A job as a designer is more complex than you might think. The design process can be lengthy and requires raw talent, flare and imagination – add that to the fact that as a designer you’ll be required to manage the project, communicate with the client and attend meetings, it’s a busy job! However, new technologies are making a designer’s life a lot easier, providing design tools at their disposal to help reach goals.
Providers of offset litho printing, Precision Printing tell us more:
Choosing the right hardware
Usually, a designer requires an iMac or MacBook to download their software. You’ll also need a DSLR Camera in order to capture unique images; to get ideas down on paper as soon as they come to you, get a notepad or sketchbook to jot down concepts.
For creating illustrations
One useful sketchbook app is Paper by FiftyThree. Also, an Astropad Graphics Tablet can be used to draw directly into PhotoShop and Adobe Illustrator Draw for creating vector illustrations.
Getting the layout right
The Golden Ratio Calculator is an essential for getting the layout of a design just right. Use Modularscale for font size ratios, and use Responsify for grids and plotting other whitespace.
Adding colour
Want to build up a colour scheme around one colour? Use Mudcube Colour Sphere – also consider using Pictaculous for a colour scheme from an image, and COLOURlovers, which is like the Pinterest of colours.
Create a presentation
If you need to show lifestyle images of your designs in action, use the Prezi online presentation tool and Placeit, while Visme Presenter is great when you’re looking for a drag and drop presentation creator.
Help with branding
Looking to create customisable logos? Use GraphicSprings to do this by pen and paper. It provides a space that you can make alterations and customisations and is great for inspirational purposes with its useful tool to categorise logos. never forget the power of pen and paper.
Carrying out research
Get a Computer Arts subscription for access to regular inspiration and advice, or alternatively, try using Niice to gather ideas on a drag-and-drop interface.
Optimise your space
You need to optimise your work space in order for your talent and imagination to run wild. A comfortable chair is a must, as is a good desk. You’ll also need a good pair of headphones to dig deep into your work.
Working with photography
If you work a lot with photos, get VSCO cam which allows you to connect with photographers from all across the globe. Use PicLab HD for layering text over photos and PicMonkey for speedy online photo editing.
For typography
For a source of fonts for design projects, you need Typewolf. For a font library that’s personal, use Typekit – and try Typecast if you’d like to compare the best of fonts.