Graphic design is a powerful skill that helps bring ideas to life, whether for branding, marketing, or personal projects. If you're new to graphic design, having the right tools can make all the difference in creating professional and eye-catching visuals.

These are the graphic design tools you will require as a beginner. They are software, programs, and online tools that will make you a master of your designing skills as well as the process.

1. Graphic Design Software

Adobe Photoshop

It is the world-used tool of choice when it comes to graphic design, used in editing images, painting paintings, and making visual content. Beginners can utilize Photoshop by utilizing the following steps:

  • Image retouching and editing
  • Social media pics
  • Banner and poster artwork

Adobe Illustrator

Illustrator is the most suitable when creating vector graphics. While raster graphics (pixelate), vector graphics may be extended to their limits without losing quality. Ideal for:

  • Logo making
  • Icon design
  • Typography and identity

Canva

Canva is a simple web-based application that includes pre-formatted templates for social media posts, business cards, and presentations. You can cope if you simply want to do professional-looking stuff without being professional.

Affinity Designer

A cost-effective alternative to Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer is ideal for vector and logo design. It offers once-for-all purchase instead of subscription and hence is the ideal option for those who are budget-conscious.

2. Graphic Design Hardware

Good Computer or Laptop

  • Good computer hardware for graphic designing software is:
  • Fast processor (Intel i5 or above)
  • Minimum 8GB RAM (16GB better)
  • High-definition display for seeing actual colours

Drawing Tablet (Optional but Handy)

A drawing tablet like Wacom Intuos or XP-Pen makes drawing and designing more comfortable. It is ideal for digital artists and for those who wish to work with a stylus instead of a mouse.

External Hard Drive or Cloud Storage

Since design files are enormous, you need a storage backup. You can protect your files using an external hard disk or cloud storage products like Google Drive or Drop box.

3. Colour and Typography Tools

Adobe Colour (Colour Wheel)

Colour theory is an important part of graphic design. Adobe Colour helps you create well-looking colour palettes that complement each other and look good.

Google Fonts & Adobe Fonts

Fonts belong to the overall design. Google Fonts and Adobe Fonts offer a wonderful repository of professional and free fonts to be used for your projects.

What Font (Browser Extension)

Have you ever stumbled upon a page that employs a font you love? What Font's extension enables you to recognize fonts on any page, a reference for your projects.

4. Stock Images and Icons

Unsplash & Pexels

If you require good quality royalty-free images to incorporate into your designs, utilize Pexels and Unsplash. Both provide free stock images that can be used for personal or commercial use.

Flaticon & Iconfinder

Your designs spring to life when you include icons. Flaticon and Iconfinder provide free, as well as paid, icons that you can utilize for websites, infographics, and presentations.

5. Online Design Resources & Learning Platforms

YouTube Tutorials

YouTube is where you learn graphic design for free. Yes I'm a Designer and Gareth David Studio is two of the channels offering tutorial videos to the beginner in Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.

Pinterest & Dribbble (For Inspiration)

Each designer requires inspiration. Dribbble and Pinterest are good design projects where you can find new trends and styles.

It is awful to be a graphic designer, but if you have the right tools, then you can learn and you'll be excellent at it and will make great designs. Learn one tool at a time, work daily and experiment with a few styles. COntact Solent Design Studio for more information.

Whether you're working on personal projects, social media, or branding, these materials will provide a good starting point for graphic design. As your skills get better, you can then advance to more professional tools and methods to hone your skills.