#Design Tools

[tgcnews]

Game Designer's Ruler

The Game Crafter team designed our very own Game Designer’ Ruler that has stencils and 36 tools in 1! It’s a great deal at around $5, so be sure to pick one up!

[decervantes]

The Power and Pull of Nostalgia

My first diary post this week focused on visual trends in the future. For the second, it's worth pointing out that the visuals of the past also have strong pull and influence. Trends are cyclical. Nostalgia and a yearning for the past hold great power.

My instant cameras don't take the best photos, and I can't do much with them other than admire them occasionally. There is no posting, retouching, or reprinting. Although I own many cameras, I love the little prints this Instax delivers. They're fun. There is something special about watching the empty space slowly transform into a picture. It's as much about the joy of the experience as it is the end result.

[designnest]

Mastering Design: A Comprehensive Guide to Free Graphic Design Resources

Graphic design is a dynamic field that requires a keen eye for aesthetics, a mastery of various tools and techniques, and access to the right graphic design resources.

Whether you're a seasoned designer looking to expand your toolkit or a novice seeking to enhance your skills, having access to free graphic design resources can be invaluable.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top free resources available to designers, from high-quality images and fonts to versatile design software and tutorials.

By harnessing the power of these resources, you can elevate your designs, streamline your workflow, and unlock your full creative potential.

1. Unsplash:

Unsplash is a goldmine for high-resolution, royalty-free images that can breathe life into your designs. With a diverse collection spanning countless categories, from nature and architecture to technology and fashion, Unsplash offers designers an endless source of inspiration without any licensing fees.

2. Google Fonts:

Typography is a cornerstone of effective design, and Google Fonts provides a vast selection of free, open-source typefaces to choose from. Whether you're looking for classic serifs, modern sans-serifs, or decorative display fonts, Google Fonts offers something for every project, all accessible with a simple integration into your design software or website.

3. Canva:

Canva has democratized graphic design with its intuitive platform and extensive library of templates, graphics, and tools. While Canva offers premium features with a subscription, its free version still packs a punch, allowing users to create professional-looking designs for a variety of purposes, from social media graphics to business presentations.

4. Pexels:

Like Unsplash, Pexels offers a vast collection of high-quality stock photos and videos, all available for free download and use. Whether you need striking visuals for a website, blog post, or marketing campaign, Pexels provides designers with a treasure trove of visually stunning assets to enhance their projects.

5. Adobe Spark:

Adobe Spark offers a suite of design tools for creating graphics, web pages, and video stories, all accessible for free with a basic account. With its easy-to-use interface and customizable templates, Adobe Spark empowers designers to create eye-catching visuals and multimedia content without the need for advanced technical skills or expensive software.

6. Font Squirrel:

Font Squirrel is a valuable resource for designers seeking high-quality, commercially licensed fonts that won't break the bank. With its curated collection of free fonts, Font Squirrel offers designers a diverse range of typefaces to choose from, ensuring that every project has the perfect typography to make it stand out.

7. Pixabay:

Pixabay is a one-stop shop for free stock photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos, contributed by a global community of creators. With its extensive library and easy-to-use search functionality, Pixabay provides designers with a wealth of visual resources to enhance their projects, all available for free download and use.

8. Freepik:

Freepik offers a vast selection of free graphic resources, including vector graphics, illustrations, icons, and PSD files. Whether you're designing a website, brochure, or social media post, Freepik provides designers with a wealth of creative assets to choose from, all available for free with proper attribution.

9. Gravit Designer:

Gravit Designer is a powerful vector design tool that offers a free version with essential features for creating stunning graphics. With its intuitive interface and robust set of tools, Gravit Designer empowers designers to bring their creative visions to life with precision and ease, all without the need for expensive software.

10. Inkscape:

Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor that rivals premium software with its extensive features and flexibility. Whether you're a professional designer or a hobbyist, Inkscape provides a versatile platform for creating everything from logos and illustrations to diagrams and mockups, all without spending a dime.

In conclusion, mastering graphic design requires not only talent and skill but also access to the right resources. By leveraging the top free graphic design resources outlined in this guide, you can elevate your designs, streamline your workflow, and unlock your full creative potential without breaking the bank.

Whether you're in need of high-quality images, fonts, templates, or design software, the internet offers a wealth of free resources waiting to be explored.

So why wait? Start harnessing the power of these free graphic design resources today and take your designs to new heights!

[studyhelianthus]

Everything is by design.

Good Sweet Day! 🌸🌿

[caittaylor]

Visual Diary 6: Tools in Action #2

Both Feedback & Continuous Improvement and a Questioning Mindset are two important abstract tools in design leadership, and some that I need to focus on and gain more skill in. Baggu was a company that came to mind when I thought of these tools. They have been around and creating reusable bags since 2007, which is a good 17 years so you know in that time they had to utilize many design tools. Sustainability has also been a focus of theirs, and they even mention on their website that as they’ve grown  as a company they work towards addressing how to be more sustainable. Members from their Design, Production, Operations, Marketing and Brand departments meet to identify new ways and opportunities for growth and improvement within the company. Together they are asking questions that create a focus and inspire change, and in these meetings there has to be an openness to feedback and the want to constantly seek improvement. 

