Graphic Design Tools & Resources
From Eric Miller, former About.com Guide
- Business Software
- Design Software
- Online Tools
- Inspiration
- Design Books and Magazines
- Find Fonts, Stock Photos and Online Printers
Business Software
There are many applications that can help you run your design business, including project and contact management software, file management software and iPhone apps.
- Project Management
- Time Tracking
- Apple’s Bundled Software
- Billings Time Tracking Software
- Twitter with Tweetie
- A Better Finder Rename
Design Software
Design software is the graphic designer's tool, allowing you to not only create your work but also mock up projects, manage fonts and complete other creative tasks.
Online Tools
A collection of web-based tools for performing business and creative tasks such as finding website addresses, social networking, writing blogs, creating color schemes, identifying fonts, tracking statistics and more.
- Buy Domain Names
- Twitter for Businesses
- Facebook for Businesses
- LinkedIn for Businesses
- What the Font
- Color Scheme Generator
- Feedback and Collaboration with Notable
- WordPress
- Blogger
- Campaign Monitor A/B Testing
- Find Domain Names
- Mockups and Wireframes with MockFlow
- TinEye Image Search
- BrowserCam
- Google Analytics
- Google AdWords
- Lorem Ipsum with Lipsum.com
- The WayBack Machine
- Email Marketing with Campaign Monitor
- Email Marketing with Emma
Inspiration
A collection of websites and galleries to provide you with inspiration for your graphic design projects.
- Illustration Gallery
- IBM Print Ad Campaign
- Design by Veerle Pieters
- Photography as Inspiration
- Interior Design Blogs
- Featured Websites
- Museum Directory
- Share Your Design Firm Logo
- Web 2.0 Design
- Flash Portfolios
- Graphic Designers Directory
- Successful Website Layouts
Design Books and Magazines
Graphic design books and magazines can keep you up-to-date on the latest industry news and trends while providing a great source of design inspiration.
Find Fonts, Stock Photos and Online Printers
Websites to find fonts for download, stock photos, illustration and video, and online printing.
Interviews and Profiles
Advice from top design industry pros and profiles of prolific graphic designers.
Professional Organizations
Graphic design organizations that provide training, discounts, networking and more.
Career
Learn about the different career paths you can take as a graphic designer, where to take courses and websites that have job listings.
- Career Paths: Illustration
- Career Paths: Book Design
- Career Paths: Web Design
- Career Paths: Advertising
Recommended Websites
Design websites that can help you find work, get inspired, connect with other designers and keep up with design news.
Hardware
Equipment for graphic designers, including choosing what computer to buy.