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Getting started with email newsletter design isn’t hard if you know what the pros do. In this post, we’ll discuss five essential email newsletter design practices that will make you feel confident about starting your first projects. Unlike web design …View the full article

If you have a creative vision, but can't seem to make it move forward and prosper, keep reading. Craftsman Creative, an online self-improvement platform for creatives of all types, provides courses and coaching for getting into the right mindset and building a successful business. Did you know that success is 80 per cent psychology and 20 per cent skills? Craftsman Creative has been inspiring and coaching creatives to help them build resilient, profitable businesses – so they can focus on the projects they love. Designed for all levels, you'll start your journey with the Craftsman Creative ebook. Best yet, this two-year subscription is now 95 per cent off. Building a business? You'll need to update your design portfolio. Master the courses to grow your mindset This useful guidebook is full of techniques and strategies utilised by creative individuals from all walks of life. You'll learn principles that will change the way you approach your work, learn how to craft your path, and more. Along with a guidebook, you'll also be provided with in-depth courses that cover a variety of creative philosophies and frameworks. The classes will guide you through development techniques that will take your skills up a notch by using the power of the mind. Each lesson will show you things you can do today to maximise your abilities. You'll regain control of your goals, break down creative blocks, learn how to create work that is an extension of yourself, and develop and strategise how to make your work bloom into a successful business. Once you master the courses, you'll move on to one-on-one coaching (specific to your creative life and goals) and learn how to put those newly acquired techniques to work in real-life scenarios. Led by founder and fellow creator Daren Smith, these coaching sessions will help you breakthrough and get the most out of your passions. Your strengths and opportunities will be narrowed down as you're guided through development practices that help take your income to new heights. With unlimited access, you'll be able to view the content time and time again, whenever you need inspiration throughout your subscription period. The Craftsman Creative: 2-Yr Subscription is usually priced at over $2,000, but, for a limited time, you can start training your mind to achieve your goals for only $99 – that's 95 per cent off. Transform your way of thinking and launch a new career in 2020. *Prices subject to change. Read more: The best computer for graphic design in 2020 16 essential tools for graphic designers in 2020 The best art books for 2020 View the full article

As is always the case in the build up to Apple's latest iPhone reveal, rumours about the design are coming from all angles. But thanks to recent supply chain leaks, we've just been given our clearest glimpse yet of the iPhone 12 – all four versions of it. Japanese blog Macotakara has got hold of some plastic dummy units, which both confirm and dispute several of the rumours we've heard in the past few weeks. While we've no doubt the iPhone 12 will knock the iPhone 11 off the top spot of our best camera phones roundup, it might not do so in quite the spectacular fashion we'd hoped. Macotakara's dummy iPhone 12 models Recent rumours had suggested that the higher-end iPhone 12 Pro would include a LiDAR depth sensor for improved AR experiences, but Macotakara's dummy models suggest the Pro will maintain a similar three-lens setup to the current iPhone 11 Pro, with the extra LiDAR sensor nowhere to be seen. Still, we're expecting those three lenses to feature significantly improved autofocus and optical zoom. Browse iPhones at Apple.com Another disappointment is that the infamous notch might not be seeing the significant size reduction we had expected – or any reduction, for that matter. Indeed, the front of the device looks pretty much identical to that of the iPhone 11. The number of lenses remains the same as the iPhone 11 It's not all bad news, though. Fans of smaller phones might finally have reason to rejoice (especially after the disappointingly bulky new iPhone SE). These dummy models appear to confirm the introduction of a tiny, 5.4-inch base model. For creatives on the go, a truly pocketable yet powerful device could be a dream come true. These leaks also support recent rumours that we'll be getting four devices: iPhone 12 (5.4-inch), iPhone 12 Max (6.1-inch), iPhone 12 Pro (6.1-inch) and iPhone 12 Pro Max (6.7-inch). As for the release date of the iPhone 12, according to Bloomberg, supply chain delays could push it back from its traditional September launch, although it's still expected to arrive this year. You don't have to wait to get your hands on an incredible iPhone though – check out today's best deals below. Read more: Move over iPad Pro – the new iPad Air could be incredible Apple's new MacBook Pro has an unexpected problem Forget the Apple iPhone 12, everyone's talking about the iPhone 13 View the full article

