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| Everything You Need to Become a Designer: Budget-Friendly & Free Resources |
Introduction
Let’s get straight to it—you clicked on this article because you want to know everything you need to become a designer, including essential resources. I’m here to give you a full breakdown, from the tools I use to budget-friendly and free alternatives.
The Myth of Expensive Equipment
There's a common misconception in the design world that the more expensive your equipment, the better designer you'll become. That’s simply not true. Many free and affordable resources can help you get started without breaking the bank. My own setup is quite simple, yet it gets the job done effectively.
Essential Technology
My Setup
I primarily use:
- MacBook Air 13" (2012 model) – Handles all my design software efficiently.
- iPad Pro 2020 with Apple Pencil – Essential for drawing and designing, even for YouTube thumbnails.
- Laptop Carry Sleeve & Stand (MOFT) – Doubles as a stand for better ergonomics when working on the go.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
- Laptop: A secondhand laptop with a strong GPU for rendering graphics.
- Drawing Tablet: I used a Wacom tablet for five years (prices range from $35 to $200).
- Free Design Apps: FireAlpaca and Krita are excellent free alternatives for drawing and designing.
Software for Designers
My Tools
- Procreate ($15 one-time purchase) – A must-have for illustrators; I use it for everything from YouTube content to note-taking.
- Adobe Creative Cloud – I use Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro.
- Figma (FREE) – Great for UI/UX design, prototyping, and quick social media graphics.
- Canva (FREE) – Perfect for presentations and quick designs.
- Notion (FREE) – My go-to for organization, social media planning, and project management.
Budget-Friendly Software Options
- Figma – Industry-standard software that’s free.
- Canva – Free with premium options, great for beginners.
- Google Fonts & Free Font Resources: FontPair, FontSquirrel, and Awards (with three W’s).
- Creative Market & Envato Elements – Subscription-based but provides high-quality fonts and templates.
Mockups & Presentation
Finding high-quality mockups can be tough. Many designers use the same mockups, making portfolios look repetitive. Here’s how to stand out:
- Free Mockup Resources: Many websites offer free mockups—I'll link my favorites in the description.
- Customization: Change backgrounds, adjust colors, or reposition elements to make mockups unique.
Finding Inspiration
Online Resources
- Pinterest – My personal favorite for discovering new design trends.
- Behance (Adobe Subscription Required) – A great platform for sharing and exploring designs.
- Gumroad – A platform where designers can sell digital products like prints and wallpapers.
Books & Magazines
There’s immense value in physical design books. They expose you to unique styles and ideas. I collect design-related and general magazines with great layouts for inspiration.
Marketing Yourself as a Designer
Why Social Media Matters
If you want to work for yourself, marketing is crucial. Use these platforms to showcase your work and attract potential clients:
- Instagram & YouTube – Powerful and free tools for building your brand and connecting with clients.
- Contra & Fiverr – Freelance platforms where clients can discover and hire you.
- Gumroad – Sell digital design products and generate passive income.
Final Thoughts
Starting your design journey doesn’t require a fortune. With the right free and budget-friendly resources, you can build a successful career in design. Let me know if you have additional suggestions or resources that I missed—I’d love to learn from you. See you in the next article!
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