Graphic designers usually use best graphic design software. Adobe Creative Suite is the most popular option in the industry, but there are other powerful design programs available, such as Sketch. In addition to software, graphic designers rely on other tools such as computers, tablets, and cameras.

Graphic design software

Graphic designers rely on software to bring their ideas to life. Photoshop, Sketch, Illustrator, InDesign and After Effects are among the best software for graphic design.

Photoshop

Photoshop is a graphic editor best used for image editing. It is the industry standard for manipulating photos and computer art. Photoshop offers 2D and 3D image manipulation, compositing, video editing, and image analysis.

sketch

Sketch is a vector-based tool available on Mac and focuses on web, app and interface design. It's a great program for designing icons, ad banners, social media images, and presentation content. It also has many UI and UX related uses

Illustrator

With Illustrator, you can create everything from vector illustrations and logos to graphics and fonts. While Illustrator shares many similar tools and functions with Photoshop, it is centered around vector designs, which means you can resize and rescale designs without losing image clarity.

InDesign

InDesign is a page layout program and an essential tool for designers working in publishing. This software can be used to organize magazines and newspapers, or to put together reports and brochures. With InDesign, designers can efficiently organize text, create layout formats, insert image placeholders, and save files in a print-ready format.

What other tools do graphic designers use?

Along with design software, graphic designers rely on a few other tools, including pen and paper, computers, styluses and graphics tablets, storage devices, and cameras.

Pen and paper

A pen and paper is the fastest and easiest way to get ideas out into the world. Graphic designers use pen and paper to sketch design ideas and take notes.

A computer

It's an obvious but essential tool for graphic designers. Since graphic designers primarily use design software to complete their work, they need a computer that can properly run a range of software.

Stylus and graphics tablet

A tablet and stylus is a great alternative to traditional paper and pen, and is especially useful for designers who want to work or sketch on the go. It mimics the feel of hand drawing, but provides additional capabilities such as instant color, filters, editing, and more.

Storage devices

Graphic designers work with large files and applications, which can quickly take up a lot of computer storage. To ensure adequate storage for their designs, graphic designers use cloud or physical storage devices. Graphic designers typically want at least one terabyte of storage.

Camera

For graphic designers who incorporate original images and videos into their work,

Best Practices for Graphic Designers Adapting to the Changing Workforce Landscape

Graphic design represents both an art as well as a science. As such, it's no big surprise that this entire industry evolves regularly.

The best 2023 wedding photography trends

Within the marketing space, graphic design can help bring a brand to life and properly convey the brand's personality.

With rapid changes clearly continuing in the marketing field, professionals must have the ability to stay abreast of the latest trends if they hope to enjoy success in the future.

The cyclical nature of graphic design

Like art and fashion, graphic design seems to be concerned with a swirling sense of identity. This is why many industry analysts believe we are witnessing a return of some of the traits attributed to the 1990s. Why might this happen?

The most straightforward answer involves the concept of nostalgia. Those born in the 1970s and 1980s generally have fond memories of the 1990s.

It just so happens that this is the population that boasts tremendous purchasing power. It only stands to reason that the resonance of their interests represents an effective strategy.

Motion and emotion

We've highlighted how technology is changing the field of graphic design with regards to remote working. However, the same trend affects the logo and design itself.

As this article notes, holograms are beginning to play a somewhat surprising role in the world of graphic design.

Holographic images were first introduced to the public in the 1970s. At the time, they were mainly limited to printed consumables such as fast food containers and packaging.

Now we're seeing holograms in the world of graphic design, especially with high-end items like shoes and handbags.

It makes perfect sense that this approach is also seen in the digital community.