Software

12 Weapons Every Designer Should Have in Their Arsenal for 2012

02 January 2012 Last Updated on 02 January 2012 JP Jones

Every designer has their pet products, favorite applications and go-to software that they rely on everyday. While everyone's specific needs will vary, I thought I'd start off 2012 by sharing those pieces in my toolbox that I wouldn't want to have to work without. Who knows, maybe you'll find something here you'd like to try yourself! (Note: If you thought I was going to talk about our basic design software, think again. This post explores the 'optional' tools designers make use of!)

1. Notify
With over 15 active email addresses that must be monitored daily, Notify is perhaps my most used software. If you're not familiar with the application, it's an email notification system that can support an unlimited number of email accounts (with the paid version). You can even use the application (located in your status bar at all times) to reply to or compose new emails. Literally streamlining the email process by leaps and bounds.
Check it out yourself here.

2. Calibre
For any one wanting to make quick work of ebook conversions from ePub editions, take a moment to download Calibre. Calibre allows you to take an ePub file and convert it into over a dozen various file formats--perfect for distributing your book to multiple book reader platforms, i.e. Amazon's Kindle (.mobi) and Barnes & Noble's Nook (.pub).
Check it out yourself here.

3. Adobe Digital Editions
Adobe Digtial Editions is the eBook designer's answer to proofing and double checking ebook conversions without having to drop the book onto an actual eReader to test it out yourself. Adobe Digital Editions is a free download that allows you to view eBooks directly from your computer.
Check it out yourself here.

4. Barcode Producer
There are dozens of barcode softwares available and earlier last year I had to take the plunge and settle on one to purchase myself. After much deliberation, price checking and comparison shopping I settled on Barcode Producer. This producer will create everything from QR codes to serious barcodes in a snap. The feature that really sold me was the ability to immediately send the barcode directly to the Adobe product of my choice (Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign) saving tons of time on the workflow!
Check it out yourself here.

5. Crashplan
After being a Mozy user for several years, they lost me during an insane price hike. While looking for more affordable options, I stumbled across Crashplan and LOVE IT. Not only is it constantly backing up, but I have had much fewer connection interruptions than I did with Mozy previously.
Check it out yourself here.

6. Join Me
With traveling and working in seemingly remote locations, I realized that a reliable screen sharing software was a must. Join Me has proven to be incredible. From doing remote client training sessions, to simply helping someone over the phone with their problems the ability to quickly allow someone to view my screen has been a must have.
Check it out yourself here.

7. Back Pack It
From 37 Signals, BackPackIt is an incredible resource for small business. From To-Do lists to Calendars and collaboration tools, BackPackIt provides all the tools you need to manage yourself and your employees. You are also given the ability to sync it to your phones and there are special apps in place to make sure you are making the most of the software on the go.
Check it out yourself here.

8. Dropbox
More than just sharing files between computers, drop box proves invaluable when you need to quickly send a large file to a client or colleague. Public folders are a great way to upload a file quickly and then send out a download link to the desired recipient. I have found myself using this feature alone almost daily.
Check it out for yourself here.

9. Dragon Dictate
If you find yourself spending all your time on the computer then you might have also noticed some of the wear and tear that goes with it. Personally I went through some time having severe wrist pain prompting me to purchase the dictation software. I have found tons of other uses for it as a result. When it comes to jotting down quick thoughts and writing articles quickly.
Check it out for yourself here.

10. Handbrake
There will always be a time when you find yourself needing to rip a DVD file for a friend or client for use online. When that occurs Handbrake is the go-to software. Handbrake takes the complications out of DVD ripping and makes it easy for you to create web ready files from DVD.
Check this out for yourself here.

11. Jing
From screen capture videos to short screenshots or screencasts Jing is a great resource for sharing ideas, information or simply collaborating. If you are looking for a solution that allows you to create a screencast look no farther: Jing is all that and more. Pro and free versions available.
Check it out for yourself here.

12. Freshbooks
What would a designer be without a great invoicing system? Be sure to make Freshbooks part of your repertoire! Freshbooks is a web based invoicing system that allows you to create accounts for each of your clients and track their payments and recurring invoices with ease. Fully customizable with your branding and colors, Freshbooks takes your invoicing to a new level!
Check it out for yourself here.

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QR Codes for Designers

03 June 2011 Last Updated on 06 June 2011 JP Jones

Collipsis QR The design community is seeing more and more of a transformation in the convergence of print and online mediums. One of the most recent emerging trends is the addition of printed barcodes that are encoded specifically to direct users to a web site.

