Editing is an important part of a designer’s daily work. Whether it’s removing text or photos, graphic designers go through the editing process multiple times a day. Thankfully there are numerous applications and software for them to do just that. You can even download applications to your smartphone to edit on the go. Here are the top apps for Android users.

1. Photo Grid

Combine single pictures together and make them into beautiful collages with PhotoGrid. It is an extremely useful and resourceful smartphone app and is very easy to use.

2. Gallery +

At a glance, it’s just another photo and video album manager. However, those who have used it would attest that it’s quite versatile and functions smoothly. Gallery+ provides a 3D image viewing experience. It allows you to manage your photos and videos without any hassle.

3. Fontroid

As you may have guessed, it’s an app for fonts. Designers can create new handwriting fonts and upload them to be used by others. It’s a very handy app!

4. JustPictures!

If you are looking for photos and images on multiple pages such as Picasa, Flicker and Facebook, take a look at JustPictures! You can use this app to browse all of those platforms from one interface.

5. NASA Images Archive

I’m sure almost every graphic designer is fascinated by outer space. If you are a big NASA fan, like me, get this app right away. You’ll see firsthand images of space. The current archives hold over 60,000 images of outer space. Each picture also includes a brief description.

6. Image Resizer

Maybe I’m just picky but I can never seem to find a good image resize app for my Smartphone. That’s no longer the case. Image Resizer is a smooth functioning app that not only lets you change the size of images, but you can change the size of basic directory files.

7. Glow Paint

Neon lights have come to smartphones. By a touch of your finger, you can create images made of neon lights with Glow Paint. There are a number of predesigned templates and background to choose from which you can edit and customize as you see fit.

8. BeFunky Photo Editor

This is for sure one of the most popular editing apps on the web today. You can edit pictures, add multiple frames and also include almost two dozen special effects to them. This will for sure make your images stand out.

9. Camera Effects

I find myself using this app a lot, especially when I have nothing to do. Designers can use this app to turn normal photographs into masterpieces. Camera Effects allows you to share your work online with others on Facebook and other social platforms.

10. Color Pop

This app is great for those who want to experiment with colors. It allows you to pull the original colors in selected areas of your black and white image. Other features includes zoom, saturation, image resizing, color correction and preview.

As you can see there is no shortage of options when it comes to photo editing apps for your Android smartphone. If you have an iPhone, you’re not left out. Apple has its own set of picture editing apps for you. What I like about the whole concept of these apps is that designers no longer have to be chained to working from a computer. Whether you’re on the train heading downtown or sitting in a coffee shop, you can use your smartphone to stay connected with design. As apps get better and better, we’ll continue to see more breathtaking applications being utilized right in the palm of our hands.

It is so important for designers to have an online portfolio in today’s marketing. When seeking for new jobs, it’s an easy way to prove to potential clients why they should hire you over other candidates.

Why Do I Need An Online Portfolio?

1.  Establishes an Online Presence – Being internet savvy is something that companies look for in a graphic designer. Having an online portfolio conveys that message loud and clear. In fact, the more prominent a designer is in online social circles, the better off he’ll be a finding opportunities.

2.  Better Than a Resume – An online portfolio is ten times better than a physical portfolio. You can use these when applying for jobs and potential employers can see your work immediately. This portfolio demonstrates your abilities and speaks of your talents.

3.  Show Off Your Talent – Designers love to show off their work and a resume does not provide that opportunity. On the other hand, an online portfolio instantly shows off their work. If you want to establish yourself in this industry, let your designs do the talking via your online portfolio.

4.  You’re Accessible – You’ll be surprised how many more design opportunities come your way once your online portfolio is live. Having your portfolio on the Internet makes it accessible to people around the world, instantly. This even opens another opportunity to work with international companies. Potential clients from other countries are now able to access your portfolio and maybe even hire you!

5.  Saves Employers Time – Employers around the world have embraced the idea of online portfolios. Take a look at it from their perspective. Employers have to search through hundreds of resumes, choose the best ones, schedule and conduct interviews. Generally they have to go through a lot of candidates before getting to see their portfolio and may realize they are or aren’t as skilled as their resume says. This is very time consuming. Having an online portfolio saves employers time and they can see design work instantly, enabling them to find the right fit for their company sooner.

Where to Create Your Online Portfolio

So we’ve outlined the benefits of the online portfolio, let’s go over putting it all together. Here are a few great platforms graphic designers can use to create an online portfolio.

So there you have it! While these aren’t the only great sites to create an online portfolio, they are best of the best.

Did we miss your favorite online portfolio website?  Please, let us know!

Graphic designers are possibly the coolest and weirdest people on Earth … in a good way!  Today we give you normal people twenty five hints on how to recognize a graphic designer.

Those with these characteristics may just be a graphic designer:

1. Stares at every logo design he/she comes across for longer than 5 seconds.

2. Gets overly enthusiastic when talking about colors, shapes, fonts and design.

3. Will take a long time with a restaurant menu to admire colors or to even criticize the design, fonts or image placement.

