When the COVID19 pandemic hit, the world wasn’t ready for what was to come. It changed everything, and everyone had to adapt or get left behind. Graphic artists weren’t left out in the struggle. And as the pandemic blazed a trail of disruption and lockdowns in this wake, many graphics designers had to up their game.
This meant stretching their imaginations to their creative limits, just to keep us entertained during that horrible time. All those warm ads giving us hope, immersive video games that kept us company, and thrilling signages are all thanks to graphic artists. It’s a tough job. But with the right tools and software, it gets easier. Some of these tools are so simple, that with little effort, even a noob can create decent art. Okay, hold on to your horses, let’s take a look at the 5 best graphics design gizmos to use right now.
1. Adobe Photoshop
It’s impossible to start a graphic design software list without the Adobe family. And Adobe Photoshop may be the most popular one yet. This software can be used by beginners and professionals alike, to create graphics from scratch. It’s also a sweet photo editor with a variety of tools that’ll put that ‘wow’ factor into your art.
Pro tip: You might want to learn more about the Adobe Photoshop software before you dive into it. It’s got a steep learning curve and maybe a little confusing for any newbie.
2. Canva
Here’s a program that everyone can use. The Canva software has been a lifesaver for learners and masters alike. It has a vast store of design templates that can be used to create banners, logos, posters, or any other design that you want.
Canva features the drag and drop format of designing and takes away some of the indecision graphics artists may face when choosing what design to use. You can download fonts, icons and free-to-use pictures directly in Canva. Its user interface is also pretty simple and helpful.
Pro tip: The free version is great but limited. To enjoy the best Canva can offer, you’d have to upgrade.
3. Adobe Illustrator
Making a second appearance on our list is another Adobe favorite. Yes, they’re that good. Presenting – drumroll please – Adobe Illustrator. Unlike its sister app, Adobe Photoshop, the Illustrator app is used mainly for making vector images.
Need a poster, icon, or artwork done as quickly as possible? Then Adobe Illustrator is your go-to. That’s another super feature of Adobe products. They’re fast.
It also has a mobile app that you can use on the go. You just have to be ready to fork over a huge sum of money for a subscription. But hey, anything for the arts. Another con on Adobe products would be that they’re all closed source. This can be a bit restricting. But, for what it’s worth, you’ll certainly not be disappointed.
Pro tip: Like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator also has a steep learning curve. So, it may be a little tricky for someone who’s just learning the ropes.
4. GIMP
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is design software that every beginner should try out first. And you’d find out that most designers have used it at some point too. Not only does it offer a smorgasbord of fun features to create awesome graphics, but GIMP is also free! Yes, I heard that right. A full buffet at no price, you only need to download and run it.
The GIMP interface is also pretty simple. You don’t get lost in complicated steps. And even if you do, the application offers tutorials on its features too. GIMP is the best place to tinker with graphics until you’re ready to face the big guns — like Adobe.
5. Inkscape
The Inkscape software is great for creating beautiful vector designs that can be tweaked in any way you want. Its user interface is simpler than Adobe but a bit more complicated than GIMP, so you’ll have to put in the hours before you get the hang of using it to draw.
Inkscape is also big on text — hence the name — and has a huge repertoire of fonts and texts that you can work with. Did we mention that it’s also open source? And free too.
5. Affinity Designer
We’ve talked about software that is especially good for beginner-level designers. And now we’re going back to the professional side of graphic design. That’s where you’ll see the Affinity program. This program matches up to the Adobe family and is slightly cheaper too.
It contains most of the features found in Adobe, and also has a repeating pattern setting which is useful when making wallpapers and all. Affinity designer has also integrated PANTONE colour swatches too and continually develops innovative features for its customer base. This list isn’t exhaustive. There are a plethora of design tools for graphic artists which range from free to subscription-based. And they’re all available for those who need to learn about graphics designing. You should check them out.
Graphics design is becoming more lucrative, especially since COVID19 happened. The industry has changed and in a good way. We are going to take a gander at what the industry may look like after the pandemic.
Industry Changes for Graphics Artists Post Covid
Asides from the initial panic over closed businesses, the layoffs, and the subsequent adjustment to remote working, the graphics design industry has come out of the pandemic somewhat stronger. Here are some changes that’ll be prevalent in the industry after COVID.
- Remote Work Will rock:
Forgive the bad pun, but we’re serious, remote work is here to stay. And lots of designers will find it easier to work while still having time for family and friends. Although the camaraderie of office life would be missed, companies and organisations have found virtual alternatives to sustain team spirit and productivity.
- Graphic Designers Will Be in High Demand:
The pandemic revealed a lot of holes in the marketing plans of a lot of businesses. A lot of business owners didn’t pay much mind to the digital aspect of their business, for instance, attractive websites and relatable ads. Post Covid will usher in a demand for designers to revamp brand images and improve the digital strategies of various businesses.
- There’ll Be a Freelancer Boom:
With the pandemic, came a rush of freelancers with various skills. An Upwork survey during the pandemic showed that 36% of the US workforce were freelancers. That’s a big number. And with such numbers, there’ll certainly be competition, even with the uptick in design jobs. This means that freelance designers have to be more intentional about refining their skills and acquiring new ones.
And that’s all folks. We’ve looked at the best graphic design tools for noobs and professionals alike, and taken a peek at the design industry after COVID. It seems the coming days will be brighter for designers and all creatives in general. So, if you’re looking to learn a new skill, be sure to add graphics design to your list.