An illustrator creates two-dimensional images by using various techniques. An illustrator has to deliver images and pictures that communicate a story or a message. Being an illustrator demands strong drawing skills with creativity and imagination. You should have an eye for design and be able to communicate the message through images and drawings.
But being an illustrator requires a set of skills like time management and knowledge of a particular set of tools and software to create stunning designs.
In this article, we are mentioning some of the tools and software that will assist you in becoming a stunning illustrator.
Squarespace
Squarespace is a New York-based company that provides you a platform for building your website from scratch, and they also offer hosting services. Squarespace provides you with custom website templates as per your professional requirements. You can also add tools like an online store or any third-party extensions.
Squarespace also provides social tools that can help you to reach a broader set of audience. You can create stunning social content with their Unfold app and stay active on your social media channels.
You can also set up email campaigns for expanding your reach. Squarespace also enables you to add text and photos by their CMS tool.
You can start with a free trial and later explore their plans starting from US$12 per month. They have an extensive plan list as per your needs and requirements.
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is one of the most preferred tools by illustrators. Adobe Photoshop is full of advanced features that help you in creating stunning designs. Their tools enable you to make image transformations like cropping, removing an object, adding colors and effects.
You can make posters, banners, websites, and combine text and photos to create stunning graphics. It automatically searches and adds fonts in your designs. You can experiment with different pattern overlays and layers.
The updated version of Adobe Photoshop remains the same as before, enabling you to access the new features with ease. Adobe Photoshop has different plans as per your requirements, starting from US$20.99 per month.
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is the most recommended software for creating vector images. With Adobe Illustrator, you can make stunning graphics, logos, icons, billboards, and illustrations. You can explore a wide variety of typography options with different effects and styles.
Illustrator enables you to create stunning designs for different platforms, like social media and billboards. Your design will look crisp everywhere because Illustrator creates designs in a 2D space.
Adobe Illustrator has a single app plan starting from US$20.99 per month.
Asana
Asana helps you in organizing projects for your remote teams. If you have a big group of designers with multiple projects, then Asana is the best. You can plan and manage the workflow that suits you. You can also set deadlines and can share the details of various tasks in one place.
Asana enables you to track the projects at every stage and keep yourself updated. Asana has a basic plan which you can use without any cost, and it covers almost all essential features for freelance illustrators. But if you wish to upgrade to the premium version, you can buy their monthly plans starting from US$10.99 per month.
Canva
Canva is a perfect tool for beginners and for someone who is starting in graphic design. Canva has an easy to use interface which allows you to create stunning graphics in minutes. Canva offers a wide range of templates as per your needs and enables you to create business cards, posters, banners, social media graphics, and much more.
You can also access advanced features like background removal and various photo filters in Canva. Canva offers most of its features for free, but if you wish to upgrade, you can buy their plans starting from US$12.95 per month.
Procreate
Procreate application is exclusively for iPad users as it responds well with Apple pencil. It makes graphic designing steps simpler and easier. You can directly draw on the screen by Apple pencil and save your work in PDF and PSD formats.
Procreate will cost you US$9.99 with no subscription required.
Clip Studio Paint
Clip Studio Paint is one of the most affordable tools for graphic designers. It enables you to draw images with a natural brush feel. You can design vector images with the hand-drawn feel and add effects with pens and brushes. You can also draw animation, concept, and character art with clip studio paint.
Clip Studio Paint offers almost all features in their free version, but if you want to create advanced illustrations and designs, then you can buy their pro plan starting US$2.09 per month after three months of free usage.
Conclusion
There are plenty of tools available for graphic designing, from affordable to high-end. Suppose you do not want to spend a ton of money or cannot afford a graphic designer. In that case, you can go for easy to use and affordable tools like Canva and Procreate, but if you want to improve your designing skill, it’s best to invest in a decent graphic designing tool.
James Williams is a creative person who has been writing blogs and articles about cyber security. He writes about the latest updates regarding mcafee.com/activate and how it can improve the work experience of users. His articles have been published in many popular e-magazines, blogs and websites.
Source :- Best Tools for an illustrator to Create Stunning Graphics
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