Graphic Design Software and Tools To Get You Started

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Useful tools and software for computer graphics design

I've created this lens to help aspiring Computer Graphics Designers and/or Amateur Artists find some essential graphics software that will assist you with taking the images and ideas you have already created, either in print or in your mind, into the digital world where you can unleash their full potential.

This lens is not just for individuals looking to get into the professional world of Graphic Design, but also for those who wish to take their "creative ideas" to the next level.

I have been creating artwork designs the "tradtional way" ever since I can remember, but being relatively new to Computer Graphics myself, I know it can be difficult knowing where to start when it comes to the myriad of software programs out on the market relating to Graphic Design. Hopefully, this lens will give you an idea of what you need.

Utilizing your computer, along with these Graphic Design programs, will give you the ability to not only create something from scratch but also enhance an idea or project that may have it's roots in the traditional art media forms. You will be amazed at the unlimited possibilities these programs will give you!

By no means do I claim to be an "expert", this page is to help you find software and and other tools to help get you started. I was there not so long ago and without the guidance of "teachers", I know it can be confusing enough to make you want to scream!

So, enough "talking"... below you will find some reference books, software and hardware related to, but not exclusive to Computer Graphics Design.

Graphics Program Reference Books Available at Amazon

Let's start with the basics... reading! Sounds fun, doesn't it? Well, without these books using your new software and other tools will be much more difficult. Let's face it, no program comes with thorough instruction manuals anymore and using the "Help" feature most programs have now take you away from your project so you can't put the suggestions into action while you're reading. So, here's a few books that I recommend to help you out...

Photoshop Elements 5: The Missing Manual

by: Barbara Brundage

Most digital cameras, scanners and printers come with this basic program. This book will help you get the most out of it without having to rely on fumbling your way through and discovering things by accident.

Amazon Price: $26.39 (as of 07/14/2009)

Photoshop CS2 for Windows & Macintosh (Visual QuickStart Guide)

by: Elaine Weinmann, Peter Lourekas

The "Visual Quickstart" series of books is, in my opinion, the best way to reference the features of these programs. Each book covers both Windows and Macintosh programs. Highly recommended for beginners and those who have the need to "brush up" on specific actions to get the results you're looking for.

Amazon Price: $21.11 (as of 07/14/2009)

Illustrator CS2 for Windows & Macintosh (Visual QuickStart Guide)

by: Elaine Weinmann, Peter Lourekas

Amazon Price: $26.99 (as of 07/14/2009)

QuarkXPress 7 for Windows & Macintosh (Visual QuickStart Guide)

by: Elaine Weinmann, Peter Lourekas

Amazon Price: $19.79 (as of 07/14/2009)

CS3 Graphics Program Reference Books Available at Amazon

New CS3 versions of the Visual QuickStart Guides

InDesign CS3 for Macintosh and Windows (Visual QuickStart Guide)

by: Sandee Cohen

Amazon Price: $19.79 (as of 07/14/2009)

Photoshop CS3 for Windows and Macintosh (Visual QuickStart Guide)

by: Elaine Weinmann, Peter Lourekas

Amazon Price: $23.09 (as of 07/14/2009)

Illustrator CS3 for Windows and Macintosh (Visual QuickStart Guide)

by: Elaine Weinmann, Peter Lourekas

Amazon Price: $19.79 (as of 07/14/2009)

Flash CS3 Professional for Windows and Macintosh (Visual QuickStart Guide)

by: Katherine Ulrich

Amazon Price: $23.09 (as of 07/14/2009)

Dreamweaver CS3 for Windows and Macintosh (Visual QuickStart Guide)

by: Tom Negrino, Dori Smith

Amazon Price: $23.09 (as of 07/14/2009)

Some Apple Macintosh Compatible Graphic Design Software

Mac Compatible Graphic Design Software to Get You Started

Below you will find a list of some Adobe Graphic Design software that will help get you started. These programs listed below are Mac compatible.
I have listed some of the CS2 individual programs which are still available, but because there is a new version out now called CS3 (which I have listed) it's getting more difficult to find the CS2 versions. If you don't have a current operating system you may not have the requirements to run the CS3 version at this time. Get the CS2 version, if your computer runs the older operating system, before it's too late!

This is only a partial list of Mac-compatible graphic software available. There are many other fantastic graphics programs available!

Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 (Mac) [OLD VERSION]

Adobe Illustrator CS2 (Mac)

Adobe Photoshop CS2 (Mac) [OLD VERSION]

Adobe InDesign CS2 (Mac) [Old Version]

Adobe Creative Suite CS3 Design Premium [Mac] [OLD VERSION]

Other Macintosh Compatible Graphic Design Software

Check out these other Graphic Design software programs

Again, this is only a partial list of graphics programs available for Mac... please visit the "Graphics Software Makers Links" module below to see all the available options from some of the leading manufacturers of today's best graphics programs.

Be sure to download the many trial versions (both Mac and PC) that are available from the manufacturer's websites listed in the module below!

CorelDraw 9.0 Graphics Suite

Macware MacFonts

Macware MacFonts2

Corel Painter IX.5 [OLD VERSION]

QuarkXpress 7 (Windows & Macintosh)

Graphics Software Maker Links

Visit the websites of the major players in graphics software

Adobe Software: Stop by to get a more in-depth look at the software choices from the #1 computer graphics software manufacturer. Browse the entire list of programs available for purchase.
Adobe Trial Software: Check out and download trial versions of many of the Adobe products here.
Corel Software: Check out the software choices from another major player in the computer graphics world.
Quark Software: Stop by to get more in-depth information on one of the most used desktop publishing software programs.
Academic Superstore: If you are a student, the parent of a student or are affiliated with an educational institution, you can get your software and other tools at a greatly reduced price! Once proof is submitted, you can save hundreds of dollars off retail prices on everything you need at this site. Great customer service. Check them out!

