New graphic design technology to use in 2022

Like many industries, graphic design is constantly evolving thanks to the introduction of new technology. Constant advancements can have a huge impact on what graphic designers are able to do for their clients, so it’s crucial to stay up to date with all the latest technology if you want to compete.

With that in mind, here are some examples of new graphic design technology to use in 2022:

• Laptops
• Desktops
• Stylus and graphic tablets
• DSLR cameras
• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Monitor calibrators
• Infographics builders
• Smart revision software

Macs have always been a popular choice for creatives thanks to their good build quality, power, and focus on intuitive user interfaces.

Specifically, the MacBook Pro 16-inch is a great choice for graphic designers thanks to these features:

• A choice between M1 Pro or M1 Max chips – both give you enough processing power to handle any graphic design task
• Impressive battery life
• Larger XDR mini-LED screen
• Added HDMI and memory card ports

Other options to look at are the Surface Pro X and HP Spectre x360.

If you have a more permanent setup, you might be looking for a desktop rather than a laptop. If that’s the case, there are also a number of great choices with design features that make them perfect for graphics design.

Though it’s not the latest model, the iMac 27-inch is still the top choice for graphic designers thanks to its powerful graphics and 5K retina display. 

Alternatively, Microsoft Surface Studio 2 is also a popular choice. While it’s not quite as powerful as the iMac, it has some cool features that are perfect for graphic designers. The high-resolution screen (192 PPI) is adjustable and touch sensitive, allowing you to lay it flat and use it like a large tablet. You can then draw your designs directly onto the screen with the Microsoft Surface Pen.

Stylus and graphics tablets make it incredibly easy to translate your raw ideas to the screen while still allowing you the same feeling of a pen and paper. 

The latest generation of graphics tablets are more pressure sensitive than ever, allowing you to work free-hand in a way that feels natural. 

Once again, Apple takes the top spot with their Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch thanks to it’s M1 chip computing power, incredible XDR retina display, and superfast 5-G data speeds. 

While not as powerful as the Apple, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Bundle deserves an honourable mention. It’s a much cheaper option that comes with a lot more attachments as standard. 

If your graphic design work involves taking pictures and videos, you’ll need a camera that’s up to the task. And there’s no better option out there right now than a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera. 

There are a lot of DSLR cameras on the market right now. But the Nikon D850 is a cut above the rest, thanks to these features:

• 45.7 MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor 
• High-end autofocus system
• Low light autofocus sensitivity
• Advanced 181,000-pixel RGB meter 
• Fast EXPEED 5 processor and impressive 
• 7 fps continuous shooting speed – 9 fps with the MB-D18 battery grip
• Impressive battery life 
• 4K full-frame video recording with the 
• 4:2:2 HDMI, slow-motion video output
• 4K and 8K timelapse shooting capabilities
• Focus stacking 
• Tilting touch-enabled LCD screen 
• Illuminated buttons 
• Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth
• Weather-sealed construction
• Dual card slots 

Fortunately, AI isn’t quite ready to replace humans just yet. But it can analyse designs and figure out how they’ll be perceived by humans. 

AI-powered software, like 3M VAS (Visual Attention Software), can analyse images and tell you how human viewers will react. Then, you simply make adjustments based on what reaction you want from the design. 

The software works by simulating the way people see visuals in the first three to five seconds, an essential period of time when you’re trying to draw attention with a visual design. 3M VAS can be used as either a web app or a plugin for Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, & Adobe XD.

The colours on your screen won’t always accurately reflect how the colours will appear on the final product. The solution is to monitor calibrators. They ensure your colour display is exactly the same across different screens, giving you perfectly balanced colour, contrast, and brightness.

The Datacolor SpyderX ELITE is the most powerful calibrator you can get right now. It’s Brand new lens-based sensor system provides the fastest calibration times – under two minutes.

Combined with its multi-monitor support, easy-to-use calibration software, and its ability to detect different light conditions, the SpyderX Elite is the perfect piece of tech for graphic designers at all levels. 

Unfortunately, being creative is only one part of a graphic designer’s job. In fact, a large chunk of their time is spent on feedback and revision. 

With all the back and forth, tweaking, and re-tweaking, the whole process can often be slow and tedious – that’s where revision software comes into play. 

Revision software makes the whole process a lot simpler by allowing you and your clients to share and review content with ease– an ideal software solution for freelance graphic designers who need to work with clients remotely.

Software solutions like Wipster, Filestage, and Usersnap are all great options with free trials, but Usersnap seems to be a cut above the rest thanks to the sheer variety of feedback options, like these:

• Visual bug reporting
• Net promoter score survey (for website, in-app, & email)
• Product feature request
• Beta testing widget
• Feedback & support menu
• Customer satisfaction pop-ups
• Website micro survey
• Thumbs up/down rater
• User interview invitations

This entry is fairly unique in the sense that it might not be used by graphic designers at all. Instead, services like Canva, Snappa, and Venngage allow non-professionals to create, share, and edit designs without years of training. 

Canva is the best choice for the amount of flexibility it offers. There are thousands of templates and stock images for infographics, prints, and presentations, combined with intuitive sharing and collaboration tools. 

But the main draw is the user-friendly customisation options. You can easily adapt your designs to any medium, whether they’re for videos, posters, Instagram stories, YouTube thumbnails, or just about anything else you might need.  

While you’re on the lookout for technology to improve your graphic design business, you should consider a business current account that actually makes your financial management easier. 

Countingup is the business current account and accounting software in one app. It automates time-consuming bookkeeping admin for thousands of self-employed people across the UK. 

Save yourself hours of accounting admin so you can focus on growing your business. 

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