#design tools

Slanted recently published their issue #47, about digital tools, and its good! They also published a document as a companion for the issue which you can read and browse for free here:

I haven’t even gone through a tenth of it by now, and it has been three days now. So much to explore, so much to use.

I won’t post any images, but you can see more of the issue here:

Having a free/affordable place to put my car that wasn't ridiculously far from where I was taking action.

Having a designated secondary space, office or otherwise, where I could safely leave supplies without having to worry they would be stolen while unattended or that I would have to cart them around with me through my entire day.

Having free or cheap access to a space large enough to host an event

Having access to cheap printing resources

Having access to a CanvaPro account

These might sound really mundane, but you'd be surprised at how much more you can accomplish when you gain one or more of these things. When I hosted my science department art contest in college to foster greater connection between the sciences and arts, that was partially made possible by access to free student printing to advertise it, this one area of unauthorized but also unmonitored parking near the science building that I could leave my car in without being towed while I unloaded things, and my desk downstairs where I could leave stuff behind a locked door by virtue of my working in a lab down there.

Now that I have CanvaPro for work, my capacity to make informational material has expanded exponentially. Just this last week, I've designed informational posters, stickers, and magnets for the housing group I'm working with thanks to all the preloaded graphics and features that program has in addition to its ability to export a transparent PNG with way less hassle than Adobe programs.

The Power and Pull of Nostalgia

My first diary post this week focused on visual trends in the future. For the second, it's worth pointing out that the visuals of the past also have strong pull and influence. Trends are cyclical. Nostalgia and a yearning for the past hold great power.

Graphic design is a dynamic field that requires a keen eye for aesthetics, a mastery of various tools and techniques, and access to the right graphic design resources.

Whether you're a seasoned designer looking to expand your toolkit or a novice seeking to enhance your skills, having access to free graphic design resources can be invaluable.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top free resources available to designers, from high-quality images and fonts to versatile design software and tutorials.

By harnessing the power of these resources, you can elevate your designs, streamline your workflow, and unlock your full creative potential.

1. Unsplash:

Unsplash is a goldmine for high-resolution, royalty-free images that can breathe life into your designs. With a diverse collection spanning countless categories, from nature and architecture to technology and fashion, Unsplash offers designers an endless source of inspiration without any licensing fees.

2. Google Fonts:

Typography is a cornerstone of effective design, and Google Fonts provides a vast selection of free, open-source typefaces to choose from. Whether you're looking for classic serifs, modern sans-serifs, or decorative display fonts, Google Fonts offers something for every project, all accessible with a simple integration into your design software or website.

3. Canva:

Canva has democratized graphic design with its intuitive platform and extensive library of templates, graphics, and tools. While Canva offers premium features with a subscription, its free version still packs a punch, allowing users to create professional-looking designs for a variety of purposes, from social media graphics to business presentations.

4. Pexels:

Like Unsplash, Pexels offers a vast collection of high-quality stock photos and videos, all available for free download and use. Whether you need striking visuals for a website, blog post, or marketing campaign, Pexels provides designers with a treasure trove of visually stunning assets to enhance their projects.

5. Adobe Spark:

Adobe Spark offers a suite of design tools for creating graphics, web pages, and video stories, all accessible for free with a basic account. With its easy-to-use interface and customizable templates, Adobe Spark empowers designers to create eye-catching visuals and multimedia content without the need for advanced technical skills or expensive software.

6. Font Squirrel:

Font Squirrel is a valuable resource for designers seeking high-quality, commercially licensed fonts that won't break the bank. With its curated collection of free fonts, Font Squirrel offers designers a diverse range of typefaces to choose from, ensuring that every project has the perfect typography to make it stand out.

7. Pixabay:

Pixabay is a one-stop shop for free stock photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos, contributed by a global community of creators. With its extensive library and easy-to-use search functionality, Pixabay provides designers with a wealth of visual resources to enhance their projects, all available for free download and use.

8. Freepik:

Freepik offers a vast selection of free graphic resources, including vector graphics, illustrations, icons, and PSD files. Whether you're designing a website, brochure, or social media post, Freepik provides designers with a wealth of creative assets to choose from, all available for free with proper attribution.

9. Gravit Designer:

Gravit Designer is a powerful vector design tool that offers a free version with essential features for creating stunning graphics. With its intuitive interface and robust set of tools, Gravit Designer empowers designers to bring their creative visions to life with precision and ease, all without the need for expensive software.

10. Inkscape:

Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor that rivals premium software with its extensive features and flexibility. Whether you're a professional designer or a hobbyist, Inkscape provides a versatile platform for creating everything from logos and illustrations to diagrams and mockups, all without spending a dime.

In conclusion, mastering graphic design requires not only talent and skill but also access to the right resources. By leveraging the top free graphic design resources outlined in this guide, you can elevate your designs, streamline your workflow, and unlock your full creative potential without breaking the bank.

Whether you're in need of high-quality images, fonts, templates, or design software, the internet offers a wealth of free resources waiting to be explored.

In the ever-evolving realm of graphic design, staying ahead of the curve requires a mastery of diverse tools. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring designer, a robust toolkit is indispensable for bringing your creative visions to life. In this exploration, we'll delve into the must-have tools that every graphic designer should embrace, emphasizing the significance of design tools and graphic design resources.

Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Design Nirvana No conversation about graphic design tools is complete without acknowledging the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. This dynamic collection encompasses crucial applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Photoshop excels in image editing, Illustrator in vector graphics, and InDesign in layout and publication design. Mastery of these tools establishes a solid foundation for any graphic designer.

Canva: Design Made Simple For designers and novices alike, Canva has revolutionized the creative process. This online platform boasts a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality, making it accessible to beginners and efficient for professionals. Canva's versatility makes it an indispensable tool for crafting social media graphics, presentations, posters, and more.

Sketch: Crafting Seamless User Interfaces Delving into UI/UX design? Sketch is an indispensable tool for digital designers. This vector-based design tool prioritizes collaboration and the creation of responsive designs, making it a vital asset for those working on web and app interfaces.

Procreate: Unleashing Creativity Anywhere Graphic designers on the move or those preferring a hands-on approach often turn to Procreate. This iPad-exclusive app offers an extensive range of brushes, textures, and tools, making it a favorite among digital illustrators. Procreate challenges the notion that powerful design tools are confined to desktops.

Fueling Inspiration: Graphic Design Resources

Beyond mastering specific tools, graphic designers need a curated collection of resources to spark creativity. Here are some essential graphic design resources:

Unsplash and Pexels: High-Quality Stock Imagery Unsplash and Pexels provide an extensive array of high-resolution, royalty-free images. Incorporating these into your designs can add depth and authenticity, saving time on photoshoots or extensive image editing.

Google Fonts: Elevating Typography Choices A well-chosen font significantly impacts the visual appeal of your design. Google Fonts offers a diverse selection of free, open-source fonts seamlessly integrable into your projects.

Dribbble and Behance: Showcasing and Inspiring These platforms serve as social networks for designers, allowing you to showcase your work and discover inspiring projects from others. Regular exploration keeps you informed about design trends and ignites new ideas.

In Conclusion: