Software: I'm not going to tell you which specific software you have to have or even which to avoid. There are too many variables. Examine the options and explore the provided resources in order to make an informed decision about which software you need for your freelance desktop publishing business.
- Discover what you need to know before buying desktop publishing software including what features to look for in desktop publishing software programs.
~ What is the best software for desktop publishing?
~ Before you buy academic priced desktop publishing software
~ Before you buy professional desktop publishing software
Supplies/Extras: Along with the core desktop publishing and graphics software there are some more things you need to get started. Budgeting a few hundred dollars for these kinds of items is generally a wise move. Here are just a few:
- While you will acquire images and fonts for specific projects along the way, a core selection of stock images and a variety of quality typefaces are needed from the beginning. What comes with your desktop publishing and graphics software is often more than sufficient initially.
~ Images for Desktop Publishing | Fonts for Desktop Publishing - The PANTONE Matching System (PMS) is the dominant spot color printing system in the United States. Pantone, Inc. sells guides (known as swatch books) and chips for both spot colors and for process (CMYK) color printing. For the first time purchaser, the number and variety of books can be overwhelming.
~ Before you buy PANTONE color guides - While not absolutely essential, many designers swear by these handy helpers including multi-purpose layout rulers and quick reference charts.
~ Rulers, Guides, Charts, Special Tools
Your Assignment: Using the resources found above and in the sidebar, analyze your software needs to see where you may need to upgrade in order to run a successful desktop publishing business. If you do identify software you will need, do some preliminary research into pricing for what you will purchase. This is information that you will need as you create a budget for your business and create the financials for your business plan. Be sure to budget for additional clip art and fonts, swatch books (they can be expensive), and other design-oriented supplies.
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