There are various tools every graphic design beginner and expert should have in their arsenal. By investing in the right tools, you can deliver exceptional designs to your clients time and again.
The following hardware and software will ensure you’re never out of work throughout your career. Plus, they could help you develop a positive reputation to secure many clients and increase your income. Check out the five must-have tools for professional graphic designers.
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A Large-Screen Laptop
Improve the attention to detail of your designs by investing in a large-screen laptop. It will allow you to zoom in on a logo, flyer, or image to create materials that will wow every client.
Graphic designers are spoilt for options when it comes to large-screen laptops, but you can’t go wrong with:
- MacBook Pro 16-inch
- MacBook Pro 14-inch
- Dell XPS 15
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
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A Dependable External Hard Drive
A lack of storage should never be an issue for professional graphic designers. Also, you must never lose an important file due to a failure to backup. Keep your designs safe and sound by backing up often onto an external hard drive. It will provide peace of mind that your work is safe if your computer breaks, files are accidentally deleted, or your network is the victim of a cyberattack. Look for an external hard drive that offers 4TB and 5GB/s speeds.
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A Wide Format Printer
A wide format printer is an essential tool for every passionate graphic designer. It will enable them to print large designs for clients, as most wide-format printers can produce between 18-inch to 100-inch print rolls. Plus, you can choose a make and model to handle every printer weight while providing a professional finish. You don’t need to buy a printer outright, as you can lease a Kyocera printer from gbsflorida.com, and they can even make a recommendation based on your needs and budget.
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Design Software
The design software you choose will determine your creativity, productivity, and attention to detail. Adobe CC is a great option, as it is ideal for multi-disciplined designers and allows them to share workflows with like-minded designers.
However, every graphic designer worth their salt knows how to use Photoshop. It’s more creative and less analytical than other design software programs, as it is ideal if you regularly need to apply effects, combine images, edit images, or incorporate text.
Other superb design software programs include:
- InDesign
- Illustrator
- After Effects
If possible, aim to master many of the above programs to enhance your skills and improve your employability.
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Graphics Tablet
A graphics tablet will unleash your creativity and enhance your design skills. Offering digital drawing capabilities, you can sketch on smooth glass, switch between apps with ease, and perform quick double taps using the pencil.
Graphic designers can choose from various graphics tablets to suit their budgets and requirements. For example, the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil offer powerful digital drawing, and the device converts into a laptop. However, if you’re looking for a tablet with superior ergonomics, a large size, and a value for money price, the Wacom Cintiq 22 is a great choice.
