Essential Graphic Design Tools

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. Generally, Macs are known as the designer's computer, and rightfully so for their excellent graphics and font capabilities, included software and great displays (monitors). The drawback of the Apple is generally the price, so if you do want a Mac and are tight on budget consider their refurbished models.

In the end, especially when starting out, you will probably do just as well with a PC. A PC will generally cost less, and you will be using the same design software…your creativity, and not the cost of your computer, will determine the outcome of your work.
Software
Graphics software programs are also a key to your success. While there are of course a lot to choose from, the Adobe Creative Suite is extremely popular among designers. It includes:
Photoshop, for photo retouching and creating graphic elements
Illustrator, for creating illustrations such as logos
InDesign, for page and book layouts
Flash, for creating animated, interactive websites
Dreamweaver, for website development
The Corel Graphics Suite and Quark are also popular for design work. For in-depth information on these programs and other software visit About's graphics software site.
NOTE: If you are a student, there's a good chance your school will have a computer lab full of Macs loaded with graphics software.
Design Books
It's very helpful to build up your own small library of graphic design books. For creative inspiration pick up some books featuring top work in different categories such as brochure, logo or album cover design. Along with these, it's good to have a few that cover the business and technical side of design. Two of my favorite books to always have on hand are:
Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines: A great guide to the business side of graphic design with tips on dealing with clients, pricing advice for a wide variety of project types, sample contracts, copyright info and more.
The Little Know-It-All: Common Sense for Designers: A small but complete book covering topics such as design, law, marketing, production and digital media.
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:
It's not easy to critique yourself. Get opinions on your work and encourage constructive criticism to push your work to a higher level.
Having others around to brainstorm with can bring about the best ideas.
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 skillsets 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!
Related Articles
Adobe PageMaker Graphics Tutorials Work with Images a...Sue Chastain's Favorite Graphics Software GearArchitecture Software and Digital Media and Computer Ai...Graphic Design Jobs with the CIA - Work for the Central...Graphic Design Software - Finding the Right Graphic Des...
if(zp[12].d){w('');Dsp(zp[12],'ip');w('')}if(zp[13].d){w('');Dsp(zp[13],'ip');w('')}
zISblo=this.zISblo?this.zISblo:0;if(zSbL
Sponsored Links
Design JobsJob openings from 100s of employers Portfolios from 1000s of designerswww.Coroflot.com
Graphic Design PortfolioCheck our Selected Sites on Graphic Design Portfoliowww.SelectaSites.com
Free Stock PhotosCreate a Free Account and Download Amazing Stock Images for Free.Dreamstime.com
Free PowerPoint Templates300 Ready for You to Download Now, Make Your Presentations Look Great!PowerBacks.com/Free
School ArchitectGlobal Award-Winning Firm Fielding Nair InternationalFieldingNair.com