Banksy has released a new piece of art, which is inspired by the brutal killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers and comes amidst a wave of global protests. Known for his politically charged street art, Banksy has consistently taken on the issues at the forefront of our society, and this piece contains one of his most powerful statements yet. The painting depicts a vigil with a framed photograph, flowers and a candle, which is setting fire to the American flag that hangs above the scene. Alongside the piece, which was shared on Instagram (below), Bansky wrote, "At first I thought I should just shut up and listen to black people about this issue. But why would I do that? It’s not their problem. It’s mine." Check out our roundup of excellent examples of street art right here. "People of colour are being failed by the system. The white system," Banksy's post continued. "Like a broken pipe flooding the apartment of the people living downstairs. This faulty system is making their life a misery, but it's not their job to fix it. They can't – no-one will let them in the apartment upstairs. "This is a white problem and if white problem don't fix it, someone will have to come upstairs and kick the door in." Banksy's work has recently appeared in a hospital corridor and his own bathroom, but it's currently unclear where this new painting is located. Creatives everywhere are standing together in support of the Black Lives Matter movement right now, and Banksy's voice is a welcome and important addition. Read more: Brands show support for Black Lives Matter Did Banksy just add a face mask to one of his murals? 34 top free graffiti fonts View the full article

A researcher found that phone numbers tied to WhatsApp accounts are indexed publicly on Google Search creating what he claims is a “privacy issue” for users. View the full article

If you're an animator, you are very much aware of the time-consuming and meticulous process of getting from doodle to animation. If you're looking for assistance with your workflow, especially when you're working towards a time-sensitive deadline, now is your chance to get help from the pros. The Complete Cartoon Animator 4 Pro Bundle brings you everything you need to quickly transform your drawings into beautiful animations from the comfort of your home. Plus, it's compatible with both Mac and Windows – see here for the Mac deal and here's the Windows deal. Want to create your own animations? Start out by learning how to draw, plus check out the best CSS animation ideas for inspiration. Bring your drawings to life Formerly known as CrazyTalk Animator, Cartoon Animator 4 PRO is one of the top go-to destinations for indie animators and professional animation studios. Helping to bring your prized drawings to life, this complete bundle arms you with all the right tools to produce high-quality animations in a short amount of time. With a comprehensive training guide included that provides over 50 lectures and 6 hours of content, you'll learn everything you need to master Cartoon Animator 4 PRO and its features – starting from the fundamentals to the most advanced techniques. Named the "easiest way for illustrators to animate" by DigitalArts, this bundle is an all-inclusive destination for getting the job done. Transform all your creations from 2D into full 3D animated characters, generate lip-synced animation from audio, master the Smart IK/FK Motion Editing tools, link SFX to your unique character (or prop) to create disguised effects, and more. This time-saving software will help you seamlessly customise characters with its 2D bone rig editor and it comes complete with a robust motion library to help add elements to your creations. Artists can use their favourite editor platforms – such as Photoshop, Krita, Affinity, Clip Studio Paint, and Photopea – to modify figures, props, and elements and seamlessly animate them in the cartoon software. You'll be able to give life to characters through creating detailed facial movements, adding unique styles that mimic your natural expressions and head movements. Plus, you'll accelerate your animation production. With lifetime access, you can come back and revisit content resources on any image at any time. Usually sold for $200, these bundles have now been price-dropped to only $69.99 – that's 64 per cent off. Bring your drawings to life smoothly and efficiently and kickstart the career of your dreams with the all-encompassing Complete Cartoon Animator 4 Pro Bundle. Shop The Complete Cartoon Animator 4 Pro Mac Bundle here. Shop The Complete Cartoon Animator 4 Pro Windows here. *Prices subject to change. Read more: 8 of the best animated logos 11 top animation tools for digital artists How to make an animated video: Expert advice View the full article

It's been a long six years since Studio Ghibli released its last movie (2014's When Marnie Was There, if you'd forgotten) but fans will be thrilled to hear that a new film is on its way, as soon as winter 2020. And it's an even bigger deal, because it will be the first Ghibli film to be created entirely using 3D-CG. Aya and the Witch, which is set to air on Japanese channel NHK this winter, is based on children's book Earwig and the Witch by Diana Wynne Jones. Ghibli fans may recognise Jones as the author of 'Howl's Moving Castle', Ghibli's 2004 smash hit animated film directed by Hayao Miyazaki. In the new production, it'll be his son, Goro Miyazaki, who is in the director's seat (though the elder Miyazaki is still credited as a planner). Feeling inspired? Use our character design tips to create perfect animated characters. Illustration from the original book, Earwig and the Witch Until now, Studio Ghibli has been celebrated for its approach to creating almost entirely hand-drawn animated content, a rarity in the digital age. In fact, only about 10% of its output has used CG technology – and usually has been to save time and money on particularly tricky parts of film. So that Aya and the Witch is an entirely 3D production is a real departure from the norm for Ghibli. Though there may be some purists feeling disappointment over the leap into modernity, we can't wait to see how Ghibli puts its unique stamp and style onto 3D content. And those purists need not worry – the studio will return to its roots for 2023's How Do You Live?. We're also pleased that coronavirus hasn't affected scheduling for Aya and the Witch, which, if true to the book, will be a fantastical adventure story that follows orphan Aya (Earwig) as she is adopted by a terrible witch. Featuring a talking cat and a spooky house with supernatural goings on, it's set to appeal to children and adults alike. This kind of magical adventure is what we all need right now. If you can't wait for the winter for your Ghibli fix, don't forget that the entire Studio Ghibli catalogue is now available to watch on Netflix. It's certainly a good thing we have the time to devote to rewatching it all. Read more: Studio Ghibli Blu-ray case concept just won the internet 11 top animation tools for digital artists How to move from animation to illustration View the full article

