There are some things that just do not get explained well unless someone has been through the class or through the training. Despite the fact that printers are everywhere, there are still some things that don’t get included into common knowledge. Namely, questions surrounding RGB and CMYK, and whether or not the finished product will actually look like it does on screen.

CMYK does print darker than it looks like on screen. This is due to the fact that the colors on screen are additive and made by light, whereas printing is subtractive made by mixing ink to get the color.

Thankfully, most programs or services such as Placeit.net will make it so what appears on screen will be significantly closer to what the final product will look like. Keep reading for more information about CMYK and how it prints.

What is CMYK?

CMYK is an acronym for Cyan Magenta Yellow and Key. These are the colors used in print to make every other color, with Key nine times out of ten being Black. Once in awhile there are more specialized colors used in high-end printers which can help make richer colors, but it is not common.

It does need to be noted that there is no such thing as white ink when it comes to printing. CMYK is subtractive, which in short means that white is the absence of color whereas black is all of them mixed. Any white is just where the printer doesn’t print and will obviously just be the color of the paper. In order to get white, glow-in-the-dark, or even neons in print, highly specialized machines with different materials have to be used.

Does CMYK Print Darker?

CMYK does in fact print darker than it looks like on screen. A screen shows colors by emitting light which is then perceived as the respective color. Due to how wavelengths work and how light is additive, meaning that it adds colors together to the point white is all colors and black is the absence, it will always have more color options than CMYK.

CMYK on the other hand is subtractive, meaning that white is the absence of color whereas things get darker as more colors are added until it becomes black. It ends up having only a fraction of the colors that screens, which use the RGB color mode, are capable of producing.

Does the Type of Printer Make a Difference in Print?

There are two types of printers: inkjet and laser. Typically, an inkjet printer will be able to produce brighter, smoother colors than that of a laser. Lasers are great for large quantities of print needing to be done rapidly, which often makes it prime choice for offices and print shops. However, they typically are going to be even duller than their inkjet counterparts which can lead to some frustrations in unsuspecting customers at the shop.

Therefore, to get as close as possible to the colors seen on screen, it’s best to go with an inkjet printer. They won’t be exact, but it will be much closer to the intended product. This is especially true if the file was designed in a CMYK mode.

What is the Difference Between CMYK and RGB?

RGB stands for Red Green and Blue, the colors of light that combine to make every color a screen can make. Due to how light combines, RGB is capable of making a much greater number of colors than that of CMYK. That does mean that if trying to print something that is in RGB, it’s going to lose a lot of vibrancy at print as the printer is trying to compensate for what it cannot do. It is additive, so the more colors it adds together, the brighter it gets.

On the other hand, CMYK is subtractive. The more color it adds, the darker it gets. It either reflects or absorbs light rather than emitting it which is just a limitation of print. Therefore, it’s best to design something for print in CMYK while designing in RGB for things meant to remain digital.

Conclusion

CMYK unfortunately is going to print darker than it looks like on screen due to the fact it is not made out of light. It has to mix tangible substances, either a liquid or a powdered ink, in order to make colors happen. RGB, due to being additive and thus getting brighter the more colors it adds, has far more colors possible than that of its print counterpart CMYK.

Did you know that the average logo designer makes between $40,000 and $64,000 a year? In a world where online logo making software is available for nominal fees, this seems impossible. Yet strangely, logo design is still an incredibly profitable business.

Logo designers make their money through offering valuable, high-quality products that are essential to the modern brand. Though it’s possible to have a logo done cheaply, hiring a skilled and experienced designer will offer far more precision and a better end product, keeping the logo design industry profitable.

Here are the four things you need to know about the profitability of logo design.

1. Logo Design Is Important in Business Success

The logo is often one of the first things a potential customer sees of a brand. It’s plastered all over branded websites, social media pages and posts, and physical products like stationary. The purpose of a logo is to garner recognition and association with a brand – and that’s why it’s so important to have a good logo.

A well-designed and attractive logo can help create positive associations with a brand, offer a more cohesive brand narrative across platforms, and make a brand memorable to its target audience. This drives conversion in the long term, which can impact the company’s success.

On the opposite side of this, having a poorly designed logo can foster negative associations with a brand; they might be seen as unprofessional or amateur, or at worst, untrustworthy. This can make it difficult to drive conversion or build a brand that people care about, and can cost the company quite a lot of time and money to correct these assumptions.

Therefore, logo design is an extremely worthwhile investment for any business, and deserves to be charged as such. This is why the average cost for logo design is between $300 and $1300, with some projects being worth more than $2500.

2. Quality is King in Logo Design

The number of logos you create as a designer isn’t nearly as significant as the quality of the logos you create.

A good logo, well worth a high price tag, is going to be one which can be clearly interpreted on the smallest of screens; it should be instantly recognizable as a brand symbol (think the Nike swoosh or Amazon’s smile) but still simple. This isn’t easy to do. Designers are boiling an entire brand – a mission, products, company values, and more – down to one mark and, often, no more than two or three colors.

Because of this, designing a logo can be extremely difficult and take a significant amount of time. Having the required knowledge and experience in graphic design means that your work is of high value.

If you’re considering creating logos for clients, we highly recommend checking out the newer logo makers online. Our personal favorite is Placeit.net because it has the most logo templates, and gives you full commercial usage rights so you can sell the logos to clients. Further, they even allow you, or your clients, to trademark the logo made from their website! This makes the process a lot easier than starting from a blank canvas.

3. Know Your Customer’s Needs to Sell Your Logo

As a part of the design process for a logo, it’s vitally important to learn about the company for whom the logo is being designed. A logo is a snapshot of a brand, meant to evoke a particular emotion or reaction and stay in your mind long after you’ve seen it.

