After being in business for several years, I’ve tried and tested many different products. It can be pretty overwhelming for a budding freelancer or entrepreneur.

If you’ve stumbled upon this for the first time, it’s essential you read my article on why it’s more important to master systems vs. tools. That way, when a new company invents brand new software, you won’t be totally thrown off. There are the foundations of business and design, and then there are all the extras that can make our lives easier.

Once you’re more familiar with that philosophy, it’s not as daunting to try out new software to cut your time in half. I have a mix of useful technology-based tools along with books that have been helpful to me.

What tools does a graphic designer use?

Essentials

• Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign – Adobe Creative Suite
• Web design, UI/UX – Figma

Brand Strategy

• Book for Brand Designers – Archetypes in Branding book

For video, conferencing, and recording

• Zoom calls + recording videos – Logitech Web Cam 
• Recording, podcasting, etc – Yeti microphone

Organization and project management

• Dynamic (and better designed) spreadsheets – Airtable
• Organized notetaking, doc sharing, and client folders – Notion
• Project management – Clickup or Asana

Business-related Books

• Company of One
• Digital Minimalism
• Win Without Pitching Manifesto
• Creative Strategy and the Business of Design

Productivity + Lifestyle Books

• Barking Up the Wrong Tree
• Atomic Habits
• Never Split the Difference
• Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself

Design + Inspiration Books

• Draplin Design Co.: Pretty Much Everything
• Mid-century Ads
• Euro Deco: Graphic Design Between the Wars
• Meggs’ History of Graphic Design (this is a textbook – pricey, but cheaper than a course!)

Invoicing and Accounting

• All-in-one CRM for proposals, invoices, contracts, and forms – Dubsado
• Small business accounting – Quickbooks Self-Employed

Misc Tech

• Cloud storage, this syncs to your computer but it doesn’t have to store everything on your hard drive, unlike Google Drive. It’s a computer storage saver! – Dropbox

Guides and Downloads

• Streamlined Brand Design Starter Kit
• Branding for Designers Mini Course

 

*this article contains affiliate links