If you're feeling like the plot of 2020 is straight out of a dystopian drama, you're not alone. One Madrid-based advertising agency has turned the concept into a reality with a speculative poster campaign that places us all quite literally inside Netflix's next series of Black Mirror. The ingenious poster (below), which has popped up at bus stops across Madrid, features the text: "Black Mirror. 6th season. Live now, everywhere", above a literal mirror. The darkly comic ad couldn't be simpler, and could well make its way into our favourite examples of billboard advertising. Apt The ad works extremely well – not only because the apocalyptic vibe of these strange times seems lifted from one of Charlie Brooker's scripts (here's where to buy a face mask, by the way). The series is also known for its form-pushing experimentalism (such as its recent choose-your-own-adventure-episode), so the idea of the Black Mirror team letting a series play out in reality is somehow strangely believable. Fortunately, there's no need to pinch yourself – Brooker recently told Radio Times he wasn't currently working on a new series of Black Mirror. "At the moment, I don’t know what stomach there would be for stories about societies falling apart," he said. The joke poster, created by Madrid agency Brother, has been a huge hit online. "I need this to be everywhere," one Reddit user commented, "Let people laugh for at least a second." Others rushed to Netflix to check whether a new series had actually dropped: "I got excited and went to Netflix to find it, couldn't find it, Googled the release date, and only then did I realise." We might not be living in a new series of Black Mirror, but it's certainly a new normal. Check out our guide to working from home more productively if you're stuck indoors, and if you fancy unleashing a little creativity, our how to make a face mask guide has you covered. Read more: Netflix concept ads will ruin your day New Apple iPhone design concept is the one we've been waiting for Disney face masks feature most popular characters View the full article

We've seen lots of concepts for future iPhone designs, but every now and then, one comes along that truly captures our imagination. This new concept from a German industrial design student certainly falls into that category – its detachable camera setup is unlike anything we've seen. Louis Berger's concept, named Mosaic, features a huge camera bump which can be removed, and function independently. With its small, square display, this separate device looks a little like an oversized Apple Watch. We've no doubt this concept ever became a reality, it would secure a spot in our round up of the best camera phones money can buy. A modular iPhone might sound unusual, but Berger's polished 3D imagery makes it look truly premium (check out the best 3D modelling software if you're inspired to create a concept of your own). Berger's Mosaic concept While huge camera bumps are often seen as an unfortunate design trade-off as smartphone photography becomes more advanced, Berger's ingenious design seems to take the idea to its logical conclusion – by making the camera bump (or "photo tile") the phone itself. Users can then attach a secondary "screen tile" to the back, either the same tiny size, or a larger one which transforms Mosaic into a traditional smartphone. Confused? Berger's handy illustration (below) explains the radical new concept. The future of the smartphone? Berger's concept imagines a much more versatile device – users could choose between a standard smartphone-sized device for consuming content, and switch to the smaller mode (below) when exercising, for example. It's like having an iPhone and an Apple Watch in one. While we've seen many rumour-based concepts of what the next iPhone might look like (spoiler alert: not that different to the iPhone 11), it's a treat to see designs that hint at what the more distant future could hold – such as this jaw-dropping folding iPhone concept. After all, it's been a while since we've seen Apple drop a product as innovative and brand new as the original iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch. But the upcoming Apple Glass could soon change that. Read more: Move over iPad Pro – the new iPad Air could be incredible Apple's new MacBook Pro has an unexpected problem Forget the Apple iPhone 12, everyone's talking about the iPhone 13 View the full article

