Graphic Design Tools – Graphic Design Software and Books

If you are going to begin a graphic design career, the first thing you need to do is get your degree. There are many degree options to choose from at different colleges, universities and trade schools. No matter what school you choose to obtain your degree from, you will be required to have some specific tools of the trade. So what tools are used by graphic design majors? They are different from the tools you would traditionally think of art majors using; These are the art tools of the 21st century.

Graphic artists do not need paintbrushes, charcoal pencils and other tools typically associated with the arts, although they may enjoy painting and drawing as hobbies. A computer is the most essential of all tools and graphic software used for graphic arts majors. You simply can not expect to complete a graphic design degree and enter this career field without your own computer and graphic software to design with and to use for networking. The choice then comes to either a Mac or PC is preferred. Although some artists have one type of computer as a laptop and another as their desktop, most graphic designers are pretty loyal to one brand.

Graphic designing software will allow you to create all sorts of art and illustrations, work with type, touch-up photos and complete layouts. In addition to graphics software, there are also some business-related software tools that graphic design professionals might need as they enter their careers. Some software products, such as Photoshop and Illustrator, focus on the creative end of design. There are also project management and time tracking software products that allow graphic artists to stay organized and manage the business end of design.

As a graphic art major you will also need books and sketchpads. Many art students just get the books they need for their classes, but it's smart to build up your own small library of graphic design books because you will need them for inspiration, technical help, and business assistance. Since sketching out ideas is a great way to begin a project and brainstorm, it's also always important to keep sketchpad handy. With these graphic design books, software and the help of other artists, who can inspire you and provide second opinions on your work, you should have everything you need for a career in graphic design.