Essentials for Graphic design

There are several tools that are essential to graphic design. Below is a list of what is absolutely necessary to work in graphic design, as well as some things that are recommended.

A Computer

In today's design world, a computer is essential. It will be both your design tool and your business tool. Using graphics software (discussed next), you will create illustrations, work with type, touch-up photos and complete layouts. The major decision here is what computer to get, and this generally starts with deciding between a Mac and PC.

Software

Graphics and business-related software are also a key to your success. Some products, such as Photoshop and Illustrator, focus on the creative end of design. Other packages, such as project management or time tracking software, will help you stay organized and manage the business end of design.

Graphics and business-related software are key for graphic design. Products such as the Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, content management software, and time tracking software will help you stay creative and organized.

Adobe Creative Suite

Adobe products are the industry standard for graphics creation, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash and Acrobat. Each serves its own key purpose, such as photo editing, layout work and illustration. Practically every job in the design field will require knowledge of at least several, if not all, of these products.

  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Adobe Photoshop

Graphic Design Time Tracking Software

As a graphic design business grows, using time tracking software can help you keep organized, properly bill your clients, set your rates and study your workflow. There are many stand-alone time tracking applications, as well as options that are part of larger project management packages.

Apple’s Bundled Software

The software that is included with all new Apple computers can be very handy for managing tasks beyond your personal life. Here are some tips for using Mac applications in your design business.
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Font Doctor

When working as a graphic designer, you are bound to have hundreds of fonts on your computer. When dealing with so many fonts, it is common to run into problems such as corrupted files, multiple fonts with the same name, and messy organization. Font Doctor for the Mac will help repair and organize your fonts to clean up and avoid these problems.

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Graphic Design Books

It's very helpful to build up your own small library of graphic design books. Some should be for inspiration, some for technical help, and others to assist you on the business side of design.

A Sketchpad

While you're most likely to use a computer to complete a design, you don't have to start with one. Sketching out ideas is a great way to begin a project and brainstorm, and can be much quicker than mocking something up on a computer. It's also important to always keep a small sketchpad or notepad handy, as you can forget a great idea as fast as you thought of it.

Other Creative Professionals

While you may not think of them as a "tool," knowing other designers, illustrators, web developers, photographers and other creatives is extremely important for three reasons:

  1. It's not easy to critique yourself. Get opinions on your work and encourage constructive criticism to push your work to a higher level.
  2. Having others around to brainstorm with can bring about the best ideas.
  3. As you get projects that are more involved, you will need people to collaborate with. Find a group of people you can trust with different skillets than your own so you can work on projects together.

These essential tools will help you get started, and grow, in a career in graphic design. All you need to do now is combine them with your creativity!