The last few months has seen a slew of new Apple product announcements, from a brand new iPad Pro to an updated MacBook Pro, via the budget iPhone SE. And if new leaks are to be believed, it's the middle child of the iPad range that could be updated next – bringing it much more in line with the iPad Pro. According to the Chinese website Macotakara, the new iPad Air will finally do away with the current Lightning port, replacing it with the USB-C port currently found in the iPad Pro. This would make it the first iPad outside of the Pro lineup to feature USB-C connectivity. The iPad Air is already a great tablet for creatives (check out the best iPad apps for designers), but the addition of USB-C would offer much more versatility – allowing DSLR cameras or external storage to be connected without the need for extra dongles. This extra convenience, along with the Air's mid-range price, could be a game-changer for digital artists on the go. The current iPad Air was released in 2019 Macotakara's report also supports recent rumours that the new iPad Air could feature an 11-inch display in a design based on the current iPad Pro. We'd love to see the Air borrow the pleasing edge-to-edge display of the newer iPad Pro – and an extra half-inch of screen can only be good news for digital artists. The report also backs up rumours of a new iPad Mini with a slightly larger, 8.5-inch display. The iPad Mini will apparently, however, keep the current Lightning port, suggesting that Apple isn't quite ready to let go of Lightning altogether. Could the next iPad Air resemble the iPad Pro? While Apple will no doubt want to keep some functionality exclusive to the 2020 iPad Pro, we'd love to see some Pro features brought to the Air, such as support for the Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard. By closing the gap between the iPad Air and the iPad Pro, the Air could well hit the sweet spot between functionality and price. And while Macotakara's report doesn't mention release dates, the iPad Air hasn't been refreshed since last March – so our fingers are crossed for an update in 2020. Where to buy an iPad: Best Buy: iPads for up to $100 off, including deals on the Air and Pro Walmart: Hot iPad deals, including savings on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch Amazon.com: Deals on iPads, including the iPad 10.2-inch for under $400 Amazon.co.uk: Money off iPads; save £56 on the iPad Pro 11-inch Currys: A range of iPad deals available, iPads start at £399 Keep reading: Apple's new MacBook Pro has an unexpected problem Forget the Apple iPhone 12, everyone's talking about the iPhone 13 You can now get retro iPhone app icons – and you'll want them all right now View the full article

If you're struggling to be more productive while working from home, you've come to the right place. With 11 top-notch apps designed to make your life easier, The Limited Edition Mac Bundle Ft. Parallels Desktop brings you everything you need to organise and streamline your daily process. Best yet, you can get the complete bundle today for only $59.99. If you'd like to continue expanding your app library, check out our pick of top iPad apps for designers. Manage your data and documents If you use both iOS and Windows, you'll understand the struggles of transferring files back and forth. Parallels Desktop, a state of the art tool providing hardware virtualisation for Macs, brings you a groundbreaking solution for opening Windows programs on your Mac. You'll be able to run thousands of Microsoft based software and even be able to play graphic-intensive games or run CAD programs without having to reboot. Need further assistance with managing your data? iMazing and DeltaWalker Pro are here to help. Both premium programs that help you organize your data and documents seamlessly from PC to Mac – they'll make your life easier by having everything all in one place. If you're struggling with information overload, XMind 8 Pro is for you. With an advanced mapping system included, you'll be able to organize all your notes, presentations, timelines, and more, making your productivity levels rise to new heights. Create and edit If you're looking for editing software that lets you be more productive while collaborating with others, PDF Expert will be your new sidekick. PDF Expert enables you to edit text, links, or images on any PDF easily, with the ability to share the edits with anyone in an instant. If you need help with copy or images that will be placed in different places, TextExpander will save you time with an innovative shortcut algorithm. Just drop the text or image into your collection and create a shortcut to auto-fill content anywhere on your Mac. Need a bit of creative assistance? With Aurora HD, you'll be able to transform your everyday photos into works of art. Named the world's leading HDR photo editor, this software automatically eliminates noise in your photos and lets you share them directly to any social platform. With an app like RapidWeaver 8, you'll even be able to create and edit a website with zero coding experience. Hundreds of features allow you to customise your site and seamlessly be compatible with devices of all types. Keep your data private and safe You'll also have access to online privacy and data recovery apps such as Disk Drill Pro and Windscribe VPN. With outstanding reviews online, these apps will help ease your mind about keeping your data safe and protected while you work or browse the internet. Best yet, there is no limit to the number of devices you can use at a time, allowing for simultaneous protection. Voted one of the best Mac bundles of the year, The Limited Edition Mac Bundle Ft. Parallels Desktop can be yours today for only $59.99 – that's 94 per cent off its original price of over $1000. *Prices subject to change. Read more: The best monitors for MacBook Pro in May 2020 The best mouse for Mac in 2020 The 8 best external hard drives and SSDs for Mac and PC users in 2020 View the full article

