Starting out as an entrepreneur, you want to make sure you have everything in order. You want your website to be perfect, your social media to be outstanding, and your entire presence unlike any other but when you’re on a budget, they may seem difficult.
If you are anything like me, I’m sure you have thought, how am I suppose to make quality images or graphics with limited funds.
Trust me, I’ve been there and I get it. I had to trial and error tons of things until I found the right tools to create the exact images that would make my brand standout.
Through my stumbles, I have learned that there’s so much information and resources on the net, you just have to look for it.
Lucky for you, I have searched enough to start a list of resources to get your creative juices flowing to create and customize your own unique graphics.
I know you’re thinking, c’mon get on with it, so here goes.
1. Phonto
This is my absolute go-to when I need to make a quick graphic for a quote or adding words to an image. It’s the secret to how I make my Instagram feed flow so well.
It’s a free app for your mobile. Once you’re in, you can edit any image store in your camera roll and select from numerous fonts that will allow you to add your own style to it.
Another sweet feature they have is the option to restore your previous image meaning if you have completed an image and closed out of the program, when you come back that image will be available.
It’s perfect for staying on brand with your quotes. Hands down my favorite app.
2. iPiccy
This is another favorite when I need to edit photos. If you’re familiar with Photoshop at all, it’s similar to the program, however it doesn’t have as many features.
It does a lot of the base needs for photo editing and it’s very user-friendly.
This free, online, photo editing program has over 110 photo effects so I use it a lot for brightening backgrounds on images.
3. PicMonkey
I created my first logo in PicMonkey all by myself. Yep! It was a proud moment. PicMonkey makes it extremely easy to create you own designs and edit your photos.
The other super cool features from PicMonkey that I enjoyed are the abilities to use your own personal font that you may have purchased or downloaded for free within the application.
It also has a feature that allows you to have a transparent background. Love, Love, Love their stuff.
4. Canva
Hands down the guru of graphics for a newbie like me.
Canva not only is user-friendly but takes the headache out of guesswork when it comes to creating images or graphics.
I love creating designs and making things that sparkle but I know my area of expertise and it’s not in graphic design.
Canva makes this so simple to by having pre-created images that allow you to edit as needed. Even the images that aren’t free are set at a reasonable price, such as $1.00, that would really work with an entrepreneur on a budget.
5. Pixlr
Now I must be honest here, I haven’t had much experience with this program but the times that I have left an impression.
For those of you that have experience with Photoshop, this program will give the resemblance of the program almost detail for detail.
Just like Photoshop, you can add or remove layers which will enhance your images.
I totally plan on using this editor a lot more in the future to create graphics and images unique to my brand.
So there you have it, all the tools you need to start as your own graphic designer.
As you continue you grow, it graphic design could be something you want to take off your list and delegate to a virtual assistant.
Some entrepreneurs have difficulty deciding if they want to hire a virtual assistant. Read my blog about if a virtual assistant is right for you.
Yo! I hope your well on your way with wearing the hat of graphic designer but I want to hear from you.