To design a good logo, you need to know:

• What does the company do?
• How do they create value for their customers?
• What does their current branding look like?
• What values are at the core of the company?
• How should a consumer view the company after seeing the logo?

From there, you can rely on the psychology of design to incorporate some or all of these themes into the logo design.

4. Going Beyond Logo Design

Most designers will do far more than simply design a logo. There is a whole process to its creation to take into account.

Designers will assess the brand’s marketing and identity, identify and work with their target audience, create multiple base sketches for their clients to review and select based on preference, refine the design through multiple rounds of revision, offer mock-ups of the design for final review, and then deliver a high-quality product that will be used for many years to come.

When brands are paying for a logo, they’re also paying for the entire process that goes into making it, and the hours of labor (as well as years of experience) being done by the designer.

Conclusion

Some companies may scrape by on an automatically generated logo for quite some time. Inevitably, though, they’re going to want something that speaks directly to them as a brand, and offers their customers an insight into the company they are investing in.

Logo designers know this, and, using their experience and these tips, can definitely still make a reasonable profit in the modern design industry.

Affinity Designer is professional graphic design software that has been around since 2014. At one point, it was one of the best and most affordable choices for professionals. Things have changed since Adobe evolved into what it is today. If you’re interested in graphic design, you might wonder – do professionals use Affinity Designer?

Although some professionals use Affinity Designer, most use Adobe Illustrator as their main software. It’s more expensive, but it has several features that Affinity Designer isn’t advanced enough to hold.

If you’re interested in learning more about the software professionals use, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll talk about why professionals don’t use Affinity Designer as often, as well as how this software stacks up against the ever-popular Adobe Illustrator. Let’s dive right in!

Why Professionals Use Adobe Illustrator More Often

In the professional world, graphic designers gravitate more toward Adobe Illustrator than Affinity Designer. Why is this the case? Why do professionals prefer the more expensive version? There are a few reasons to consider.

Professionals use Adobe Illustrator more often because:

• Adobe education is offered in almost all schools.
• There are more features available on Adobe Illustrator.
• You can use an artboard with Adobe Illustrator.
• Almost all drawing tablets support Illustrator.
• There are plenty of templates in Adobe Illustrator.

Adobe Illustrator is the standard in the world of graphic design.

If you want to do as the professionals do, use Adobe Illustrator for all your graphic design needs. It may be more expensive than Affinity Designer, but its capability is unmatched when you want to create a masterpiece for your career.

Why Use Affinity Designer?

With all the features Adobe Illustrator offers, is there any reason to use Affinity Designer? If it’s not the industry standard, why select it over the option of Adobe Illustrator? There are a few places Affinity Designer comes out on top that may appeal to professional and beginner graphic designers alike.

Affinity Designer excels in the following areas:

• It’s cheap: Affinity Designer costs $49 for lifetime access. On the other hand, Adobe Illustrator costs $20.99 a month. Not everyone can afford the Adobe option.
• It can undo mistakes: Affinity Designer makes it simple to undo mistakes. You can undo up to 8,000 times, and the software holds a history snapshot for the artist’s sake. Adobe’s undoing is more limited.
• It’s simpler: Although its simplicity stems from having fewer tools, the interface is easier to navigate. Beginners will have a better time learning how to use Affinity Designer.

Affinity Designer stands out in these three ways, making a name for itself in the world of graphic design software.

Even though it’s cheaper, better at fixing mistakes, and simple, Adobe Illustrator still comes out on top. There are too many benefits with the software to dismiss it based on price and complexity. Of course, you can always take advantage of both options and keep Affinity Designer and Adobe Illustrator in your arsenal.

Do Professionals Ever Use Affinity Designer?

Although most professionals use Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer is still a top choice for many. It’s a powerful vector-based program that offers a decent arsenal of tools for graphic design. Although you can’t do as much, you can still create beautiful vectors with Affinity Designer.

Many graphic designers out there swear by the Affinity Designer software. If you try out both and feel more confident utilizing Affinity, there’s nothing that should get in your way. There’s a lot to work on within this program.

Affinity Designer is also ideal for those seeking to become professional designers. Once you get further in your career, you can invest in Adobe Illustrator. The expense might not be feasible for those just starting, in which case Affinity Designer is the best choice for professionals.

Another great beginner tool to help you get started in graphic design is Placeit.net. It’s an online based graphic design tool, so you can use it from any device with internet, and it offers thousands of pre-made templates for you to customize and tweak to your needs. Everything you create on Placeit comes with full commercial usage rights too, so you can sell the designs you create. It’s a good way to get your toes wet, and create professional end products with just a few clicks.

Conclusion

Affinity Designer is a program that has been around since 2014, providing an affordable way to design. However, most professionals use Adobe Illustrator to work. Even though it’s more expensive, its features are truly expansive.

We hope this information was helpful! As a professional graphic designer, it’s critical to get your hand on the best software you can for your work. Although Affinity Designer is excellent, Adobe Illustrator comes out on top. To be a professional, Affinity Designer will not be your go-to software, though it can be a reliable testing ground in the beginning.

If you are trying to expand your graphic design toolkit, Inkscape is a program you may want to explore. The free design program has gained popularity over the last few years, but is it suitable for graphic design?

Inkscape is a feature-rich, entirely free graphic design program that offers a similar user interface as Adobe Illustrator. This is a great open-source software for graphic designers, as it has a variety of strong tools that are paired with an easy-to-use interface, making it perfect for beginners and professionals alike.