Think you're a typography whizz? If so you'll want to try these new quizzes. Created by the I Love Typography blog, they will test your visual memory so you can prove just how knowledgable you are when it comes to fonts. Imagine the bragging rights you'll earn (well, in the design sphere anyway) if you manage a perfect score in both. And if you aren't sure you're quite up to the challenge, you can see it as a much-needed learning opportunity. Because we're all about self-improvement. So, if you're the type(face) that can predict what would go into our futuristic fonts or italic fonts posts before you've even seen them, we suggest you keep reading to find out how you can prove your royal status in the world of fonts. The Font Game The Font Game (an improved version of a previous quiz) shows you a series of 30 letter strings – spelling out the word 'fargo' – and your job is to choose which font has been used in each case. A variety of fonts are covered, from Comic Sans to Showcard Gothic, so your knowledge needs to be wide to do well. That said, this is more of an entry-level quiz (dubbed "somewhat difficult" by I Love Typography) and there are more difficulty levels coming soon ("rather difficult" and "just crazy difficult"), according to the creator. We can't wait. On Twitter, quizheads seem to be averaging somewhere in the 20s, with a few typographical wizards boasting of a perfect score. You can add your own score on the I Love Typography Twitter thread. Glorious Glyphs Glorious Glyphs steps things up a gear. In this quiz, you need to identify the font from a single, you guessed it, glyph. These range from the ancient ampersand (do you know its amazing history, by the way?) to the modern @ sign, but single letters are included, too. So far on the Twitter thread, there are no perfect scores reported on this icon challenge, with users averaging 20/25. Could you be the first to achieve greatness? If this has got you in the mood for a quiz-filled day, you could make things personal by finding out exactly what typeface you are. Or, branch out into logos and spot the errors in these famous logos. You'll be a design master by teatime. Read more: Darkmode: the typeface you didn't know you needed Font design: Top tips to create your own typeface Perfect font pairings View the full article

The 3Doodler Create+ is the newest 3D printing pen from 3Doodler. For those not in the know, 3D printing pens use plastic filament to draw physical designs – like a kind of handheld 3D printer. Fun enough for children to enjoy, they also have more adult creative applications in art and design. 3Doodler 3D printing pens have been around in various guises for a few years now but the latest versions have felt more complete, while retaining their fun nature. We've tested the Create+ and created this comprehensive review to help you make an informed choice. Want to upgrade your 3D kit? Check out our guide to the best 3D modelling software around right now, and the best laptops for 3D modelling, too. 3Doodler Create+: Design and features The stylus of the Create+ (there are other versions for younger users and educational settings) is streamlined and feels not much bigger than a standard felt tip pen. This is a big improvement as older versions felt somewhat unwieldy and were heavy enough to cause some discomfort over longer doodling sessions. It's nicely built, with well placed buttons and a window that shows off the mechanism for feeding filament. When it comes to the kit it's worth noting that the power cable, which needs to be attached (it’s not a charger but a power supply) is a bit on the short side. I'd like to see a longer one, to reduce extension clutter. That said, it fits well and is light, reducing fatigue while drawing in mid air! The 3Doodler Create+ allows for printing/doodling with different materials and each has a different use. PLA is pretty standard and is cheap and easy, whereas ABS is stronger and hardens faster. The third material, FLX, is similar to use as PLA but has a more flexible hardened state. Part of the appeal of this package – other than the completeness of material, stylus and instruction bundled – is the online element. Although it’s hard to quantify something as changeable as a web-based content selection, it's really nice to see 3Doodler using the web to support their users, with many videos, tutorials and schematics, to help users really get the most from their experience. A little hand-holding can go a long way but the real power here is of the inspirational aspect of what can be achieved, from household fixes to 3D costume and jewellery designs. 3D Doodler Create+ review: Performance The 3Doodler lets you draw on a surface in what feels like thick paint but then the fun begins as you can lift the tip into air, creating a lattice or framework. This may not have the precision of a normal printer but is far more interactive and entertaining. Templates exist to help you build different models, using the pen to weld parts together. The Eiffel Tower is an obvious choice for a demo but that doesn't detract from the fun and sense of accomplishment. It's fair to say that this can be testing at first, as the muscle memory isn’t there for most people but perseverance pays off. Should you buy the 3Doodler Create+? This generation of the device is much easier to handle and produces good, fun results, once you put the practice in. The kit comes with more than enough different material to get you up and running, which adds to both enjoyment and value. This article was originally published in 3D World, the world's best-selling magazine for CG artists. Subscribe to 3D World. Read more: Is it possible to turn your iPad into a 3D studio? View the full article

