What specific items (equipment, software, etc.) will I need to start a graphic design business?

Question

I know of a few general items like computer and scanner but what I'm really looking for are specifics such as:

* Recommended hardware brands and models,
* Details for computer (processor speed, RAM, etc.)
* Details for scanner (pixels x pixels)
* Will I need something like a PDA
* Recommended software
* Any thing I missed above

Answer 1

Graphic Design is a very wide major, it depends what you're good at , but you'll defiantly need:

Hardware: http://www.apple.com
Apple Macintosh is strongly recommended, because it's specially designed for Graphic Designers and it's PERFECT..
High resolution Scanner
High resolution Printer
PDA is not really important unless you want to be organized i can't live without it really, and i use it to show my customers some samples of logos, visit cards, and stuff.

Processor speed: G5 is the best specially for these days.
RAMs minimum you need 2GB
Screen at least 19 (depends on your products) if for TV production use 23

Softwares:
You MUST have adobe Photoshop.. you will need this software for anything.

For Logos, posters, envelopes, letterhead, personal cards..etc. you'll need:
-Adobe photoshop
-Adobe illustrator

For Web Design:
- Micromedia Flash (for Animated sites)
- Dream Weaver (for HTML sites)

For Visual Effects:
- After Effects (it's the best)

For Editing: (you can choose one of those):
- Avid
- Edius
- Final Cut Pro (recommended)

For 3D architecture:
- 3Ds Max

For TV 3D Characters Creation:
- Maya
- Soft Image XSI

For 2D Cartoons:
- Soft Image ToonBoom

If you need more Help, Please do not hesitate to Mail me..
I would be glad to help..

Answer 2

Hi again Amy! I've got some more info for you :)

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* The Creative Business Guide to Running a Graphic Design Business by Cameron S. Foote
* The Business Side of Creativity: The Complete Guide for Running a Graphic Design or Communications Business by Cameron S. Foote
* Inside the Business of Graphic Design: 60 Leaders Share Their Secrets of Success by Catharine M. Fishel

Check the source box for an article link.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

You need a customer before you need anything else... and yes I'm serious - I have personally made the mistake of chewing up precious capital on stuff that I didn't need but I sure wanted.. and ending up playing w/ my new toys instead of getting business. That was a painful lesson! Don't repeat my mistakes...

Why not blow off all that stuff, and just get a customer first, once you have an order / contract, beg/borrow/rent the stuff you need. Go to Kinko's or Alphagraphics or find another starving artist and pay in beer.

Good luck,
Scott

Answer 4

basically, like any art form, it is extremely difficult to maintain a regular salary, simply because most artists are freelance, especially, like you, who wants to start up a business. Firstly, starting up a business costs a lot, requires lots and lots (and lots) of planning. Secondly, a lot of people get inspiration at the blink of an eye, or at a flash of a light, however, this inspiration can leave you as quick as it comes to you. Working in the world of art requires sustained motivation. For years and years. Which can be extremely difficult. Keep that in mind. Onto the art bit. Many artists are never successful because they are in a world of their own. living in their own optimism, disillusioned, and unaware of everyone else out there. Im not saying you are ignorant or arrogant, or both, but you need a great open mind, and you have to know that if you like the work you produce, this does not necessarily mean other people will. Next is the business side. Any business is hard to run and keep going. Art businesses are very unstable. You have no idea where the market is going, and what with modernist art today, you need to be able to adapt quickly, efficiently, and intuitively. YOu need to be on the ball. Any art form, as said before, is highly unstable because you dont know when you are going to get your next payment or job. Also, this area is highly competetive, and companies will pay millions and billions for marketing and advertising, yet they dont give this money away, you need to compete with everyone else. Attracting customers: horrendously difficult. Which brings me onto another point. Setting up a business requires skills in management, economics, accountancy, marketing, psychology, and probably a few others. Too many people just dive into starting up a business, and in the end a lot of them end up wasting lots of their time, they lose their jobs, and they find that they are hugely in debt. Back to attracting customers: consumers are subject to thousands of ads EVERY DAY. THOUSANDS. thats a lot isnt it? so youre going to have to do something pretty special in order to make ads effective. Both in terms of attracting business to your company, and also when you do jobs for companies when they need you to make an ad for them. customers are hard people. you want their money, and they want a decent product. They arent very willing to part with their cash unless its something they reallyyy like. Aside from all of that, i hope i havnt scared you. i had a similar idea to you (not as serious as yours though), and i had the option of going into graphics design (im only a year or 2 older than you anyway), but you have to be realistic about it. you need to really want it to make it work. There are so many factors involved, and i would only go into this business if you really have NOTHING ELSE TO DO or nowhere to go. I would rather go to uni, do whatever course you like, be it ART or english or whatever, have an amazing time, get a degreee, thennnn you can go back to graphics design. You will probably have been able to improve your skills while youre at uni as well. So thats just some advice for you. consider your options, and also the consequences, before you do anything. i reallyyyyy need to get back to my english lit essay now lol.

Answer 5

I would advice you to attend some short term course in graphic designing before attempting to start your business. You will be taught about the software requirement.

Answer 6

Maybe Adobe Photoshop.

Answer 7

ill just cover software. if your going to do something simple like sign graphics or quick layouts, i actually recommend Corel Draw. however if you are going to indepth graphic and photo stuff you are going to need Adobe Illustrator CS2. If you are just doing web stuff i know a few places that are just using macromedia fireworks.

Answer 8

Top 3D Animation Program : http://3dAnimationCartoons.com/?hgPJ

Answer 9

you'll need a printer and a camera