Hi! Which program do you use for graphics, if you don't mind?
Hi, Anon! đ Thank you for your question! This one turned out to be a bit long but I hope you don't mind!
The first program/application I should mention is Canva. They have some wonderful templates and graphics and a lot of people here use it đ To the best of my ability I stay away from templates and never use them as they are because as you can probably imagine a lot of people use them as-is for the most part. It can be disconcerting to see another graphic floating around that looks just like yours, and Canva is certainly no secret anymore!
However, it's important to keep in mind that Canva is limited in terms of features and functionality. Also, in order to access some really great content, you sometimes need to pay. Add to that the fact that Canva was made to help people who don't know graphic design or how to use GD software to create posters and other graphics and therefore its entire app is a bit on the less intricate side, and you realize that it really can't be used on its own. It's great for simple stuff, but I do find that it just isn't enough sometimes.
So I also end up using GIMP. GIMP is basically a free Photoshop alternative. đ I've been using it for a while now for both my graphics and my art. I find that the program isn't at all lacking in comparison to Photoshop and fits my needs perfectly. Using GIMP may require some learning and practice, whereas Canva is very user friendly. Personally I find GIMP really simple to use now that I've got the hang of it and it has made my life so much easier.
In addition to GIMP and Canva, I've also been known to use Microsoft PowerPoint (I know it sounds weird but it really helps sometimes) and Microsoft Word. I got really good at using PowerPoint in high school and it just became my go-to program for graphics for a long time.
I know for a fact that others use programs like SAI, Krita, Samsung Notes, Microsoft Excel, and literally any other program that has features that allow you to be creative.
The bottom line is, there are a ton of programs and apps out there that you can fiddle around with and decide on. đ I could never use Samsung Notes or Microsoft Excel but some people are honestly geniuses with it. And the same could be said vice-versa: I'm great with PowerPoint and GIMP but others might try them and feel that they just don't work for them. In my experience it was a lot of trial and error. I went through countless programs to find the few that I use now. These are the ones that have surprisingly stuck for me.
Whatever program you do decide to use in the end, my biggest piece of advice is to really learn the ins and outs of that program. Knowing how to use it and - even better - settling on some tricks that make life easier is going to make your experience making graphics so much less stressful. đ
Oh, and one more thing that I should note is your hardware. You have to understand the limitations of your hardware to understand what kinds of graphics you'll be able to create. Graphics and graphic elements that are drawn by hand for example will probably require a tablet. I know writeblrs who move back and forth between their laptops, tablets, and even smartphones when working on their graphics. In the end, you'll know best what does or doesn't work for you the more you explore and try things out
Thank you again for your question and I really hope I answered you in a way that helps! đ Also, if anyone has anything to add please feel free! I'd love to hear what else writeblrs here use to make their graphics đ
