9 Pieces of Equipment Worth Investing Into for Beginner Designers

If you are into graphic design, you know that this job comes with a cost. One needs proper equipment, hardware, and software, as well as gadgets. Luckily, you do not have to buy everything right away. It is quite possible to start with some of the basics and grow your arsenal as you go.

After all, the most important part of it is your creativity and motivation. At essaywritingservice we like to say ‘with great effort, come great results’. If you want to start your career in graphic design, here are the tools you are going to need.

  1. Sketchbook

It might seem obvious but a sketchbook or notebook is essential to any creator. If you see something you’d like to turn into a design or art, you can sketch it quickly. It is also great to practice your drawing skills in your spare time. You can also translate ideas onto paper and intuitively create design layouts. And you don’t have to invest much in it, paper and a pen usually are quite affordable.

  • Tablet

This is essential equipment every designer should have. The graphic tablet allows sketching something digitally, creating art or complex collages. Overall, it is quite enough for beginners to start working on their skills. It is common knowledge that the majority of professionals prefer Wacom tablets and gadgets. They are known for their excellent quality and, most importantly, precision.

Less advanced tablets do not cost too much. But they are to be used with a laptop or PC. And it is better to have a great monitor with a good resolution. If you cannot invest in all of that now, there is another option.

iPad can be a good choice for beginners. First of all, it allows working just with the tablet. There is software usually to help to learn drawing and sketching. And it is more flexible – you can work anywhere.

Tablets are good for digital art, drawing, and sketching. But you’ll need a computer to create truly complex and unique pieces.

  • Stylus and a glove

Of course, when working with a graphic tablet, you’ll need a good stylus. It should be responsive and precise to show the smallest details. The majority of tablets go with one or have recommended styluses listed. If you use Wacom, choose their stylus, if you use an iPad – do accordingly.

Another great addition to the equipment is an anti-fouling glove for digital artists. The main idea of it is to prevent any smudging or unnecessary friction when you are working with a tablet. With such a glove, the only friction comes from the stylus but not other digits.

  • Laptop

You can choose a laptop or PC, depending on your budget and needs. But there is no way around it – complex software and design can be used only on something more powerful than a tablet. There is no way one can run Photoshop or Adobe CC on a graphic tablet. Many professionals choose iMac Pro mainly because it is the first operating system that allowed digital typography.

But nowadays, there is no need to actually choose a specific brand, you can buy an excellent laptop or PC from any other brand, as long as they have good specifications and are powerful.

  • Monitor

The next step in one’s equipment list should be a high-definition monitor. If you have chosen a PC over a laptop, you can select a proper monitor on the previous stage. What is important to look for? Well, good definition, proper width, and, of course, resolution. It is best to choose something along the lines of UHD (3840X2160 pixels) or a QHD resolution. The size is a personal preference.

Another factor to consider is the way the monitor transfers colors. It might not be the first thing a beginner will buy, but when you work on your skills and want to get better at it, this is a necessity. Having a perfect monitor can drastically improve your designs.

  • Hard Drive

This might not seem obvious, but an external hard drive is what you need. First of all, it will extend your computer’s memory. In case if your laptop is not very powerful, it will help. Secondly, it is a perfect backup tool that can save a lot of files from disappearing. Digital art depends on many variables like external software and files; that’s why it is crucial to back everything up. And it is portable, so you can take it anywhere and make sure that none of your projects go missing.

  • Cloud Storage

It can be an alternative to the previous one. Cloud storage is another safe and sound way to protect files and extend your laptop’s memory volume. The best thing is that it doesn’t really cost much often, and the subscription can be scalable. It means that the more storage you use, the more you pay. But if you use a little storage, it is going to cost less. And one can access cloud storage from any place and any device at any time. It is a flexible solution when it comes to protecting your work and saving it all properly.

  • Monitor Calibrator

In some time of working on clients’ orders, you’ll need this tool. It is a great way to ensure correct monitor calibration. In this process, you adjust the monitor’s colors to appear the same way as they will appear on the print (according to the standard RGB color scheme). It is essential to make sure that in the end, your design looks exactly as you’ve planned and executed. This tool also helps to prevent any errors and overall helps to be better at color coordination. When you see the colors as they are, it is easier to work with them.

  • Good Chair

You are going to spend a lot of time in this chair, so it is better to be comfortable and ergonomic. It means proper back support, adjustability, and your personal preference. There is nothing worse than back pain from sitting for too long in an uncomfortable chair. And you might think that as a beginner it is not something you should worry about. But trust us – this is one of the most vital pieces of equipment in your studio.

In Summary

As a beginner, you do not need to buy the best tools if you don’t have a budget for them. There are many good laptops, tablets, and gadgets that are both affordable and functional. What you need is a proper computer, digital drawing tool, storage space, and a good chair.