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My Essentials as a Graphic Designer
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Morgan Watkins profile picture
Morgan Watkins
As a graphic designer, these are my absolute essentials. If I didn't have these, I couldn't finish a project
Sections
4
 
Sketching/Brainstorming
 
Software/Wesbites
 
Books
 
Computer Setup

Sketching/Brainstorming

everything you need for sketching and brainstorming process

 
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if you need charcoal, you need a set w a kneaded eraser
Brusarth Charcoal Pencils 18 Pcs Art Kit
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i have so many sketchbook sizes, but this is the essential
Artist’s Sketchbook Hardcover, 200GSM, 8.25x11.4, 80 Pages
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great if you don't want to buy an ipad
Wacom Intuos Medium Bluetooth Drawing Tablet
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you don't need a super fancy one, just one that holds adobe apps :)
Apple iPad 11-inch A16, 128GB, Yellow
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have one & absolutely love it! size is nice & big for workspace
HSK B4/A3s Artist Tracing Light Box USB
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oil pastels are great for mixed media sketches
Oil Pastel Set, 50 Colors, Non Toxic, Washable
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so the side of your hand doesn't write
XPPen Artist 2-Finger Drawing Glove M Black
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absolute must-have
Mr. Pen 15-Piece Geometry Set with Protractor
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use these all the time for refining sketches
SAKURA Pigma Micron Fineliner Pens - 6 Count
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Software/Wesbites

the software that I use and recommend

 
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illustrator, photoshop, indesign, fresco, after effects, get the whole package
Adobe Creative Cloud | Professional Creative Software
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amazing trainings and certifications for all courses, great for resumes
LinkedIn Learning: Online Training Courses & Skill Building
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great for UI/UX & website design
Figma
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easy way to build a portfolio & a community at the same time
Behance
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Books

I always recommend having some physical books, so here is some good ones!

 
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great for branding inspo or insight
Logos that Last: Create Iconic Branding
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great for referencing during projects
The Designer's Dictionary of Color
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theres also a great training on linkedinlearning for grids
Grid Systems in Graphic Design: Visual Manual
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self-explanatory, you should know this stuff!
The History of Graphic Design. Vol. 2, 1960–Today
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new design concepts for brainstorming and case studies to go with them
Graphic Design Thinking: Beyond Brainstorming
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highly recommend at least one book on typography
Thinking with Type: Critical Guide (3rd Ed)
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pricing and ethical guidelines book, another self-explanatory necessity
Graphic Artists Guild Handbook, 16th Ed
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another great book for branding
Logo Modernism
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Computer Setup

my computer set up

 
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large display, slim feel and not burning a hole in my pocket
HP 15.6" Laptop Ryzen 3 8GB 256GB SSD
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need a good mouse that feels good
acer Wireless Ergonomic Mouse BT5.2+2.4GHz
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you will need eventually
maxsun AMD Radeon RX 550 4GB GDDR5 GPU
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a second monitor makes my life so much easier
15.6inch Portable 1080P USB-C HDMI Monitor
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