Another graphic design tool to consider is Placeit.net. It’s similar to Inkscape but uses templates to help you create professional designs without being an expert graphic designer. We personally use it, and highly recommend it for beginners.

Choosing which program to learn can be a difficult decision for many beginners. If you’re a designer who doesn’t want to be locked into a monthly membership model or who just can’t afford pricey software programs, Inkscape could be a good option for you. Below is a breakdown of how Inkscape may be used by graphic designers and whether or not it could be used in a professional context.

Does Inkscape Work as a Good Graphic Design Tool?

Everything a graphic designer does is aided by graphics editing software. However, despite the abundance of choices, not all will meet your requirements.

When it comes to designing graphics, Inkscape is a great tool to have. It is a versatile open-source desktop program for making two-dimensional Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG). On top of that, the program can be used for a wide variety of jobs and is easy to use, making it perfect for those getting started in graphic design.

A program like Inkscape lets you make digital drawings that can range in complexity and appearance. It’s a lot like Adobe Illustrator, but with a distinct user interface and set of tools. As a bonus, it’s free to use on any of the three major operating systems: PCs running Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.

Lines, shapes, text, and colors are used to make vector graphics. Vector graphics enable you to modify and manipulate those pieces; thus, you can create practically anything using vector graphics software that you can draw by hand.

What is Inkscape Used for?

Inkscape offers a wide range of possibilities, some of which are unexpected. Everything a typical graphic designer does can be done on Inkscape. As its main file format, Inkscape focuses on the SVG. This is the format used to generate 2D images and programs, and it is pretty helpful for using these visuals on websites and print media.

With Inkscape, you can create things like:

• Schematics
• Logos
• Automated marketing materials
• Software interfaces

You can even use Inkscape to generate brochures and business cards. With its wide range of drawing tools, it may also be used for illustrative purposes.

Other things you can do with Inkscape are make web design mockups, create banners, design business cards, scale down images, and so on.

Who Is Inkscape for?

When it comes to creating vector graphics, Inkscape is the tool of choice for any artist, designer, or web developer. Designers will find that Inkscape not only provides all the necessary tools, but also competes directly with Illustrator in terms of functionality.

This is a fantastic tool for both novice and experienced designers. If you’re just getting started with vector graphics software, this is an excellent tool to have on hand. It even works well with other software, extensions, and online graphic design tools like Placeit.net to make easy high-quality marketing and design materials.

Beautiful, realistic images may be created by anybody. Inkscape also features a variety of drawing tools that allow you to handle vector objects in a variety of complicated ways.

Is Inkscape for Professional Use?

Inkscape is a powerful design tool that may be used in a professional design setting. In fact, many professional designers use Inkscape because it allows them to keep their production expenses down while still benefiting from a world-class vector editing application like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop.

As a graphic designer, it’s a good idea to learn open-source tools so that no matter which company you work for, you can use graphical tools that you know. Since all vector graphics software functions similarly, those familiar with another program can quickly learn Inkscape and have multiple programs under their belt.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Inkscape is a powerful vector editing application that is suitable not only for beginners but also for experienced graphic designers and developers.

One of its most significant features is that it is free and open software that can be downloaded and used on a variety of platforms.  However, despite being free, it is a formidable competitor to commercial products such as Adobe Illustrator.

Graphic design is a career that is in high demand. There is always a use for graphic design in business. Graphic designers get to have fun at their job and enjoy a laid-back environment. There are a lot of options in this line of work.

People in graphic design tend to be happy with their jobs. They feel it gives them a good balance between work life and personal life. Those who pursue a career in graphic design typically do not regret it.

When you are a graphic designer, there is no limit to where your creativity can take you. Read on and find out more about graphic designers and why they are happy with their jobs.

Why Are Graphic Designers Are Happy with Their Jobs?

When it comes to graphic design, you will be pleased to know that there are many avenues you can take to pursue this career. There are different types of graphic design, and it is one of the most rewarding jobs you can ever hope to find. Here is why:

You Will Learn Something New Everyday

When you are a graphic designer, you will need to understand basic graphic design concepts, such as working with grids, combining colors, and typography. You will need to apply these concepts to your daily work.

You will also learn new and exciting things, as new techniques and technology are being employed in graphic design. In this field or career, designers will have the opportunity to do the following:

• Transform brands
• Create images
• Illustrate advertisements

Graphic designers are always learning new ways to communicate a message to the world. They must always be on the lookout for fresh, innovative ways to do this. 

Design is Always in Fashion

The need for graphic design will always be relevant. It is crucial for any brand or business. It is because the human attention span seems to be getting shorter and shorter, and graphic design offers quick and witty logos that get the message across without being long-winded.

Good graphic design work builds trust with customers. Graphic design is an excellent tool for communication. There is always a need for graphic design in business, and it is a job that is always in high demand.

You Will Work in an Environment that is Constantly Evolving  

The design world changes all the time. It is an exciting working environment for this reason. Graphic designers like the appeal of working in the media and witnessing changes in social media and advertising.

It is a job in which creative people flourish, and the art of graphic design changes as technology changes. Graphic designers now have access to programs like Photoshop and Illustrator to create new and exciting designs. There are more options now than ever.

Good Work-Life Balance for Graphic Designers

People who work in graphic design rave about the balance it allows them in their life. They are happy with the working conditions and say they would be willing to work even more. The ease the job brings to your lifestyle is totally unlike most 9 to 5 jobs.

Graphic design is a promising career for those who want to balance their work, family, and hobbies and still make decent money. Graphic design is a more laid-back career option, and you do not even have to work on the weekends.