Got some extra time on your hands right now? You're not alone. It's a great opportunity to pick up some new creative skills, but it can be a frustrating business learning things piecemeal from random tutorials and YouTube videos. What's preferable is a well-organised and academically rigorous course. But what if you have no money to pay for one? Well, the good news is that an increasing number of providers are making most, or all, of their courses available for free. In this post, we highlight 10 of the best places to find free online training today, in a wide range of subjects. 01. FutureLearn Future Learn offers courses from top universities, for free FutureLearn is a UK-based digital education platform that’s jointly owned by The Open University and SEEK Ltd, which has over 140 international partners. Most of its short courses are free, although you’ll have to pay for extras such as receiving a certificate. It offers a number of arts and design related courses, such as An Introduction to Coding and Design and Introduction to Content Design, but they aren't grouped into one category, so you'll need to use the site's search tool to find what you're looking for. 02. Coursera Coursera is a world-wide online learning platform founded by Stanford professors Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller. It partners with universities around the world, as well as companies like Google and IBM, to provide around 1,000 courses for free, and since Covid-19 that has been extended to the whole of its 3,800 courses. Its design courses range from beginner level, such as Fundamentals of Design with CalArts, to advanced fare like 3D Model Creation with Autodesk Fusion 360. There are some great art courses too, particularly the recent additions from New York’s Museum of Modern Art. 03. EDX EDX has a large number of computer science courses and a small selection of arts-based courses Another large-scale provider of online courses, mostly for free, EDX is a non-profit organisation launched by MIT and Harvard University. It offers a large range of computer science courses, mostly focused on specific languages such as HTML5 and CSS, as well as a small number of art-related courses, such as Inspiring and Motivating Arts and Culture Teams. 04. Alison Based in Ireland, Alison is an online education platform mainly focused on workplace skills. It has 14 million registered learners, two million graduates and 1,500 courses available for free. Its creative courses range from short courses in print production and colour theory to a diploma in web design, but again, these don't fall into a single category so you'll need to use the search tool. 05. Google: Digital Marketing Google is offering a free, 40-hour course in digital marketing Want to master the basics of digital marketing? Google is offering a 40-hour, free course that's accredited by the Interactive Advertising Bureau Europe and The Open University. There are 26 modules to explore, all created by Google trainers, and each is packed full of practical exercises and real-world examples to help you turn knowledge into action. 06. Google: Analytics Academy Another free course provided by Google, Analytics Academy helps you learn about Google's own measurement tools so that you can grow your website’s traffic and performance through intelligent data collection and analysis. There are a number of courses on offer, all with self-explanatory titles, from Google Analytics for Beginners to Advanced Google Analytics. 07. Michael Flarup: Icon Design Michael Flarup recently made his course in icon design free Danish designer and speaker Michael Flarup is one of the world’s leading voices in the art of icon design. So his course Designing App Icons, which is spread across 14 video lessons, is well worth taking... not least because in response to the lockdown, he’s generously slashed the price from $49 to completely free! Aimed at anyone interested in becoming a better designer, the course covers deliveries, process and tools involved in app icon design using Photoshop, and how to find your personal visual style. 08. Free Code Camp Free Code Camp delivers exactly what it promises in the title. This not-for-profit organisation based in San Francisco offers a free and easy way to learn to code online. You'll begin with tutorials that introduce you to HTML, CSS and JavaScript, and then progress onto project assignments that put your skills into practice. 09. Open University The Open University has more than 1,000 free courses to choose from Specialised in distance learning, the Open University offers a number of free courses online via its Open Learn platform. There are nearly 1,000 to choose from, and design-related courses include Design Thinking, Designing the User interface, and an Introduction to Interaction Design. You can find the full catalogue of free courses here. 10. Ivy League The Ivy League group of universities in the United States, including Harvard, Princeton and Yale, are one of the most exclusive, and expensive, educational institutions in the world, so you might be surprised to find them at on a list of free resources. But it’s true: these esteemed palaces of learning have made over 400 of their courses free, for anyone to study online, and many of them cover creative topics, from art and design to programming. These courses are all spread across different platforms, but Class Central founder Dhawal Shah has compiled a handy guide to what they are and how to access them. Read more: 22 free ebooks for designers and artists How to get Disney Plus for free The best free blogging platforms in 2020 View the full article

