At least a few times a week, I get emails asking about various stages of my process. I’ve been responding to these queries as they come in, like a dope, when it occurred to me that hey! I could create a post that answers everyone’s questions at once.
So here we go.
I’ve been saving up my replies for a few months, and finally came up with a top 10 list of design tools/software I use on an everyday basis.
The best part?
I’ve included a mix of paid services/software and free resources. You have everything here that you need to start creating your own designs. The key is to just start.
There are a lot of free tools out there, and I might even be able to show you how to use them with good results, but nothing substitutes the trio of Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. I use the design holy trinity every single day of my life. You really cannot beat the versatility and adaptability of these programs.
This is the trick behind most of my handwritten/hand-drawn elements. You can play with brushes to get the exact feel you’re going for. I like to rock it out, and also to play it soft.
From stock photography to fonts to illustrations to brushes, this store cannot be beat. I find it rejuvenating to purchase design elements from time to time. Not only does the purchase support a fellow artist, it’s also a catalyst to inspire a new point of view or technique. A new font can break you out of a style rut, for instance.
Cost: Prices are set by seller, but pay attention every Monday for free deals!
4. Watercolors & Paints
Seriously. I sit with my kid and make art. Sometimes it looks good, other times it is trash. Always it is inspiring to make something with my hands. I usually get ideas that I wouldn’t normally get otherwise, like my Holly Jolly Christmas printable. See also: watercolors on Instagram.
Cost: Minimal. You just need an imagination and a willingness to get your hands dirty, literally.
I like to get a little lost pinning stuff that inspires me. Sometimes I will see something with the perfect colors or a saying that I need to re-create. The key here is inspiration. Copying isn’t cool. I have a running Google doc with random notes like “Beatles illustration.” I look at this doc when I’m feeling blocked. Man, I need to make that Beatles illustration! Someday soon, hopefully! In the meantime, check out these Beatles lyrics printables.
Cost: Nothing at all. Well, maybe a few hours down the rabbithole.
Sometimes I want to attempt something I haven’t tried before (always challenge yourself!), and to get started I’ll search for a tutorial. I can’t tell you how many times this has saved me when I want to learn new shortcuts or techniques, especially in Adobe Creative Cloud. There are a million ways to do every little thing — no kidding!
Cost: $Free/YouTube; $Varies/get 3 months for $.99 with this link: Skillshare
This phone app lets me capture shapes out “in the wild” that I can then use as the basis for brushes or vectors. I’m almost as obsessed with this as I am with Snapchat selfie filters. But you don’t post a lot of selfies on Snapchat, Vanessa! I know. You’re welcome. My phone is full of screenshots, though!
Cost: Free to install; may or may not be costs associated with account (since I’m already an Adobe CC customer, I just sign in).
Besides Creative Market, this is my other favorite shop for grabbing fonts, vectors and brushes. The bundles are always a great deal (you get sooo much for your money). And don’t forget to check out the freebies.
Cost: There are freebies. Most other prices vary, depending on whether you buy a la carte or via a bundle. Bundles are usually around $29. Also, check out the $1 section for even more deals.
9. Free Stock Images
I’m not the best sketch artist — unless I have a digital brush and eraser. My quick trick? I will search for a free stock image and sketch side by side to make my initial illustrations. Visual Hunt is a good one-stop source for this.
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