You Can Work for Several Different Companies

We live in a world where graphic design plays a significant role in the media. Graphic designers are needed in various industries, so you get to pick and choose where you want to work. You can work for several people, which gives you a great experience.

Graphic designers love their job because it gives them options and the freedom to enjoy their job thoroughly. They also get to experience different projects that may be more challenging for them, which offer variety.

There is Decent Money In it for You

A great benefit to choosing graphic design as your job is that you get to make decent money while doing a job that satisfies you creatively. You might not ever get rich from working in graphic design, but you will live a comfortable life and be able to enjoy yourself.

Some graphic designers work extremely hard and even earn an impressive six-figure income. Graphic design is in such high demand that it is possible to make more than most people do at their jobs.

You Can Control the Bottom Line  

Designers are often asked to generate consistent work that is the bridge between a company and its customers. No matter which project you are at work on, you manage the customer’s experience. You can have a positive influence on a company’s presentation.

Graphic designers have a great job in that they get to give their brand life. It will allow you to see the bigger picture and deliver that picture to the customer.

You will Develop Good Problem-Solving Skills

You need to hone your problem-solving skills if you want to have a career in graphic design. Graphic design will help you develop good problem-solving skills when you need to fix common problems for clients and figure out how your brand will add value to the product.  

Your primary concern is meeting the company’s goals and demonstrating that you are an invaluable part of the team. When you are a graphic designer, you will need to solve problems every day.

You May Get to See Your Work on Display

When you are a graphic designer, you may get to see your work in a magazine or on a billboard. This exposure can give you an incredible feeling of accomplishment. Your work is being seen by a plethora of potential customers.

Who knows? You could inspire another working graphic designer. You will know the feeling of having a tangible influence on others and the media in general.

Conclusion

People in graphic design tend to love their job. They get to influence individuals and media and get the opportunity to create a memorable brand. It can be an exceptional and rewarding experience. Graphic design is an exciting career path for those who like to think out of the box.

Getting into graphic design is something many people are interested in. However, if you don’t have access to a computer, it might seem hard to get started. That’s why some people ask, “Can you do graphic design without a computer?”

There are several ways to begin your graphic design journey without a computer. You can use your smartphone, tablet, or even plain old pencil and paper to learn the basics. While a computer will be necessary to become a full-time, professional graphic designer, learning and mastering the basics without one is simple. Online graphic design software like Placeit.net allow you to create professional graphic designs from any device.

Below, we’ll discuss all the ways to get started with graphic design without using a computer. Keep reading to learn about all your options!

Can I Do Graphic Design Without a Computer?

There are a few different ways to start graphic design without using a computer. These include:

• Pencil and paper
• A tablet application
• A smartphone application

Below, we’ll discuss how you can use these mediums to begin your graphic designing journey.

Pencil and Paper

At its core, graphic design is all about drawing different shapes and figures. What better way to get started than by practicing the old-fashioned way?! Using a pencil and paper is one of the best ways to learn to draw or brush up on your drawing skills.

Start your journey by picking up some tracing paper. Take a look at a magazine, graphic novel, or newspaper, then find some shapes or fonts you like. Use your tracing paper to trace the shapes, then try replicating them freehanded.

Doing this will help you become familiar with the different hand movements involved with drawing different shapes and figures. After some practice, you’ll be much more comfortable and precise with drawing, a skill that’s absolutely necessary for graphic design.

Tablet Applications

In some ways, tablets are even better for graphic design than computers! There are some very advanced tablets on the market today, some of which are made specifically for drawing and graphic design.

Depending on which tablet you own, there will be a variety of drawing applications available on the app store that you can use to create your graphic designs. Below, we’ll discuss a couple of the best ways to practice graphic design using a tablet.

Apple iPad Pro

The Apple iPad Pro is one of the newest versions of the iPad. It comes with Procreate, an easy-to-use drawing platform that makes it simple to create high-quality graphics. However, you’ll need to purchase the Apple Pencil, their version of a stylus, separately to enjoy Procreate’s full drawing experience.

In addition to drawing capabilities, the Apple iPad Pro features all the benefits of your typical iPad. This allows you to browse the internet for design tips, download additional graphic design apps, or even upload your designs to a marketplace! It’s perfect if you’d like a drawing tablet/computer hybrid.

Samsung Galaxy S7+

If you prefer Samsung products over Apple products, you might want to try the Samsung Galaxy S7+ instead. This is a bit less expensive than the iPad Pro, and the S Pen stylus is included in the box.

The Galaxy Tablet comes with Clip Studio Paint pre-installed. However, if this isn’t your cup of tea, there are several other drawing applications available. A couple of these include:

• Infinite Painter
• Adobe Illustrator Draw
• Adobe Autodesk SketchBook

This is another tablet computer, meaning you’ll be able to enjoy all the usual features of a tablet along with drawing capabilities. Like the iPad Pro, you can even upload your designs to an online marketplace without a computer.

Placeit.net

If you already have a basic tablet and aren’t looking to upgrade, there are still ways for you to use your tablet to create graphics. There are tons of online resources that allow you to create unique graphics right in your browser window, no downloads required.

One of these websites is Placeit.net. Placeit features thousands of graphic design templates you can edit on the site, then download to your device for later use. While you will not be able to draw your own designs, you can use their huge library of royalty-free graphics, effects, and typography to create logos, designs, mockups, videos, and more, all from a smartphone or tablet.

Smartphone Applications

While it might seem far-fetched or even impossible, there are a couple of ways to do graphic design right from your mobile phone! Whether you have an iOS or Android device, tons of free apps are available that will help you get started with graphic design.

