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Looking 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.

In Love Hearts GIF by SpongeBob SquarePants

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.

express yourself madonna GIF

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.

People working together at their laptops.Photo by CoWomen on Unsplash

This 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.

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.

Procreate application in use using layersPhoto by Nik on Unsplash

In 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.

Drawing on a tabletPhoto by Cristofer Maximilian on Unsplash

This 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. The abundant online resources, courses, and tutorials can give you the skills you need.

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.

Drawing a dog no a tabletPhoto by CHARLI on Unsplash

This 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

Woman in love with 'the colors, the fonts, the logo.'

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.

License:

This Byte has been authored by

SK

Sonia Kernan

Instructional Designer

BA., BEd.

English

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