The world of technology and computer integration is ever growing and ever changing. For the graphic designer, that means consistently learning the new and improved software suites out there designed for use in graphic design. Although lots of people buy and fool around with these programs, only graphic designers get the greatest results from them.
Adobe Photoshop is one of the most used pieces of software in graphic design. Weekly, a large number of graphic designers spend hours of free time testing new ways of using this tool. 2 similar options that cost no money at all are CinePaint and Krita.
Adobe Illustrator – If logo design is in your future, Adobe Illustrator is a must have. With this software, you can provide crisp, clean works better than any other program available. One can get an Adobe illustrater along with Adobe Photoshop as a bundle pack, for a lower price. Open source alternatives include Xara LX, Inkscape and Skencil.
Adobe InDesign – Yet another Adobe product, Adobe InDesign helps the graphic design to combine their eye for art with the printed design elements many clients and businesses will need. Whether you are trying to create that flashy brochure or the ultimate menu…InDesign will be able to speed the process. Scribus is one open source choice that is available.
Quark Express – For the graphic designer who wishes to employ at least one software program that is not created by Adobe, Quark Express can fill the same need as Adobe InDesign. The same print / art integration is possible with either of the two tools.
Other Skills Needed in Graphic Design
As mentioned at graphic designer london computer programs do not automatically provide a graphic designer with all the skills required to excel in this field; other skills are also needed. Although being able to grasp software is essential, the really key skills are those that need to be learned and practiced over time.
Typography – The way that type looks in a design will be the difference between an effective design and one that looks confusing or mundane. This is the importance of the art of typography. The graphic designer will need to learn how to create the best type for each design and employ that type within the design in a flawless, seamless manner.
Generating ideas – This is a step in the graphic design process where creative blocks can occur, and a huge amount of imagination is often required to succeed. The difference between a good designer and the BEST designer is often not the ability to create the actual graphic design, but to continue coming up with new, interesting and innovative ideas.
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