Creative professionals know that they need the right tools of their trade to be successful. But there are a few things that they probably don’t have that would make their lives a lot easier.
Creative professionals aren’t just painters, sculptors, or writers. They also include people who work in advertising, digital media, film, and even some architects. Content creators and those who work in the creative field are always looking for new ways to get inspired and get ahead of the competition.
As a company full of creative professionals, C&I Studios knows a thing or two about things creative professionals should have in their workspace. If you’re a creative professional and don’t have the right tools for your trade, you’re missing out.
Here are 7 things every creative professional should own:
A high-quality camera
This is important for capturing inspiration when you see it, as well as being able to document your work. In order to show off your work with a professional quality profile, you’ll want to make sure you’re presenting it in the best way.
A phone camera just won’t cut it. While your smartphone’s camera is great for selfies and allows you to post to social media, it’s not the best quality camera and you can’t edit your photos as well as you can on your computer. You’ll end up doing more editing on your phone’s photos than you would with the photographs you take on a professional camera, the same goes for videos.
Lighting
Along with the professional camera, you’ll want to invest in some decent lighting. There are many different options, including many that are affordable, so you can find something that works well for you. This is important because it will help you take better photos and videos, as well as improve the quality of your work.
Ring lights are great for those in the beauty industry, as well as product photography. Other types of lighting apparatuses can be used for different types of photography, as well as videography.
An external hard drive
This is an absolute must for anyone, especially those who work with digital media. External hard drives are relatively inexpensive and they give you a place to store all of your work. This way, if your computer crashes or you lose your work, you have a backup. External hard drives are safe, and they also has other benefits.
External hard drives allow you to store more media. Having too many files on your laptop can slow down your computer, risking more crashes and lost work. An external hard drive is portable. They’re more portable than a laptop since they can fit into a purse or even a pocket. Besides, it’s always better to have too much storage space than not enough.
A printer
While many people prefer to view work electronically, there are still times when it’s necessary to print out your work. Whether you’re sending a physical portfolio to a client or displaying your work in a gallery, you’ll need a good printer that can produce high-quality prints. You can also use a printer to print shipping labels, business cards, and other materials you need for your business.
Of course, you need to make sure you have the right printer for whatever job it is you’re doing. If you’re a photographer, making sure that you have a printer that can print photographs on professional paper is key. Or if you’re getting creative with 3D printing you’ll need that specific kind of printer. It’s important to do your research.
A scanner
A scanner is another tool that comes in handy for creative professionals. If you need to scan a document or image, a scanner will give you a high-quality version that you can use digitally.
Scanners can help you to make copies of your work to sell, or to send to clients or galleries. Not to mention, you’ll be able to make copies of business contracts and other important documents. There are many different types of scanners on the market, from flatbed scanners to portable scanners. Choose one that will work best for your needs.
A calendar
This might seem like an odd one, but a calendar can be a great tool for creative professionals. It allows you to keep track of deadlines, appointments, and other important dates. This can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to juggle multiple projects at once.
Plus, it’s a great way to stay organized and avoid missing deadlines. There are many different types of calendars you can use, from electronic ones to physical ones. Choose the one that works best for you and your workflow.
You can have a personal calendar, and you can share a calendar with any coworkers you have, to make sure that everyone is on the same page with deadlines and other important dates.
A good reference library
This is essential for any artist who wants to improve their skills. Make sure to get a variety of books on topics ranging from art history to techniques to business. You can also compile a digital library for references, too! You can collect videos, photos, art, and whatever it is you create. It doesn’t have to be exactly what you create, in fact pulling inspiration from mediums that aren’t your usual go-to can really help you grow as a creative.
Sometimes the best reference library is your own portfolio, your coworkers’ portfolios, and your company’s portfolio. If you have a good relationship with your coworkers, you can ask to see their work and get feedback. Heck, you can even use C&I Studios’ portfolio for inspiration, too!
A tablet
If you’re a digital artist, then you know how important it is to have a tablet that allows you to draw digitally. It’s an essential tool for anyone who wants to do any type of digital painting or drawing. There are a couple of different brands out there like Wacom or iPad.
A tablet isn’t just great for digital drawings, but also for photography, edits, and web/graphic design. It can also hold your calendars and other business applications.
You might already have a laptop that you use for all of your business needs, but a tablet can be easier to carry around without the bulk. You can use a stylus with a tablet which gives you much more control than using a trackpad. The better quality of tablet you have, the better experience you’ll have working on it.
A bonus note, you can use softwares like Procreate, Adobe, and other applications on certain tablets. So, if you’re someone who uses editing software in your work, this will come in handy!
To Wrap Up
We all have certain tools and technologies that we use in our everyday, professional lives that make our work easier and more professional. Of course, sometimes there will be equipment that you can’t purchase due to funding or lack of space, so it’s important to remember that rentals are available for some of the more expensive equipment.
Luckily, C&I Studios offers studio rentals, equipment, cameras, and more! If you have any questions about our rental services and what else we can offer your company, contact us! We can’t wait to work with you!
As a creative professional, it’s important to have the right tools for the job. With these 7 things, you’ll be well on your way to being fully equipped to take on any project that comes your way.