PC / Windows Graphic Design software

PC / Windows Graphic Design Software To Get you Started

Here are some PC / Windows compatible Graphic Design software programs that you should check out to get you started. Including the CS3 software "bundle".

Adobe Creative Suite CS3 Design Standard [OLD VERSION]

3000 Fonts

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X3 [OLD VERSION]

Corel Painter X [OLD VERSION]

Poser 7 3D Figure Design and Animation

Photoshop Tutorials: YouTube vids

Take a look at some of these Photoshop tutorials from YouTube (you never know, you may learn something new):

Make Popart Photos Using Adobe Photoshop

Runtime: 6:53
940598 views
10 Comments:

Bling Bling Text Effect Using Adobe Photoshop

Runtime: 5:11
30216 views
10 Comments:

How to Edit a Photo with Photoshop : Using the Tools in Photoshop

Runtime: 2:50
18972 views
10 Comments:

Coloring my artwork using Adobe Photoshop CS2

Runtime: 4:11
15805 views
10 Comments:

Adobe Photoshop tutorial - layers and blending options

Runtime: 9:49
39092 views
10 Comments:

Adobe Photoshop Elements Free Tutorial 1

Runtime: 3:59
20879 views
0 Comments:

Graphic Design Tools To Make Designing Easier

These Useful Tools Are PC / Mac Compatible

Below is a sampling of some design tools you might want to consider purchasing to make your designing easier and more comfortable. Especially since you'll probably be spending hours at your computer creating your masterpieces!

Logitech NuLOOQ Navigator (965162-0403)

Kensington Orbit Optical Trackball Mouse 64327

Wacom Intuos3 6 x 8-Inch Pen Tablet

Some of my Favorite Websites

crockpot productions: Stop by and see our online gallery of artwork!
Our concept is very simple.
Crockpot Productions is the combined output of two creative minds: Lorie and Mike. Secret ingredients include spices from foreign lands; minerals from deep within the earth; herbs that tingle the soul. The final product is bound to leave you wanting more!
Nemos Printfection Store: My new Printfection.com Store... Nemos Funny and Sarcastic T-Shirts 'n Stuff. Drop on by to find funny, sarcastic T-Shirts and other cool stuff!
MX2 Graphics: MX2 Graphics.com Welcome to the future site of MX2 Graphics...Custom Logo Creation and Graphic Designs to meet your needs! Email me for more information: info@mx2graphics.com
Nemos Card Store: www.GreetingCardUniverse.com (gcuniverse) is a site for freelance artists, allowing them to sell paper greeting cards. For free, artists create a storefront, upload their greeting card designs and earn royalties. gcuniverse markets the cards to online shoppers through important date email reminders

Much more than space permits...

I could go on and on about all the things that you should purchase to get started in Computer Graphic Design, but you'd never make it to the end of the page. Of course there are Scanners and Digital Cameras and much more software than what I have listed here, but I hope that you get the general idea of where to start.

Of all the information and ideas that I've given you throughout this page, some advice that I'd like you to take with you is, take some classes corresponding to what you're interested in doing.

Most community colleges have courses related to these very programs that I have listed above which will greatly improve your skills and help you find "shortcuts" that will increase your productivity. Besides that, it's a great way to meet other "artists" and learn some of their techniques!

... and practice, practice, practice!

Below I have some examples of my original designs featured on mousepads at Zazzle.com (most of my designs are also available on other products such as keychains, magnets, coffee mugs, etc.). Please check them out and visit my Zazzle Gallery to see more of my items when you get some time!

My Zazzle Designs

Some examples of artwork that I currently for sale have at Zazzle.com

After you've checked out some of the things I have listed on this lens, come by my Zazzle Gallery: Nemos Zazzle Gallery and check out some of the products featuring my original artwork that I have for sale.
From Mousepads, Coffee Mugs, and Buttons(pins) to a complete line of Funny and Sarcastic T-shirts! There's plenty of product designs for almost anyone.

Listed below are just a few examples of products available featuring artwork of mine that were created using some of the software programs listed above:

Below I have a list of some other great designers that have products for sale at Zazzle.com. Please check out their Galleries when you get some time!

Do you have a P.O.D. store?

Do you have many P.O.D. stores?

If so, you need to join my
Google group:

Print on Demand United

Add your P.O.D. store links to increase your "exposure"!

Other Zazzle Artists Galleries

Be sure to check out these other creative designers!

If you've got a Zazzle page and want others to see it, go ahead and add it here (I have this list set-up for me to approve submissions, but I keep up with all my emails so it should show up within an hour or two of submission):

Graphic Design Software and Tools To Get You Started

Useful tools and software for computer graphics design

Graphics Program Reference Books Available at Amazon

CS3 Graphics Program Reference Books Available at Amazon

New CS3 versions of the Visual QuickStart Guides

Some Apple Macintosh Compatible Graphic Design Software

Mac Compatible Graphic Design Software to Get You Started

Other Macintosh Compatible Graphic Design Software

Check out these other Graphic Design software programs

Graphics Software Maker Links

Visit the websites of the major players in graphics software

PC / Windows Graphic Design software

PC / Windows Graphic Design Software To Get you Started

Photoshop Tutorials: YouTube vids

Graphic Design Tools To Make Designing Easier

These Useful Tools Are PC / Mac Compatible

Some of my Favorite Websites

Much more than space permits...

My Zazzle Designs

Some examples of artwork that I currently for sale have at Zazzle.com

Do you have a P.O.D. store?

Other Zazzle Artists Galleries

Be sure to check out these other creative designers!

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