[attitudeacademu4u]

What are the Essential Tools Every Graphic Designer Should Master?

In the ever-evolving realm of graphic design, staying ahead of the curve requires a mastery of diverse tools. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring designer, a robust toolkit is indispensable for bringing your creative visions to life. In this exploration, we'll delve into the must-have tools that every graphic designer should embrace, emphasizing the significance of design tools and graphic design resources.

Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Design Nirvana No conversation about graphic design tools is complete without acknowledging the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. This dynamic collection encompasses crucial applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Photoshop excels in image editing, Illustrator in vector graphics, and InDesign in layout and publication design. Mastery of these tools establishes a solid foundation for any graphic designer.

Canva: Design Made Simple For designers and novices alike, Canva has revolutionized the creative process. This online platform boasts a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality, making it accessible to beginners and efficient for professionals. Canva's versatility makes it an indispensable tool for crafting social media graphics, presentations, posters, and more.

Sketch: Crafting Seamless User Interfaces Delving into UI/UX design? Sketch is an indispensable tool for digital designers. This vector-based design tool prioritizes collaboration and the creation of responsive designs, making it a vital asset for those working on web and app interfaces.

Procreate: Unleashing Creativity Anywhere Graphic designers on the move or those preferring a hands-on approach often turn to Procreate. This iPad-exclusive app offers an extensive range of brushes, textures, and tools, making it a favorite among digital illustrators. Procreate challenges the notion that powerful design tools are confined to desktops.

Fueling Inspiration: Graphic Design Resources

Beyond mastering specific tools, graphic designers need a curated collection of resources to spark creativity. Here are some essential graphic design resources:

Unsplash and Pexels: High-Quality Stock Imagery Unsplash and Pexels provide an extensive array of high-resolution, royalty-free images. Incorporating these into your designs can add depth and authenticity, saving time on photoshoots or extensive image editing.

Google Fonts: Elevating Typography Choices A well-chosen font significantly impacts the visual appeal of your design. Google Fonts offers a diverse selection of free, open-source fonts seamlessly integrable into your projects.

Dribbble and Behance: Showcasing and Inspiring These platforms serve as social networks for designers, allowing you to showcase your work and discover inspiring projects from others. Regular exploration keeps you informed about design trends and ignites new ideas.

In Conclusion:

A Toolkit for Creative Triumph In the dynamic field of graphic design, versatility is paramount. Mastering a diverse set of tools, from industry standards like Adobe Creative Cloud to innovative platforms like Procreate, empowers designers to breathe life into their visions. Additionally, maintaining a well-stocked arsenal of graphic design resources ensures a constant wellspring of inspiration. By embracing both design tools and graphic design resources, you'll not only stay relevant but also continue to push the boundaries of your creativity. So, equip yourself with these essentials, and let your creativity soar in the world of graphic design.

[mikeshouts]

Meet The New Apple M2 Ultra Chip, Mac Studio, And Mac Pro

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[insimplify]

Why CRM Software is Essential for Home Construction Projects?

Discover how CRM software can streamline home construction projects by improving client communication, project management, and efficiency.

Read More

[dcpwebdesigners-blog]

14 Essential Tools For Designers – Infographic

Every web designer needs the right tools to bring their creative vision to life. In this blog post, we explore 14 essential tools that streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and elevate design quality, whether you’re a graphic, web, or UI/UX designer.

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Design Tools

Designers rely on powerful tools to streamline their creative processes, and three standout options are Figma, Adobe Suite, and Webflow.

Figma is a cloud-based design tool perfect for UI/UX designers, enabling real-time collaboration, prototyping, and seamless design handoff.

Adobe Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and XD, is a powerhouse for graphic, web, and UI/UX design, offering advanced editing, vector creation, and layout tools.

Webflow bridges design and development, allowing designers to create responsive websites visually without coding while offering full control over interactions, animations, and CMS functionality, making it ideal for modern web design projects.

Operations

Efficient project management and organisation are essential for designers, and tools like Notion, Google Calendar, and Google Drive help streamline workflows.

Notion is a versatile workspace that combines note-taking, task management, and database functionality, making it ideal for organising design projects, tracking progress, and collaborating with teams.

Google Calendar ensures designers stay on top of deadlines, meetings, and project timelines with easy scheduling and reminders.

Google Drive offers secure cloud storage, allowing designers to store, share, and collaborate on files in real time, ensuring seamless access to assets from any device, enhancing productivity and teamwork.

Communication

Clear communication is crucial for designers working with teams and clients, and tools like Gmail, Discord, and Zoom make collaboration seamless.

Gmail is a reliable email platform that enables professional communication, file sharing, and integration with other Google Workspace tools, making it essential for client and team interactions.

Discord is a dynamic communication tool with voice channels, chat rooms, and screen-sharing features, perfect for real-time collaboration, brainstorming, and community engagement.

