9 Best Tools for Graphic Designers

Source: JanneM

As a graphic designer you probably already know about the basic tools you need like a computer, Photoshop and a tablet, especially if you have been in the business for a while. However, even the most experienced designers keep a lookout for tools that they can use to make their work easier, faster, and better. From project management tools to business accounting to invoicing to hardware and software add-ons, here are the 9 best tools for graphic designers that can make life easier for experienced professionals.

1. Premium Membership subscription to Tuts+ ($78 for a year): Tuts+, known for its powerful graphics tutorials, offers a premium site that gives you the original source files that match their public tutorials, exclusive members-only tutorials, custom Photoshop brushes, and access to the entire family of premium Tuts+ Web sites. For $9 per month, $22 for 3 months, or $78 per year, you get tutorials and other resources available that will contribute to your skills and to your bottom line.

2. How To Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul (From $11): Now that you have been in the business for a while, you know how demanding the business end of things can get. This helpful guide will breathe new life into your withering soul and help you develop your business skills to match the creative skills you have developed.

3. Other professional designers: You cannot put a price tag on the value of some professional criticism and advice. When you first got started, you may have regarded others in the business as competitors. Now that you have experience, you can open up to others. Let them critique your work and provide guidance as you work to bring your business to a higher level.

4. Woodgrain Portfolio ($179): This handsome portfolio is itself a work of art. Made from aluminum, it sports a cherry wood grain finish. This unit comes with ten pages held by a binding with screw in posts. The time is now to start showing off your work in an attention grabbing portfolio.

5. Making and Breaking the Grid: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop: ($16.50) This great book by Timothy Samara will take your graphic design skills to new heights as it teaches you advanced techniques using grid design. This book details all the rules for managing elements and helps the reader discern when those rules can be broken.

6. Print Magazine: ($40 for one year) Stay in touch with the latest trends and ideas in the industry. This is a powerful tool that will play an instrumental role in continued skill development.

7. The OneLess Desk: ($699) (http://bit.ly/ddtcIf). Because the surface area of this stylish desk is minimal, it makes the most out of close quarters. It also helps graphic designers solve the clutter problem: because of its small footprint, you will find that less clutter accumulates, meaning fewer distractions while you work.

8. TSOVET Limited Edition AT76 Watch ($1,250): A unique designer must create a unique persona that includes everything creative. While building your distinctive look, do not forget a stylish watch like this one. The AT76 has the look and feel of precision machinery and creatively incorporates the look of vintage avionics. TSOVET has a variety of looks that will all serve the designer well, so do not hesitate to pick out the one you like best.

9. MacBook Pro memory upgrade ($50): After running your own graphic design business, you know how quickly you use up the system resources on your MacBook Pro. More memory means that you can run more programs and they will run faster making it an essential tool for continued business development.

These 9 tools for graphic designers can all contribute in some way to your continued development as an artist and as a business person. Give these tools a try and watch your career move forward faster and better than you ever dreamed.

From the Editor: I seriously recommend the book, How To Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul for any designer looking to get serious. Great book!