As gamers eagerly await the reveal of the next generation consoles such as Sony's PS5, Sega has snuck in a hardware reveal of its own – but rather than excited, the design of the Game Gear Micro has left us utterly baffled. Announced to coincide with the company's 60th anniversary, the Game Gear Micro is a miniature revival of Sega's 1990 handheld, the Game Gear. And when we say miniature, we mean really, really miniature. The device measures just 80mm x 40mm, and features a 1.15-inch display – small enough to make your iPhone feel gargantuan (check out the best iPhone apps to make use of all those pixels). While mini versions of retro consoles have been a huge hit over the last few years, Sega may have taken things a little too far with the Game Gear Micro. We can't imagine this minuscule device offering a comfortable gaming experience – particularly if any of the in-built games involve reading text. Speaking of in-built games, that's the second bewildering aspect of the new machine. Sega is releasing the Game Gear Micro in not one, but four colours (black, blue, red and yellow), and each edition contains a different four games. The black version for example features Sonic the Hedgehog and OutRun, while if you want to play fantasy classic Shining Force, you'll need the yellow version. To play all sixteen games, you'll need to buy four different Game Gear Micros, at 4,980 yen (around $46) each. Makes sense. Needless to say, Twitter was quick to respond to Sega's announcement. And the main topic of conversation was, of course, the size: Still, there's nothing wrong with a bit of nostalgia, and the Game Gear Micro could prove to be a hit. In Japan, at least – a US or UK release date is yet to be announced. But don't worry, if you feel like taking a walk down memory lane right now, take a look at some of the best retro gaming consoles currently available. Read more: Apple's new MacBook Pro has an unexpected problem Forget the Apple iPhone 12, everyone's talking about the iPhone 13 Baby Yoda was nearly a lot less cute (and a lot more horrifying) View the full article

An attack over the weekend unsuccessfully targeted 1.3 million WordPress websites, in attempts to download their configuration files and harvest database credentials. View the full article

Researchers warn of critical flaws in SAP's Sybase Adaptive Server Enterprise software. View the full article

As protests in the US continue over the brutal killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers, creatives across the globe are showing solidarity for the Black Lives Matter movement. While some highlight the cause through moving tributes to Floyd, others are harnessing their positions to make positive moves to amplify black people in the creative industries. In this article, we have examples of both – but must emphasise that this is a starting point. Our commitment to cultivate change will ensure we continue to amplify black voices to help make Creative Bloq and the creative industry as a whole a more inclusive space for black communities. We all need to triple our efforts to support black creatives, starting now. Please feel free to get in touch with any suggestions or relevant news – we plan to keep this page regularly updated. Let's start with a list of some very worthy causes that are working right now in this fight. Where you can donate Official George Floyd Memorial Fund Black Lives Matter Minnesota Freedom Fund Show racism the red card (UK) Resourcing racial justice (UK) Black Lives Matter: Portfolio reviews A number of artists and designers have taken to social media to offer support to black artists in the form of portfolio reviews. Black Lives Matter: George Floyd tributes Below are some examples of artists across the world who have responded to the death of George Floyd, producing work in support of Black Lives Matter. View the full article

Google and Qualcomm both addressed significant vulnerabilities in their June updates. View the full article

Cisco has patched a high-severity flaw that could lead to denial-of-service attacks on its Nexus switch lineup. View the full article

The zero-day vulnerability tracked as CVE-2020-9859 is exploited by the "Uncover" jailbreak tool released last week. View the full article

As anti-racism protests continue across the world in the wake of the death of George Floyd, several brands have spoken out to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement over the last few days. Many brands are delivering strong statements right now (and it will be interesting to see if they are followed by tangible action). In a minimal, text-based ad, Nike inverted its famous 'Just do it' slogan, urging its followers: 'For once, don't do it. Don't turn your back on racism." Sportswear brand Adidas even put its rivalry with Nike aside to share the message (below). Elsewhere, Twitter changed its profile picture to a black version of its logo, as well as opting for a plain-black header photo (below). This echoes the #blackouttuesday movement sweeping across Instagram today, in which countless users have posted a plain-black square in support of Black Lives Matter. Ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's took to Twitter two days after George Floyd's death, sharing a four year-old news post covering the unrest in Ferguson after the death of Michael Brown, in which the brand expressed its support for the Black Lives Matter movement. While it's important for brands to show solidarity, it can be a challenge to avoid looking opportunistic or even tone-deaf – past actions matter, too. Less warmly received was L'Oreal Paris's effort, which saw it proclaim: "Speaking out is worth it". British model and activist Munroe Bergdorf was quick to condemn the post (below), having been dropped from a campaign by the brand after speaking out on racism in 2017. A global audience is quick to speak out when they judge that a brand is failing to deliver an authentic message, as we saw with McDonald's social distancing logo this March. We have seen before that it can be a challenging tone to strike – take a look at these other examples of big brands trying to be woke and failing – while others get it right. Read more: Pop culture creatures become scientific drawings (and we want them all) Lego's comical guide to working from home will brighten your day Cartoons for key workers are a heartwarming delight View the full article

