Graphic design may be the most wanted profession these days when most of the things are done online. If you are just starting to work and you are wondering how could you make your job easier, we have made a list of the essential things you need to have on your desk. Make sure you think about your needs and what are you usually looking for when you are working. Don’t think that only the most expensive equipment can help you do the work. You don’t need to go bankrupt to be able to buy the necessary equipment. It is just important to be smart about choosing the supplies.
1. Laptop
The laptop is the main tool for graphic designers and it will probably be the most expensive item on the list. The first decision you will need to make is whether you will buy an Apple laptop or go for another manufacturer. For a long time, Apple set the standards and it was the first thing that graphic designers would look for. However, besides being very good and offering various options that make work easier, they are also very expensive. There are a lot of laptops on the market that are very powerful. There are a few things to pay attention to when buying a laptop.
When looking to buy a laptop, make sure that the screen resolution is high. This way you will be able to work in Photoshop and see all the details on the images you are working on. The dedicated graphic is necessary because it has RAM that doesn’t share with the main system. RAM should be at least 2GB. You will want to have a fast processor and a built-in camera. Also, having a dual monitor stands will make your job so much easier! If you are interested to find out which one would be the best for you, click here topreviewpro.
2. Hard drive
It is necessary to have an external hard drive to be able to have additional storage space. You will probably use it or backing up your work or to store large items. However, in order to make sure that you’ve made the right decision, you need to get familiar with all the options that exist on the market. You will often hear the term SSD and HDD. SSD (Solid State Drive) is usually the choice of people who need their laptops to be fast and super-efficient.
It may be more expensive than the regular HDD, but it is smaller in size and it will help you get the job done. HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is very similar to the hard drive in the computer and is less expensive than SSD. It is important to have at least 750 GB HDD or 512 GB SSD. It is also crucial to make sure that the speed of the drive is good. Go for at least 7200 RPM (revolutions per minute). Faster is better, so if you can afford it, go even faster.
3. Smartphone
Since you will be in contact with your clients all the time, it is necessary to have a powerful smartphone that will enable you to take photos, send files, communicate clearly and have something like a portable assistant. This is the area where you need to invest a decent amount of money so you can be sure that it can perform all the tasks you need it to do. Of course, the main work will be done on your laptop, but having a potent smartphone won’t hurt.
4. Notebook
Having a small notebook to write down every idea that comes to your mind will help you to stay organized and don’t lose quality ideas because you forgot them. Making notes on the computer or smartphone is useful, but nothing beats a good notebook. Place it next to you while you are working and then write down notes that you will be able to read at the end of the day. You can also do sketches and work on your ideas. Sometimes even a small break can do wonders for your eyes and your concentration.
5. A week planner
You may start slow, but soon you will be pretty busy and overbooked, so being able to follow everything you have planned is essential for running a successful business. This way, you won’t be in jeopardy of forgetting anything. It will be right in front of you where you can see it. Having all the plans written down will also help you to take the pressure off from constantly thinking if you forgot anything.
6. A set of pens
Drawing pens, writing pens, illustration markers, color brush pen, ink pens – prepare them all. You never know when will the inspiration come. Use every inspiring moment to create sketches and work on your ideas. Make sure you have them somewhere near, so you can use all your creative potential and put your ideas on a piece of paper.
7. Clock
Time is our most important asset. Being able to plan your tasks well and use time wisely is essential for productivity. Place the clock on your desk so you can always see it. This will help you to avoid wasting time and taking breaks too often. We all need a break from time to time, but the clock will keep you in check and help you to stay on track.
Once you provide these essential things, you will upgrade the rest later. As you go deeper into the tasks and your experience starts growing, it will be easier for you to learn to find the exact things you need. Make sure you read the reviews from time to time, so you are always in the loop about the new things that appear on the market. In the end, the most important thing is to be comfortable while working. Surround yourself with the things that inspire you and relax you, so you can fully commit to working.