Zoom is a leading video conferencing tool that allows designers to conduct virtual meetings, share screens, and present ideas effectively, ensuring smooth project discussions and feedback sessions.

Automation

Automation tools like Zapier, Calendly, and MailerLite help designers streamline workflows, saving time and effort on repetitive tasks.

Zapier connects different apps and automates tasks, allowing designers to create workflows that sync tools like Gmail, Notion, and Slack without manual input.

Calendly simplifies appointment scheduling by letting clients and teams book meetings based on availability, eliminating back-and-forth emails and ensuring efficient time management.

MailerLite is an intuitive email marketing platform that helps designers automate newsletters, client updates, and promotional campaigns, making it easy to engage with audiences and manage email outreach with minimal effort.

Finances

Managing finances efficiently is crucial for designers, and tools like Rounded and Google Sheets help simplify accounting and budgeting.

Rounded is an intuitive accounting software designed for freelancers and small businesses. It streamlines invoicing, expense tracking, and tax reporting, making financial management stress-free for designers handling multiple clients. With automation features, it reduces admin time and improves cash flow management.

Google Sheets is a versatile tool for tracking expenses, budgeting, and creating financial reports. With cloud-based access and real-time collaboration, designers can maintain financial records, analyse trends, and share data with clients or accountants effortlessly, ensuring organised and transparent financial management.

[tmarshconnors]

Apple's Pixelmator Move: A Bold Play Against Adobe?

Apple’s recent acquisition of Pixelmator is a striking indication that it could be edging further into Adobe's long-held territory. This feels more deliberate than just expanding the macOS toolkit—it's a challenge. Adobe has reigned over design, photo editing, and creative software for decades, with products like Photoshop and Illustrator practically becoming industry standards. Yet with Pixelmator now in Apple’s camp, Cupertino might be rethinking that status quo, perhaps with more native integration and affordability for creatives.

Pixelmator has been known for its impressive, accessible alternatives to Adobe software. Its user-friendly interface and innovative features, optimised specifically for Apple devices, have long given Adobe a worthy competitor in the consumer photo-editing market. Adobe’s Creative Cloud subscription model has often left users craving a robust, one-time purchase solution, which Pixelmator smartly filled with its buy-to-own model.

Apple’s motives, though, could extend far beyond a simple software acquisition. With Pixelmator, Apple now has control over an image editing powerhouse, and they’re likely to take advantage of that with direct iCloud integration, seamless macOS enhancements, and more of the Apple ecosystem perks Adobe can’t easily replicate. Imagine Pixelmator being optimised for Apple Silicon in ways that even Adobe’s dedicated macOS apps can’t keep up with—software that leverages every bit of M-series power Apple has to offer.

Apple’s refusal to support Flash on iPhones and iPads was, in some ways, a power move by Jobs to drive Adobe to modernise. Instead, it marked the beginning of a gradual end for Flash, which was finally phased out in 2020. The fallout with Adobe was significant for Jobs; he wanted partners that aligned fully with Apple’s vision of the future. For him, Adobe wasn’t it.

On the surface, it’s about making professional-grade tools more accessible, but Apple doesn’t make moves lightly. They have a chance to rethink the design suite for a new generation of creators who are drawn to the simplicity, power, and sleek design Apple products deliver. Adobe may still lead the pro market, but Pixelmator’s acquisition is a game changer that suggests Apple is ready to bring new heat to the creative software arena.

For Adobe, Apple’s announcement has to be a call to step up and reinforce their grip on the market because, with Pixelmator, Apple is just a few innovations away from building an affordable, Apple-native ecosystem that could truly compete. The battle for creatives is heating up, and for those of us who’ve been watching the Apple-Adobe dance, this could be the shake-up we’ve been waiting for.

[decervantes]

Today I spent time canvassing and door knocking with the PA Dems for the upcoming election. They’ve integrated lists of registered voters onto an app called MiniVan making it super easy to see information and enter data and notes about each interaction. Today, canvassers were targeting undecided Democratic and Independent voters. I thought it was an interesting strategy to focus on a specific group of people.

The technology was in place, but the communication to the volunteers was confusing and disorganized.

I thought this was a great example of an instance where more tech doesn’t indicate success. As a volunteer, I wanted a clear set of instructions, and more (and better) information about how to approach the task. Being handed a list, some campaign materials, and an app connection wasn’t enough for me.

I also didn’t come away from today feeling like I had any meaningful exchanges with undecided voters. Today was an example of an interesting design tool, that wasn’t being utilized with proper design leadership.

[wealthwise93]

Canva: What It Is, Why You Need It, and How It Works

Unlock your creativity with Canva! 🎨 This user-friendly design platform lets you create stunning graphics, presentations, and social media posts easily. Perfect for beginners and pros alike! Join millions and elevate your design game today! #Canva

Canva is a user-friendly, web-based design platform that allows users to create eye-catching graphics, presentations, social media posts, posters, and much more without needing advanced design skills. Founded in 2013, Canva has quickly become an essential tool for individuals, businesses, marketing teams, and even educational institutions. What is Canva? Canva is an all-in-one design platform…