Picsart

While Picsart will not allow you to create unique graphics, it will let you add some cool effects and overlays to existing pictures or videos. You can do things like:

• Add text.
• Retouch photos.
• Change the background.
• Remove objects or people.
• Place stickers and overlays.

If you’re more interested in the photo manipulation side of graphic design, Picsart is a great mobile application to start with.

Photoshop Express Photo Editor

Like Picsart, Photoshop Express is more about image manipulation than actual graphic design. You can do all of the same things you can with Picsart, plus all of the following:

• Correct red or closed eyes.
• Cut out one or more objects.
• Use different makeup overlays.

You will need an Adobe subscription to enjoy the full features, but downloading the app comes with a free trial.

Placeit.net

Here’s Placeit again because you can still use Placeit.net from your smartphone’s mobile browser. Just choose a template, open it on their on-site editing tool, then save to your photos when you’re done! If you’re particularly proud of a design, you can sell it elsewhere because everything you create on their website comes with full commercial usage rights.

Final Thoughts

Many graphic designs with tons of potential are held back due to a lack of access to a computer. Thankfully, there are lots of ways to get started with, or even perfect, graphic design without using a traditional computer! You can use a tablet, mobile phone, or even just a pencil and paper to start your graphic design journey.

Consider using online tools and apps for graphic design, like Placeit.net, as they will allow you to create designs on the go, from any device with internet.

Due to its digital nature, graphic design requires a computer to make your designs happen. Aspiring graphic designers may wonder if they can cut costs by using a Chromebook to still achieve good results. Chromebooks are lightweight and low-cost, meaning many people use them for a variety of functions.

A Chromebook is not the ideal choice for graphic design due to its low storage space and incompatibility with certain mainstream graphic design programs such as the Adobe suite. However, many people still use Chromebooks for web design graphic design, like using websites like Placeit.net. It can also be a good option for those just getting started in the graphic design field.

Although your success as a graphic designer will depend on many factors beyond the technology you use, it is crucial to have the right computer for your projects. Keep reading to learn more about the limitations and capabilities of Chromebooks, and some factors you can keep in mind if you do wish to use a Chromebook for graphic design projects.

Can You Use a Chromebook for Graphic Design?

The short answer to this question is that it depends. Chromebooks are a pared-down laptop experience that allows users to access essential features without the high sticker cost of more high-tech laptops. Due to this, graphic designers may run into some limitations when they try to use a Chromebook for their graphic design project.

Whether you are considering buying a Chromebook for your graphic design career, or if you can use the one you have on hand to complete a project, you should consider the following factors:

• What type of design are you trying to do? In general, a graphic design that is being produced for print may be almost impossible to do on a Chromebook. This type of design work requires advanced software such as the Adobe Suite that is simply not compatible with a Chromebook. On the other hand, digital or mobile designs may be possible depending on the tools you are using.
• How much storage space do you need? Design work can take up a lot of space on your laptop, and Chromebooks just do not have the storage capacity to save all your projects. If you have an extensive portfolio of things you are working on or projects that will need a lot of storage, it is best to go with a more traditional laptop choice.
• What’s your budget? If you are just starting in design and need a laptop for simple projects that will not break the bank, a Chromebook may be a good choice. Chromebooks are often very reasonably priced and won’t put a dent in your savings. However, if you are planning to ramp up your design portfolio in the future, it may be worth saving for a different option.

Determining if you can use a Chromebook for graphic design will ultimately come down to those key factors. It is up to you to decide what can best fit your design needs.

What Can Chromebooks be Used For in Graphic Design?

The main thing to keep in mind is that Chromebooks are limited by the software you hope to use. Chromebooks are usually not compatible with advanced software, and you will need to stick to web-based tools that you can easily use with your Chromebook.

Web-based tools such as Placeit.net or other popular services that make graphic design that much easier should still function properly on your Chromebook. For this reason, if you are looking to do primarily digital designs, or if you are just doing graphic design as a hobby or for smaller projects, you should be able to do this just fine on your Chromebook because Placeit.net is internet based.

Before agreeing to a project, though, it is worth running a compatibility check with whatever app or tool you would like to use. Especially if you are completing a project for a client, it is essential to make sure you know the limitations of your Chromebook before you agree to any work.

Which Chromebooks Are Best for Graphic Design?

Due to their many benefits, Chromebooks have become very popular across the laptop market. With all of the options out there, it can be hard to know which ones are ideal for graphic designers.

These Chromebooks are a good fit for designers who are looking to use their laptops to create digital design projects:

• Google Pixelbook Go (high performance)
• Acer Chromebook 15 (mid grade)
• Lenovo Chromebook (mid grade)
• HP Chromebook (budget friendly)

Each of these brands and styles will have different options for customization, and each has different advantages when it comes to battery life and storage capacity. It is worth researching your options before choosing a Chromebook.

You may also wish to speak to an experienced graphic designer or a knowledgeable employee at a technology store who can give you some insight on whether a Chromebook will be compatible with your projects. Research return policies to make sure you can bring a Chromebook back if things don’t work out the way you need them to.

Conclusion

Technology can be expensive, and aspiring or current graphic designers may look to Chromebooks as an option to produce graphic design work at a lower cost. While Chromebooks can be suitable for some design projects, especially if the tools you use are web-based, they may run into limitations with more advanced software. For this reason, many people choose different options than Chromebooks.

However, if you will be working in digital design rather than print, and only need it for lower-storage projects, you may still be able to make a Chromebook work for you. Take some time to think about what projects you hope to complete, and then research your Chromebook of choice to see if this will be possible on the provided software.

