Are you a prepared Graphic Designer?

Preparation is everything. If you have ever gone fishing you know that you will not get very far without tackle. Design tackle consists of everything that makes up design, be it the right fonts, software, paper and presentation.

Being prepared with the right tools to make you successful. This ranges from having a pen and pad available for those inspiring moments, to having the right knowledge, software, business cards, drawing/writing tools necessary to completing a successful project, etc…

Essential Graphic Design Tools

You must start with some essentials. In the early days of design, page layout was done entirely by hand. Software has replaced most of the tools that our predecessors used, but there are still some basics that you shouldn’t live without:

• Exacto Knife – This tool is essential in creating mock-ups. Use the flat edge of the knife to create scores for a nicely folded piece. You can also invest in a professional guillotine paper cutter or a more economical paper trimmer to quickly cut paper, plastic, poster boards, foamboard, and mats.
• Metal Ruler or Yardstick – This will help you get accurate widths and lengths for any straight line. The metal edge will allow you to run an exacto along side of it for cutting, with wood or plastic you are liable to cut into the ruler itself. Also you can run over a mock-up to clear out any air bubbles or wrinkles from spray mount.
• Self-Healing Cutting Mat – a small mat will help you from making nicks in your desk and also keeps cutting blades from becoming dull. Most mats will come with metric measurements and a grid that is very helpful for cutting and drawing accuracy.
• Spray Mount – I prefer 3M as it will allow you to lift and. Lightly spray edges and corners of paper away from any surface don’t want to get sticky.
• Sketch Pad/Notebook – I never attend a meeting without a sketchpad, not only is it handy to have when you have an inspirational thought it also helps to take notes for later use on a project.
• Writing implement/art supplies – Even though software has taken over a large amount of menial tasks, it is always helpful to keep art supplies around. Many a logo has been hand-sketched and retraced in Illustrator. The perfect script for your ad might be your own handwriting. It is also useful to keep a highlighter around to mark off edits. Keep pencils, watercolor, and markers around for preliminary sketches.
• Software – this could be a chapter in itself. These days you can’t function without Adobe® Creative Suite®. I use iWork or Microsoft Office on a daily basis as well. Make room in your budget for these essentials.
• There are also many other programs that you may find useful such as ftp software, font management software. Other programs and plug-ins specifically made for designers that assist in print production, color conversion, time/project management, are particularly helpful.
• Fonts – you will be provided with the basic system fonts, but most designers will need to go above and beyond Arial. I would strongly suggest purchasing some classics like Helvetica and Adobe Garamond. If you can afford it, Adobe® Font Folio® will make you feel like a kid in a candy store. There are also many affordable and some free font downloads from www.fonts.com, www.linotype.com and www.dafonts.com to name just a few.
• Hardware – You will need a computer. This is a very personal decision unless you have been handed a computer from work. Consider your options and make the best decision based on your budget and resource needs.

Design is constantly changing with new and improved tools that promise better results from that of previous methods.

Tackle is important, but keep it as streamlined as possible. You don’t have to go for something fancy at first that you don’t know how to use. Remember you are the one that will create the design, not the tools.