There are some essential tools of the design trade that are used consistently among the best designers. These tools are also effective and expected when delivering your design products online. The lingo associated with using these tools is consistent among online designers and they will expect you to know what they are talking about when they use these terms.

The following tools and software are recommended to successfully secure your online business:

1. Photoshop.

This is absolutely the photo editing standard in the field of graphic design and is a required tool for serious graphic designers. This incredibly flexible software enables you to create an image from scratch or through the use of an existing file. It optimizes advanced features to make your job easier and quicker.

It deploys the use of layers, a history brush, color correction, and comprehensive editing capabilities. It is used to create or edit photographs, web graphics, texture editing, manipulated objects, and much more. Serious graphic designers believe this is one of the most important tools they possess and it is an industry standard. It is worth the cost of $600+ and will save you hours of time in your design work.
2. Illustrator

Adobe has created Illustrator, which is known for its compatibility with Adobe products. Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, and other related programs work effectively together. It allows for the creation of vector art. It is another ‘must' for serious designers.

Illustrator is also very important if you plan to do your own illustrations for use in your design work. It will increase your productivity and effectiveness – saving you time and effort.

3. Freehand

Similar to Illustrator, Freehand allows for the creation of vector art along with other capabilities. Macromedia produces Freehand as a tool for line art, cartoons, logos, resizing images, and related tasks. However, it is important to note that it is not used for photographs. Vector art is usually very clear and precise regardless of the size of the images utilized.

4. Quark Xpress

Creating layout from brochures to books is one of the functions of this software program. It helps to define the page size, margins, typeface, text flow, and other elements of design. It is used for books, magazines, brochures, and many more communication pieces.

5. Adobe InDesign

This software works well with Adobe products since it is produced by Adobe. InDesign is a layout program that can be used for books, magazines, manuals, CD covers, eBook covers, and many other types of products.

6. Adobe Creative Suite

Adobe Creative Suite is basically a full graphic design software suite of programs that includes Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Acrobat.

7. Dreamweaver

This is a ‘must have' tool for web design. It allows you to edit code or design of the web page you are creating.

8. Flash

Another tool that is a ‘must have' for website creation. It allows you to enhance and create more interactive and engaging websites. Flash is also a great tool to use when creating your portfolio to show off your most valuable and creative work. Just be sure not to overuse flash on websites or in your portfolio to avoid the use of overwhelming animation and file load time.

9. Swipe Files

Swipe files are exactly that – files where you include documents, layouts, and designs that you “swipe” from other designers. But don't panic – we are not planning to use or plagiarize these files.

Designers typically have favorite designers and artists who motivate and inspire them. They often take copies of their work and study it for line, color, mass, layout, space, and other common design elements.

These swipe files serve as inspiration and motivation for you to create your own work. The swipe file should only be used to help you create your own, original ideas.

Swipe files should never be used or promoted as something you created. This is unethical, unprofessional, and unhealthy for your business - and you will quickly lose customers and business and ruin your online graphic design reputation. In turn, you'll lose business and clients if the work of other designers is used inappropriately and without permission.

Bottom line – just don't do it. Use your swipe files only for inspiration.

(C) GraphicDesignFreelanceJobs.com