Photo by Austin Chan on UnsplashLooking to bring your creative vision to life through graphic design?
Choosing the right app is key, as it can make all the difference in achieving your desired outcome. When you're picking the right tool, it's helpful to keep in mind the quality of results and skill level you want to achieve.
1. Canva at First Sight
Canva is a platform that creates impressive professional designs even with very little experience.
Although the free version is pretty awesome, like most apps, a paid subscription allows you to have access to a wider variety of professional-quality features.
Here is a quick peek at Canva, which shows ready-made designs for social media:
Features:
Simple and intuitive interface
Extensive library of templates and assets
Basic photo editing tools
Collaboration features for team projects
Check out Canva.
Did you know?
Canva has a workforce of more than 2,500 individuals dispersed across the world.
2. Express Yourself with Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop Express is a beginner-friendly version of Adobe Photoshop, primarily designed for mobile devices and casual photo editing.
The video clip below displays some of its cool features such as spot healing, makeup, and adding a smile when someone isn't smiling:
Features:
Mobile-friendly and easy-to-use interface
Basic photo editing tools (crop, rotate, adjust colors)
Filters and effects
One-touch enhancement options
Take a look at Adobe Photoshop Express.
Did you know?
In 1922, William Addison Dwiggins was responsible for inventing the term "graphic design".
3. Teamwork with Figma
Figma is a collaborative web-based design tool that provides professional designers with all the essential design features.
Photo by CoWomen on UnsplashThis video displays Figma's layout and basic tools, such as a pen, eraser, notepad, and text box tools.
Features:
Familiar design interface
Robust vector editing tools
Prototyping and interactive design capabilities
Plugins to extend the functionality
Go ahead and take a peek at Figma.
Did you know?
In 2017, around 53.4% of the workforce in the specialized design services industry was made up of women.
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4. Be Inspired with Procreate
The Procreate app is painting and drawing tool designed for iOS devices like the iPad. It can be used by beginners who are willing to learn a few tips and tricks. Some experts may not be satisfied with the pixel image results.
Photo by Nik on UnsplashIn this video, you can see Procreate's canvas and the many paintbrush options.
Features:
Optimized for iPad devices
With a few tutorials, it's easy to learn
Vast selection of brushes
Hop on over and take a look at Procreate.
5. Create with Adobe Fresco
Similar to Procreate, Fresco is a drawing and painting app designed for touch and stylus (pen/pencil tools).
It offers professional quality results while being intuitive enough for a beginner who is willing to spend a few hours exploring the features.
Photo by Cristofer Maximilian on UnsplashThis video shows Fresco in action, selecting a predesigned image and then using the masking tool.
Features:
Offers various brushes, including vector brushes.
Creates and edits vector graphics
Lets artists work on large-scale projects
Follow this link to get the free app: Adobe Fresco
Did you know?
You don’t need a college degree to be a graphic designer.
6. Up Your Game with Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is primarily used for creating and editing professional vector-based artwork, which allows designs to be scalable without losing quality.
Photo by CHARLI on UnsplashThis video shows you the layout in Adobe Illustrator and how to use the paintbrush tool.
Features:
Not as user-friendlyas some other programs
A wide range of drawing tools are available
Commonly used by professional designers
Try out Adobe Illustrator.
Quiz
You want to create a low budget ad for your cupcake business. You are totally new to graphic design and can't draw to save your life. You also can't afford to hire a professional graphic designer. Which apps do you think would be most helpful to you?
Did you know?
Online distance learning platforms such as Udemy and Linkedin Learning have instructional tutorials that will teach you step-by-step how to use Adobe Illustrator, among other programs. Also, your local library (U.S./Canada) might allow you to access Linkedin Learning for free by entering your library card number and password. Ask your librarian and find out!
Take Action
The above apps are just a sampling of the immense variety that is available. Explore and have fun using these and other amazing graphic design apps! Make a choice, and then go for it.
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