From a brand new iPad Pro to the latest iteration of its 13-inch MacBook Pro, Apple hasn't let these strange times slow down its release cycle. But if you're thinking of buying said MacBook Pro, an unexpected new price hike could make the decision a little harder to stomach. This weekend, Apple quietly doubled the price of a RAM upgrade on the base model of the 13-inch MacBook Pro. Instead of the previous price of $100, jumping from 8GB to 16GB of RAM will now set you back a hefty $200. The MacBook Pro might be one of the best laptops for graphic design, but if you want to get the most out of this particular model, you'll now have to cough up $100 more than you would have a few days ago. Browse MacBooks at Apple.com The 2020 MacBook Pro According to MacRumors, Apple occasionally adjusts pricing as component costs change over time, but what makes this a particularly unusual example is that the machine was only released only a month ago. This could suggest that the issue is somewhat unexpected, such as supply-chain problems. The cost of upgrading the RAM on the high-end 13-inch model remains unchanged – going from 16GB to 32GB still costs $400. For creatives who can't decide which new MacBook Pro to buy, this price hike makes things even trickier, closing the price gap between the base model and high-end model. The base model (with 512GB storage and doubled RAM) now costs $1,699 – just $100 less than the high-end model with exactly the same storage and memory, but a much faster processor. It's now even more tempting to drop $1,799 on the high-end model. While every 2020 MacBook Pro features the much-improved Magic Keyboard, internal improvements (including a brand new 10th generation processor) are saved for the high-end version. With the base model packing the same 8th generation processor as its 2019 predecessor, and the price for extra RAM now twice as high, it's becoming difficult to recommend over the pricier option – especially for creatives using power-intensive software such as Final Cut Pro (don't forget to check out the best laptops for video editing). Whatever the reason for this particular price-hike, Apple certainly has recent form when it comes to mind-bogglingly expensive extras. The Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro came with a not-so-magic price tag, and the less said about Apple's $699 Mac Pro wheels, the better. Still, there's no denying that both the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are brilliant laptops for creatives – check out today's best deals below. Read more: Forget the Apple iPhone 12, everyone's talking about the iPhone 13 You can now get retro iPhone app icons – and you'll want them all right now You won't believe what Apple's next MacBook might look like View the full article

Apple has fixed a critical flaw in its Sign in with Apple feature, which could have been abused by attackers to takeover victims' third-party applications. View the full article

Is mastering graphic design at the top of your to-do list for the year? If so, it's never too late to tackle that goal. No matter your level of design expertise, keep your skills sharp with The School of Graphic Design Mastery Bundle, now only $39. As creatives, it's essential to continually be learning to keep up with the latest updates in the industry. Packed with seven in-depth courses and over 350 lessons, this bundle contains everything you need to master graphic design. And our pick of the best tools for graphic designers will complement it perfectly. A course designed for all abilities If you're a beginner, you'll start with the fundamentals of top industry software, such as Adobe Photoshop CC, Illustrator, and InDesign, and move onto design theory, branding, and more. You'll learn what each design platform does, and extensively review topics such as typography, photo manipulations, branding, magazine layout design, and logo design (for more, see our guide to logo design). Real-world exercises are provided, allowing you to practise what you learn as you go. Once you master the basic concepts, you'll jump into more advanced theories and practices. A few topics you'll tackle include: taking a complete look into proper layout design, learning how to brand an entire digital marketing campaign (including social media assets), and diving into Adobe tips and tricks to help speed up your workflow. You'll also be assigned more meticulous projects to complete – such as creating a full photo manipulation project for a large poster ad, or taking on a full logo and branding design project from start to finish. The 40 hours of content will equip you with everything you need to be confident in your graphic design abilities. With courses dedicated to working with clients as a freelancer, in an agency, or on an in-house team, you'll get extensive training on how to showcase your graphic design work. Techniques in creating polished presentations, building your portfolio effectively from scratch, and understanding how to display your designs successfully, will be taught with guided video tutorials. Best yet, you'll have unlimited access to all the content, allowing you to visit each concept or lesson time and time again. The School of Graphic Design Mastery Bundle brings you everything you need to jumpstart your graphic design career or merely brush up on your skills. Usually $1400, you can master design for only $39 (that's 97 per cent off)! Add valuable skills and credibility to your ongoing creative portfolio and conquer your goals today. *Prices subject to change. Software not included. Read more: View the full article