10 Tools and Accessories Every Graphic Designer Needs

Working as a graphic designer comes with certain challenges. Early on, you might struggle with finding your rhythm, and these issues could be the result of lacking certain tools and accessories commonly used among graphic designers. 

This article will give a quick review of 10 tools and accessories a graphic designer should have and why you need them.

Computer

First and foremost, a computer. It usually comes down to a personal preference as far as a desktop computer or a laptop is the choice, but it would not be a stretch to say that graphics designers could have both. 

A laptop is great when you have to travel for work or take the computer with you to a different location and change work scenery for a bit. Meanwhile, a custom-built PC can remain at home and be the primary work tool while offering a better overall performance thanks to its powerful hardware.

External Monitor

If you have a PC, it is given that you will also need an external monitor. Make sure you get one that provides high resolution so that you can ensure quality with your work and not miss small details. 

These days, it is common to use dual monitors for work setup, and that is also something you need to consider.

Sketchbook or Notebook

Having a sketchbook or a notebook with you is a good way to take a note or make a quick sketch if you suddenly feel inspired. Since these things do not cost that much, getting one should not be a problem, right?

Tablet

Graphic tablets have become one of the main work tools among graphic designers. While there are still some who prefer to use a mouse, more and more designers get a dedicated tablet and use a digital pen for their work.

In some cases, you might not even need a computer for your work and can be perfectly fine with just a tablet.

External HDD

Some designing software takes a considerable amount of disk space on a computer. As such, you will want to invest in an external HDD or, at the very least, a USB flash stick. 

Not only is it a good way to keep a copy of your work files and create data backups, but also, according to this post, having an external storage accessory helps free up computer space and improve the device’s performance.

Creative Software

Given how popular graphic design is, it should not come as a surprise that there are quite a few different choices as far as creative software goes.

Sure, there are some obvious favorites, like Photoshop. At the same time, you might not be too keen to pay license fees or monthly subscriptions for your software, and seeking cheaper, or even free alternatives is not out of the realm of impossibilities.

Ultimately, it is about finding a balance between software that covers your needs and how much you need to invest in it. Since you will be using software for work and depend on it a lot, you want the best option you can get.

Ergonomic Chair

One of the biggest downsides of working as a graphic designer is needing to sit down constantly. While standing up for work is plausible, it is not really an option, and you either have to look at a monitor or a tablet while working.

As such, it is easy to ruin your health, particularly your back, if you are not careful. In addition to checking your posture and taking regular breaks, you should also get an ergonomic chair that is meant for intense work and sitting for hours. 

Headphones

Some graphic designers cannot imagine work without listening to music. For that, it is recommended to get high-quality headphones so that you can enjoy the tunes even more.

Music helps with focus and encourages creativity. It can also help the day go by faster, particularly when your work is dragging for too long and is boring.

Cloud Storage Account

Similar to how you need an external HDD, you should also consider taking advantage of available cloud storage features. Services like Dropbox and iCloud offer a few gigabytes of free space, and you can move files back and forth between your computer and the cloud account. 

Clouds can work as a means to back up data and to free up a computer’s storage in case you run into some issues.

Smartphone

Life, in general, is difficult to imagine without a smartphone, and even more so if you are a graphic designer.

From keeping in touch with your clients and colleagues to checking up on something quick while you are away from a computer but have a smartphone with you, the device is valuable, and you should use one more often.