4. Owns a tablet, an iPhone, a net book and a desktop PC, all with the same design app/software installed and possibly synced onto one network.

5. Critically views all TV commercials and magazine advertisements.

6. Gives a brutally honest opinion about your design sense.

7. Would spend all their money on expensive Apple products, if they can, and dream about hi-tech gadgets.

8. Finds inspiration in everything. From the pattern on a dress to the cover of the book, they will find inspiration everywhere!

9. Because of many sleepless nights, as they work 24/7, they may be seen with sleepy look with dark circles under their eyes.

10. Loves watching animated movies and can watch them ten times in a row without boredom.

11. Will even be found experimenting with food collaborations, no matter what’s in the fridge!

12. Is hardly ever away from their comfort corner, aka his work space.

13. Will stop mid-sentence just to say “OMG! Look at that cool design!”

14. Is likely to buy and collect weird stuff only because they love the packaging.

15. May have a cluttered room filled with magazines, posters, brochures and even comic books.

16. Loves scribbling their name in a hundred of different font styles.

17. Uses terms like CMYK, RGB, Pantone and others in normal conversation without realizing that you didn’t follow.

18. Listens to a different type of music and won’t understand why you don’t like it.

19. Is able to explain the theory behind billboard advertising and good poster design.

20. Prefer reading books with images, rather than those with words.

21. Will ask for your opinion, but then do the exact opposite. Don’t be surprised!

22. Might not express their love for you in words, but will use the artistic approach.

23. Is addicted to Facebook or Twitter and likely posts links and videos that they love.

24. Will adore you if you have mastered a design software or like to discuss color combinations.

25. Complains the most about clients asking for revisions of their design.

The next time you see a guy talking endlessly about colors or passionately criticizing a brochure, you know why … that’s a graphic designer.

With the start of New Year, many people aim to live a better life and set higher goals. Being a graphic designer, what are your resolutions for the New Year? It’s time to ponder over your career and decide about what you want to change. To jumpstart your reflection process, here are ten New Year Resolutions for our design community.

1. I Will Stay Focused – Scattered Attention Is No Good!

Focus. Focus. Focus. This is what many designers lack. Unless you give proper attention to each project, you will not create good designs. Remember, graphic designing is all about creativity and creativity comes best when you focus on one particular project rather than scattered on multiple projects.

2. I Will Be Organized – No More Frustrations

Make sure you save the following:  All records of conversations with a client, first drafts, images, templates and PSD layers.  Be sure to organize each in respective folders. Many designers admit that staying organized has helped them save a lot of time, making their work a bit easier.

3. I Will Not Copy, Cheat or Create a Derivative – The New Creative Me!

Inspirations are necessary, but copying and cheating from someone’s design (while thinking that no one would know) is the worst thing that you can possibly do. If you don’t have the mental energy to be creative then don’t take up another project. Relax. Get on it the next day but never copy.

4. I Will Stay Physically Fit – Get Up and Move!

Take out time for physical activity, exercise, sports or just take a walk every day. Not only will this refresh your mind, but will also increase your stamina. With a good half an hour spent on physical activity, you will feel energized and energetic about working on tough projects.

5. I Will Learn New Things – Say No To Laziness!

Stay updated if you want to get ahead in your field. With the Internet being one of the most powerful tools for information, you don’t even have to break a sweat to stay updated. Read a new article or watch a new video tutorial every day. Try your hands on a new design concept and you just might surprise yourself.

6. I Will Not Avoid Tough Clients – Difficulty Scares Me Not

There are clients who are very picky and demand constant changes. If you have been avoiding these clients during the last year because you were afraid of taking up a challenge, then it’s time to change that! Just know that a client is paying good money for his brand image and put yourself in his/her shoes to understand why they might be so fussy. You will gradually start seeing a positive change in your attitude.

7. I Will Do Something New – Stop Being a Trend Follower

Trends tend come and go. Do not be a trend follower! Clients may demand that you follow a trend just because they are too afraid to try anything new. However, here is where you should use your aesthetic, marketing and convincing powers. Show the clients the disadvantages of being just another design in the market. Show them the advantage of creating something unique and how it can help them stand out from the crowd.

8. I Will Aim Higher – Out Of My Comfort Zone

Take on new, diversified challenges that will give you an experience and will build an impressive portfolio. You may be an excellent logo designer, but don’t limit yourself to just being a logo designer. Take on website designing or graphic designing. Get out of your comfort zone, learn new things and become well-rounded.

9. I Will Not Take Criticism Personally – It’s Just An Opinion

Do not take criticism to heart; don’t be hard on yourself if you make a mistake. There are times when you don’t seem to win projects even though you worked hard or times when clients can turn fussy. Instead of reacting by being self critical, take it easy and just let it pass as a bad day.

10. I Will Work Smart – Hard Is Not Enough!

You need to bring in efficient communication and analytical skills as well as a good understanding of handling projects when it comes to building a career. Don’t sell yourself short and don’t work too hard for the wrong type of client.

Hope these resolutions have given you enough food for thought. Drop us a line about your New Year resolutions. We would love to know what you have promised yourself this year