Choosing technology for graphic design may seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Knowing your needs and goals and having a clear view of what particular laptops can and cannot do will help you make an informed choice when choosing a design computer.

Graphic design is a powerful discipline of visual communication. With the immense reach of mass communication outlets like social media platforms, digital publications, and online content providers, graphic designers are in high demand as businesses and organizations look for ways to connect with their target audience. So how does one get into graphic design and how long does it take to learn it?

A beginner can learn the fundamentals of graphic design in as little as a few months by attending a full-time course, or within nine months by taking part-time classes. Highly motivated people can learn graphic design on their own and some have even done it while holding down a full-time job. Using template based graphic design software can increase your learning period, and get you started making professional designs faster.

Customizing templates is the fastest way to learn graphic design for a beginner. It allows users to see what great design layouts look like, suggests colors that go well together, and ultimately allows users to download these customized templates and use them commercially. Our favorite website for this is Placeit.net because they are the leader in the graphic design template industry, they give users full commercially usable fonts and graphics, and we personally use them ourselves!

Creativity cannot be taught in a classroom (live, digital, or otherwise), and in the case of graphic design, it can only be nurtured and utilized through knowledge of basic concepts and techniques. Graphic design can be learned in a year or less, even by those without natural artistic talent, but only by taking the right approach. Read on to learn how.

How Long Does it Take to Learn Graphic Design?

Although graphic design is an artistic discipline requiring creative and problem-solving skills, it also has technical aspects that successful graphic designers have all mastered. Whether they are learned through a design school or on your own, these are the 8 principles of graphic design that every graphic design beginner should know inside and out:

• Alignment – this basically refers to the way that elements of a design relate and connect with each other in an orderly, eye-pleasing manner
• Hierarchy – this concept is what designers use to emphasize a particular design element to help deliver the intended message
• Contrast – this visual tool draws the audience’s attention to particular elements or areas of a design
• Repetition – repeating colors, fonts, words, or shapes (such as in the branding guidelines of a business) enhances brand recognition
• Proximity – grouping related design elements together is a vital part of an effective messaging strategy
• Balance – this principle is about creating cohesion in a design and facilitating the audience’s perception of its various elements
• Color – this is a powerful, non-verbal way to trigger an audience’s emotional response to a design
• Space – effectively employing negative space (aka white space) is as important to a design’s overall impact as its substantive elements

There are certain things that every beginner in the field of graphic design needs to learn. How they go about doing this, however, can vary from person to person.

Attending a Graphic Design School

For beginners who have the means, attending a graphic design school is more often than not the most thorough way to embark on a career as a graphic designer. There are several paths to attaining a formal education in the field of graphic design and the most rigorous is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree. This is a four-year commitment but offers the most comprehensive education and training by:

• Placing students in small, studio-style cohorts
• Encouraging close interaction between students and instructors
• Providing a highly structured and immersive curriculum in all facets of graphic design, including history and theory
• Facilitating mentorship and peer interaction
• Laying a strong foundation for post-graduate networking

But pursuing a formal 4-year degree in graphic design does not appeal to everyone and for many, it simply is not feasible for any number of reasons, not the least of which are the time and money it would take. Fortunately, there is another viable option that still places students in a challenging academic environment for learning graphic design.

Highly specialized graphic design schools offer intensive, “boot camp”-style instruction that can result in students emerging with a design degree or certificate in a fraction of the time and cost that it would take to complete a 4-year program. Here is an example of how much faster alternative graphic design school students can complete their studies and be on their way to a career in design:

• Students who commit to enrolling full-time can complete graphic design school in as little as three months
• For beginners whose work or personal obligations limit the amount of time they can devote to their studies, graphic design school can be completed on a part-time basis in nine months

The structure, learning environment, and support fostered by a graphic design school can be instrumental to the success of certain people aiming for a career in design. But for others, attending graphic design school may be a luxury they cannot afford or an obligation that would be exceedingly difficult to fit into a busy schedule. This does not close the door to learning graphic design, however. It simply requires a different path.

Learning Graphic Design on Your Own

Success stories abound with self-motivated people demonstrating that learning the ins and outs of graphic design on their own terms, without attending design school, can be done with the right combination of determination, persistence, and resourcefulness. The process of becoming a self-taught graphic designer can be as short as six months to one year for those with the proper amount of self-motivation.

This path to learning graphic design may not be suitable for everyone but for those whose circumstances make attending formal classes a challenge (or simply undesirable), here are a few insider tips from successful self-taught graphic designers to keep in mind:

• Learn the basics of drawing, graphic design theory, user experience (UX), and writing
• Learn how to use indispensable software like Illustrator and Photoshop
• Emphasize specialty areas like logo design, mobile app design, and web design
• Build a marketable portfolio of representative work through mock app and website designs, design competitions, design workshops, pro bono graphic design work for non-profit organizations and churches
• Become more marketable (i.e., improve your chances of landing a graphic design job) by learning to work with developers and creating your own website highlighting your graphic design work

For those looking to learn graphic design on their own, it is important to maintain a grounded perspective. This means taking on odd projects during the early stages just to build up a portfolio of representative work, and oftentimes, performing graphic design services for free. As far as learning fundamental skills, there is a wealth of online resources comprising self-paced courses on virtually every graphic design topic imaginable.

Learning graphic design on your own will not be short on struggles but with commitment comes measurable progress. For people seeking a career change or planning to add graphic design skills to enhance their professional prospects, embarking on a path to becoming a self-taught graphic designer will afford great scheduling flexibility but this freedom to dictate the pace of learning requires discipline.

