How to Choose The Right Graphic Design Software For Your Company
People are highly visual creatures. They tend to get attracted to anything that is visually appealing and are more inclined to remember something after seeing it. Graphic design is more than just stunning aesthetics. Effective designs convey messages, share information, tell stories, stir specific emotions, and empower people to perform certain actions.
This is why graphic design plays an essential role in the business world. Every business-related visual can become a tool that either drives or stalls business growth and success, depending on the storytelling, execution, and other factors. So much thought and expertise go into the development and creation of business graphics like logos, ads, business cards, infographics, flyers, banners, and posters.
Because of the required skills and expertise as well as the considerable amount of time needed to produce beautiful yet very effective visual designs, many companies opt to commission professional graphic design services providers.
That’s because Investing in graphic design software is a bold move for your business. But if you have the skill to match the platform, you may just be rewarded for that brave decision.
1) Examine Your Skill Level
Unless you are a professional graphic designer, an illustrator, or a visual artist, or if you are operating a marketing agency, then your need for graphic design software programs is not that huge. Still, if you believe that having your own graphic design solution benefits your enterprise, then the first thing you ought to consider is the skill level of the software’s intended user/s.
To create enterprise-grade graphic designs, one must have a certain degree of creativity and artistic talents such as illustrations and drawing. If you or your employees lack these, then making designs for commercial purposes can be difficult, even if you have the best graphic design software on hand.
Graphic design studio owner Eric Miller wrote in a 2018 article on graphic design skills that one has to be very creative to be a successful graphic designer. On top of that, having an artistic skillset helps you put the software into great use, fully maximize your investment, and generate a handsome return.
2) Consider Your Budget
Budget is a major consideration when you plan to invest in something big like a graphic design solution. Basic graphic design platforms are priced from $30 a month. They come equipped with generic design tools. The premium choice apps for designers cost $50 a month and more, depending on the included advanced features, add-ons, and other extras.
Again, it is important to reiterate that in order for your company to fully benefit from your investment, you must have the existing creativity and artistic skill necessary to make use of the software’s tools and capabilities. Unless buying a graphic design software is for the long haul, your company may be better off commissioning a professional graphic design services provider instead.
But if you feel like your company has talented people to operate the software, then perhaps the best advice when it comes to the budget is to pick the best option that your money can afford.
Why settle for a cheaper $20 package when you have a budget of $100 a month? A fully loaded graphic design platform for a monthly subscription rate of $70 makes complete and logical sense. But before you make the purchase, you may want to make a list of vendors and consult with them to see if you can fashion out a better deal and add more value to your investment.
3) Pick The Right Vendor
Your choice of software vendor can have a serious impact on your investment as well as your overall business. It is crucial that you pick the right vendor right from the get-go because you will need their support and expertise from time to time, especially when issues arise. Also, when your business grows, there will be a need to scale your package.
The right vendor will provide you with open lines for communication, allowing you to get in touch with them whenever you need support and guidance. They will also help you determine the best features for your business instead of stacking your package with tools and functionalities you don’t need.
Choose the wrong one and you may end up stuck with a provider who only cares about your money but won’t lift a finger to help you when you need them to help you resolve problems. Worse, your company will run into software implementation failure and suffer heavy losses because you are unable to get back your investment. In some cases, you have to shell out more money to get out of ridiculous lock-in contracts.
It’s A Good Investment But…
… graphic design software may not be a good move if you’re not in the business to create beautiful, catchy visuals and graphics or if you’re not planning to do so on a long-term basis. If it’s not a priority, then you shouldn’t even be thinking about it.
There are a number of professional graphic designers and firms that offer excellent services at a reasonable price. While their expertise may be quite pricey for most business owners, the sheer amount of talent and thought they put into every project can add great value to your enterprise.
Again, if you don’t have the skill to match the software, then it’s best to call the professionals instead.