Essential Tools & Resources
When you’re starting and running your own creative business it can be totally overwhelming when you realise how many tools and resources are available, then trying to figure out which ones will work for you! I still have a bunch of apps and sites that I’ve seen recommended by other graphic designers in Facebook groups ect, all bookmarked or written down somewhere…and a few that I might change over too when I have more $$$ to spend! But for now, here are the ones that I use EVERY single day. And of-course - some of them are free you guys - Yay!
Notion
Literally could not live without this one. Notion is a project management tool. I’ve recently started using Notion to plan and organise my day and also for my client onboarding process. You can link up your google calendar, make inspo areas, set up goals, list, add a page for all your code (for the designers) and SO much more. Notion is $5 a month! Absolute bargain if you ask me.
Adobe XD
Yep, obviously I use the Adobe Suite every single day. I’ve had a membership for about 100 years now I’d say. BUT there’s a new kid on the block and she’s free! Have you heard about Adobe XD yet? She’s free! And WAY easier than using Canva if you ask me! I always recommend using Adobe XD to my clients and my templates are all made with Adobe XD. Definitely check this one out!
This is an obvious one, and I’m sure everyone uses this already, but I just had to mention it! I have a Pinterest tab open on my computer at all times! Pinterest is great for finding inspo for literally anything! Colour combos, font combos, website layout ideas, email newsletter ideas, sale graphics, nail art design, vegan recipes, cute outfits for winter 2020, hair trends for blondes…you get it! I use it
ALL. THE.TIME. It’s also a great place to keep all your ideas in one place! When I re-designed my website I had a board of screen shots of all the things I wanted to include in my website. I also LOVE when a client sends over a Pinterest board for website design inspo, and actually ask them to do this for me if they can! It’s just the best. Love you Pinny!
Preview
I’ve tried a few different Instagram planning apps, and am currently loving Preview. Preview is an app that plans, designs and manages your Instagram. My Instagram game is pretty poor tbh, but I mainly use it to make sure things look nice next to each other before posting. I also switch on the reminders to post when it’s a week where I’ve been a good girl and made a few pieces of content in one day ready for the week (rare) It also has a hashtag finding feature and you can save a bunch too. I also really like tapping the little eye “turn off” button that hides a post incase you wanna see what your feed would look like with out it. I currently just use the free version because I don’t have the need for the fancy one yet and it’s doing the job just fine!
Dubsado
You’ve heard of this one I’m sure! Dubsado is one of the greatest tool I’ve ever invested in for my business!
I mainly use this app for invoicing. As my packages are in payment plans, I easily set up one invoice with 4 payment due dates and reminders - and that’s it! I never have to send awkward reminders to clients myself again, or wonder when my next payment is coming in. All clients have to do is hit PAY! No copying acc numbers or BSBs and messing around. If you’ve thought about giving Dubsado a go, now is your chance to get a cheeky discount with my code LUCYC.
Moyo Studio
Moyo Studio is my go-to for beautiful mock-ups to display my websites on my website and social.
“Made with graphic designers and creatives in mind, their minimalist scene creators allow infinite possibilities for customisation, so you can showcase your work uniquely and beautifully.”
Use my affiliate link to take a look at the beautiful mock-ups here!
Coolors
Coolors is an online colour combo generator. I used to use this cute, little, Japanese book of colours to get my combos, which I still do BUT this one is great if I want the codes quickly. You can make your own combos or go straight into the “Trending Color Palettes” section and see if anything tickles your fancy in there! You can also put in an inspo pic, and it pulls the colours and their corresponding HEX codes directly from it - COOL! Also - Totally free!
Zoom
I’m sure everyone has heard of Zoom, with so many people working from home at the moment, but I just wanted to mention it anyway! Zoom is awesome for hosting free consultation calls with future and current clients! I use the free version, as it’s usually just me and 1 other person for 30mins or so. I was SO scared of using Zoom for my first consult call, but it was totally fine and not scary! I feel like you get to know your client so much better talking to them face to face as well! You can also screen share which is GREAT! Especially if you’re showing a client how to do something eg- when you hand over a Squarespace website and you need to show them how to run it! Another great feature is the “Touch Up My Appearance” option haha! Seriously! My office lighting is pretty bad sometimes, plus I’m not the type to go put a full face on for 30 minutes…