In recent years there have been a few advancements in software that is ‘Open Source.’ If you don’t know about it already, here’s a few links that may or may not help your business with simple graphic design. I know, why is a graphic design company telling you about free software, and free SEO tips (see previous post)? The answer is simple, not everything needs to be done by a professional. So I want to help make your lives a bit easier by giving information of different projects that allow you to do your own thing, for free. If you decide that you still want a professional even after you’ve attempted this on your own, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help. Now on to the list!

-GIMP-
It’s a PhotoShop like application that runs on all Operating Systems (Mac, Windows, and Linux) you can find out more at www.gimp.org

-Blender-
This is a 3D application that is a bit harder to understand because it is said that you need one hand one your mouse, and the other on the keyboard to use it. Find out more at www.blender.org

-InkScape-
This is made to do illustrations. If you know Adobe products, then the equivalent is Adobe’s Illustrator. You use this to make: icons, logos, banners, and roughly anything that doesn’t need photo manipulation (use GIMP for that). You can find out more at www.inkscape.org

-OpenOffice.org-
This is not a graphics design program, but it is just as essential. It’s competition is Microsoft Office Suite. It does just about anything you need an office application to do. You can find out more at www.openoffice.org

I hope this helps you in getting simple design procedures done. If there is any other type of software that you’re looking for, try www.osalt.com and browse through their list of free software. As I stated, when you’re ready for the professionals to help you out, just drop us a line.