Ultimately, prospective employers will want to evaluate your work and on the portfolio end of things, taking a creative, outside-the-box approach can go a long way.

For instance, you can use pre-made templates to design your own t-shirts, corporate branding mock-ups, and other marketing collateral, are great ways to build up your portfolio and demonstrate real-world applications of your talent and skills. Plus, you get full usage rights with sites like Placeit.net, so you can even sell these designs!

Final Thoughts

Pursuing a career in graphic design can lead to opportunities in a countless number of fields and applications. And for beginners looking to learn the fundamentals of graphic design, there are different paths that can be taken, ranging from formal undergraduate degrees to intensive specialty programs to independent self-study.

If you work in graphic design, you may be wondering if a curved monitor will suit your needs. As technology advances and the market grows, many designers are wondering the same thing. But is a curved monitor good for graphic design, or is there a better option?

Curved monitors are useful for graphic design because they provide a more immersive experience and allow for a wider user perspective. However, since a curved screen takes some getting used to, many individuals believe the price isn’t worth it.

If you are in the market for a new screen, a curved monitor might be just what you need. However, you should know a few things before taking the leap. Read below as we cover the basics of curved monitors and tell you whether or not using one is good for graphic design.

Is A Curved Monitor Good for Graphic Design?

When the market for curved displays began to emerge, many consumers were unsure about which to choose, especially those in graphic design, gaming, and web design.

Working in graphic design often entails having multiple windows or programs running simultaneously. However, instead of using a single ultra-wide flat-screen, many designers will use two flat 27-inch monitors side by side.

This is because the image can appear distorted on a wide screen. The borders of a flat screen are going to be further away from your eyes than the center of the screen when you’re sitting close to it. This can make the image look distorted, which isn’t good for making high-quality images.

The best way to solve this problem is to use a curved screen. A curved monitor makes sure that the entire surface of the screen is about the same distance from your eyes, which reduces the amount of distortion and can also help with eye strain. 

How Do Curved Monitors Work?

At the start, curved panels were first created by bending a flat panel after it had already been constructed. However, this caused performance difficulties such as oval mura and color mixing at curved edges, giving curved monitors a lousy reputation.

But things have changed, and modern curved displays are more than simply flat panels bent into a curve.

Manufacturers used various sophisticated techniques to overcome those technological problems of the past and build a high-performance curved display.  As a result, the LCD panel construction does not distort the picture on the screen, reducing the possibility of a foggy look on your screen.

The use of flexible glass keeps the monitor’s curve safe and allows users to see more of the light that the screen projects. The color display is kept on the bottom of the screen instead of the top, allowing for better vibrancy and truer colors.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Curved Monitor for Graphic Design?

Choosing a curved monitor for your graphic design work has several advantages over using a traditional flat-screen display. Here are some of the main benefits of using a curved monitor for your graphic design work.

Curved Monitors Cover a Wider Field of View

With a curved screen, all areas of the screen are the same distance away from you, resulting in consistent visual quality across the monitor. The bigger displays of curved monitors, which often have an aspect ratio of 21:9, will also make it easier to work with several windows while undertaking graphic or web design work.

They Are More Comfortable for Your Eyes

The curvature seen in curved displays is critical for decreasing eye strain, as it reduces the movement from one monitor to another while working.

They Create a Display with More Accurate Colors

The large color range of curved displays is particularly important since it allows designers, using valuable tools like Placeit, to create various hues without distorting the image.

You may notice a change in color if you view the pixels off-axis on a wide, flat display. Curved monitors are more color-accurate than flat displays since each pixel is aligned in such a manner that it points directly at you.

Curved Monitors Eliminate Distortion

The spherical shape of the eye’s retina causes picture distortion that is corrected by curved technology. While flat pictures might look slightly inclined or trapezoidal, curved screens appear flat to the human eye.

What are the Downsides of Using A Curved Monitor for Graphic Design?

While a curved monitor can definitely be a worthwhile investment, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it will work for everyone. Here are a few things you should consider before switching to a curved monitor:

Curved Monitors Typically Have Lower Resolution

If you’re looking for a 4k resolution display, you’re not likely to find one that is a curved monitor—at least not one that’s budget-friendly. The good news is that 1440P or 1080P resolutions are sufficient in most cases.

Plus, curved displays frequently have a broader spectrum of colors, sharper visuals, and deeper black values, meaning that they are often better than their flat counterparts when compared to 1080P displays with the same resolution.

A Curved Monitor Is a One-User Device

If you often work in a group setting, a curved monitor may not be the best for you. While curved monitors are great for designers working on their own, these types of screens weren’t designed with two or more users in mind.

The curved design is set up to mimic peripheral vision, with the user positioned in the center of the screen. Other viewers will have a poor experience on a curved display since it has been calibrated to show each pixel from the best possible angle to the viewer.

They Are More Expensive

The best curved monitors are typically larger in size and come with a heftier price tag. Sure, getting two separate monitors can be pricy, but you’re still likely to invest more if you opt for a curved screen.

Final Thoughts

When it comes down to it, deciding whether a curved monitor will work for you is more of a personal choice. Curved displays are good monitors for graphic designers, but they don’t always suit everyone’s needs.

Regardless of what you decide, you now have the knowledge you need to make an informed decision on whether a curved monitor will work with your business and the benefits (and drawbacks) that come with it.

There was a time not too long ago when graphic design was more of an esoteric talent than a vocation. Now, it is a highly marketable, in-demand skillset with a broad range of applications that seemingly widens by the day. Online schools and digital content have made it easier than ever to learn graphic design in a class or on your own. Which begs the question, is being a graphic designer a stable career?