QR Codes, or Quick Response codes are created so that viewers with the appropriate scanner can quickly scan the code and travel to a new destination. Think of it as a treasure hunt for adults. What is required to 'scan' this unique barcode? Just two things:

1. A smart phone with internet connectivity. (Think iPhone, Droid etc. . . .)

2. A QR reader app. (Most smartphones come with a QR reader pre-installed)

QR Code Generators:

For designers there is any number of ways to easily generate a base QR code. The best news is, it doesnt require special software to do so. There are tons of URL shorteners and online web converters that will specifically generate these codes for you for free!

If you do happen to already have Barcode software, many of these have free upgrades to enable you to create your own QR codes directly from your machine. I personally use Barcode Producer for Mac and it allows me to create my own codes and then easily send them to my other programs.

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InDesign: Impossible or Imperative?

27 October 2010 Last Updated on 23 September 2011 JP Jones

Many young designers are totally overwhelmed when they find themselves thrown into a project with InDesign. Even designers that are very competent and advanced in Photoshop skill tremble in fear when faced with a basic catalog layout or brochure project where InDesign is the software needed to perform the task.

Recently, one such designer approached me with such a project. In InDesign as with any of the Adobe software, there is a right and wrong way to do things. Learning the “Ins” and “Outs” of the software is essential to advancing your skill level and rate of efficiency with any project.

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Project Organization for Designers

06 March 2010 Last Updated on 03 October 2011 JP Jones

If there is one thing I've learned as a designer for nearly 10 years it's to SAVE everything. a lot of work has been eliminated through the years because I have been able to go back and quickly put my hands on a certain file, font or stock photo that was previously used for a project. Unfortunately, you probably already know that SAVING EVERYTHING can take a lot of time and space. This week a fellow designer and colleague asked about my file practices. I realized this is an area where we can certainly all learn from each other as we share our methods and increase our efficiency.

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Take the Plunge!

01 November 2008 Last Updated on 19 May 2011 JP Jones

I've been a bit under the weather the past couple of days so I'm gonna take this opportunity to do a little "sponsoring" and offer a shout out to Adobe. If you still haven't made up your mind whether or not you need to take the plunge and upgrade to CS4, you might as well bite the bullet and go for it!

At the ministry where I spend my days we JUST upgraded to CS3 about 6 months ago, but I plan to have my girls go ahead with the smaller version jump to CS4 as soon as possible. We have to face it, Adobe OWNS desktop publishing. As designers, if we want to stay "in-the-know" we are going to have to stay as up-to-date as possible!

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Software on the Rise

27 September 2008 Last Updated on 19 May 2011 JP Jones

Adobe's done it again. Introducing a new suite of software that will be available in late October, the company has raised the bar for graphic design, web development and production creatives.

Is it all hype?

Collecting resources and opinions from a variety of designers and production professionals, the overall opinion seems to be positive. As designers we may dig our heels in for a while hoping to avoid the $600 upgrade fee, but in the end we know that we will have to adjust and move with the times or we will be limiting ourselves and our work flow with others.

The new edition of Photoshop is not without some new and promising features. Just to barely scan the surface, here are few to get you started:

New configuration settings for the Burn and Dodge tool make more realistic looking changes, in contrast to the previously washed-out or over-exposed results that were so common with novices using the tool in the past.
New "adjustments" dialog to quickly access effects and enhancements that were previously housed in various menus.
New "real edge" features which take into account things like fur and hair
For photographers there is a new depth-of-field feature that assists with short focus issues.

For the suite as a whole, Adobe is proud of their new level of cross-compatibility with more media, web and mobile integration. Interestingly enough, thats a subject I had trouble finding "actual" specifications on.

One thing I do know, as a designer I will be forced to take the plunge and buy the upgrade once it's released. And truth be told, I'm pretty excited about it regardless of the price!

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Illustrator Resources

07 September 2008 Last Updated on 19 May 2011 JP Jones

If you were to ask me which of the Adobe products was the hardest to learn, I'd have to answer Illlustrator. If you asked me which of the Adobe products I've had the most fun with, I'd have to say Illustrator!

That may be in part to the freedom that Illustrator gives you to be a "real" artist. I can sit down with my Wacom Tablet and just draw naturally. I love it.

Creating stunning illustrations, though time consuming is tons of fun. My favorite trick? I love to use illustrator for text that I want to blow up. I create my text box, choose type>create outlines and now I have a vector version of my text that can be blown out of proportion or used in tandem with other programs to create awesome posters and really fun effects.

When I was first learning Illustrator I came across a remarkable book by Scott Kelby, Illustrator Killer Tips. He's actually recently put this book on sale. It's a remarkable resource. Start having fun!

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