmail logo refresh on the horizon? Signs point to a [revised, multicolor redesign]( that could bring the mark in line with the greater suite of Google service icons. - Designer, letterer, and illustrator Jessica Hische launched the grassroots [Rise Up. Show Up. Unite!]( initiative, an art campaign in support of the Biden/Harris campaign featuring work from a diverse array of creatives. - What happens when architecture, sports, and design meet? Would you have guessed the results to be a lovely sans serif typeface? Signage from Brazilian football venue Estádio Pacaembú is the [source of inspiration]( for an eponymous type family. You elected to receive Courtside emails. No longer interested? [Unsubscribe]( or [manage your subscriptions](. Dribbble Holdings Ltd. [• 524 Yates St. • Victoria, BC V8W1K8, Canada]( [hero-image]