Being a graphic designer is a stable career simply because there are so many jobs that involve graphic design skills. From product packaging to corporate branding to software design, there is an ever-growing number of applications that call for the unique skillsets possessed by graphic designers.

Graphic design is about visual communication effected through expressive forms. In a world where so many things are consumed visually, this equates to a seemingly limitless number of applications. And there is much more to being a graphic designer than simply having artistic talent. In fact, modern graphic designers are more problem-solvers than artists and that puts them in high demand. Here’s the how and why.

Is Graphic Design a Stable Career? Here is the Answer

Thanks to the sheer number of different ways that graphic design skills can be utilized on a professional level, the short answer to this question is yes, graphic design is a stable career. Ours is a world where visual consumption of every imaginable form of expression is increasing at an exponential rate, particularly with the prominent roles that social media and digital content play in our everyday lives.

In fact, now more than ever, visual messaging not only needs to be impactful, but it also has to convey intended messages to target audiences as efficiently and effectively as possible. This makes graphic designers valuable additions to any company or organization for the broad range of skills that they bring to the table. Here are some examples of the unique and diverse skillsets  that modern graphic designers possess and which employers seek:

• Creativity – one of the skills that are the most cherished by employers and clients alike is the ability of a graphic designer to come up with fresh ideas and innovative design concepts
• Communication – the best graphic designers are effective communicators – able to transform clients’ ideas into visual concepts while constantly processing their feedback
• Typography – fonts and typographical styling has a greater impact on overall visual messaging than most people realize and this is one of the many skills in graphic designers’ toolboxes
• Design software – graphic designers today are aided by powerful design software and certain platforms like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, are indispensable
• Interactive media – as modern society transitions from printed media to interactive forms of communication, graphic designers will often be called upon to bridge the informational gap between target audiences and the companies that want to connect with them
• Website design – one of the most powerful ways for companies and organizations to get the word out is through their online presence, consisting primarily of their website and digital collateral like landing pages, and graphic designers often collaborate with web designers to achieve the desired look and feel
• Branding – this is one operational aspect where graphic designers prove their worth, by capturing the essence of a company’s or organization’s purpose and converting it into visual assets that are purposeful, memorable, and actionable
• Storytelling – graphic designers are not only visual storytellers when it comes to developing content for the public eye, but they may also be called upon to interact directly with clients to collaborate on refining the message itself

In many ways, graphic designers are the Swiss army knives of the business world, particularly when it comes to matters that are in the public eye, such as marketing, and consumable content. As more companies and organizations progress toward digital communication and online platforms, the need for graphic designers to skillfully conform clients’ visual messaging to these new avenues figures to grow.

What Career Choices are Possible in Graphic Design?

While opportunities for graphic designers in industries involving traditional forms of media like printed publications may be waning, the opposite is true when it comes to the expanding reach of technology in the business world. As more and more companies embrace the need to establish a digital presence and adopt various forms of digital marketing, graphic design skillsets will be in higher demand.

One of the major reasons why being a graphic designer provides career stability is that rather than being a one-dimensional specialist working in a specific field, a graphic designer is a multi-faceted professional whose skill sets apply broadly to the ever-expanding realm of visual communication.

Put another way, a graphic designer’s primary function is to execute a client’s messaging through whatever visual means are necessary and most effective. This is a sampling of the types of positions held by graphic designers:

• Advertising designer – influencing consumer opinions or behaviors through visual messaging
• Brand designer – shape and influence the ways that the public perceives a company or organization and the products and services that they offer
• Design manager – oversee the creative activities within a business or organization
• Design researcher – make design-related decisions based on observations of end-user behavior
• Experience designer – guide the consumer journey from start to finish through User Experience (UX) platforms
• Exhibition, display, and wayfinding design – develop purpose-designed signage for placement in public spaces
• Illustrator – convert ideas into visual assets that can be utilized for branding, marketing, and outreach purposes
• Interface designer – develop and improve the ways that consumers interact with various forms of communication through User Interface (UI) platforms
• Package designer – design the way that product packaging communicates with the end-consumer
• Web designer – develop, design, and create the look and feel of a company’s or organization’s online presence

It is worth noting that while many graphic designers work as integral parts of in-house design teams, many professional designers work independently, either offering their services on a freelance basis or operating their own graphic design business.

Freelance Graphic Design

For graphic designers just starting out or looking for a path toward professional independence, freelancing is a viable career choice. But building a marketable portfolio that is representative of the polished and versatile skill sets you bring to any project is the first step toward success and one of the best ways to demonstrate your talents is through mockups, be they website re-designs, product packaging, or corporate branding collateral.

Passive Income Graphic Design

Another great way to make your graphic design more stable is to use your graphic design skills to create passive income streams.

There are plenty of opportunities to do this, however the most popular seems to be creating and selling t-shirt designs with print on-demand websites. Essentially, you create a bunch of catchy t-shirt designs with your design skills, and upload them to “print on-demand websites” (like Merch by Amazon, which is owned by Amazon) and customers can purchase your design on a t-shirt.

The “passive” part of this is due to print on-demand websites physically printing, shipping, and handling customer service of the t-shirt when a customer orders one. This means you only have to create the designs, upload them to the websites, and sit back and collect paychecks! Okay… it’s not that easy, but here’s a full tutorial on how to create and sell t-shirt designs online.

Final Thoughts

Graphic design is an exciting and rewarding field but one that requires the ability to meet challenges head-on. Graphic designers have versatile skill sets ranging from artistic to managerial and this makes them valuable members of any team tasked with the responsibility of shaping and delivering an organization’s message to its audience.