How to choose a laptop for a graphic designer

For a quicker orientation, you can skip straight to:

• Beginnings graphics and equipment
• How to choose the right configuration
• External monitor for graphics
• Data backup
• How to increase your value in the eyes of the client
• Graphic design education resources

Dan Křápek (25) has been involved in graphic design since he was 14. He currently works for clients from 4 countries and delivers his art to them from Prague.

Hi Dan, how long have you been involved in graphic design and how did you get into it?

I've been doing graphics for 8 years - but it must be said that the first two years I was basically just learning and improving. I got my first clients later. My path to graphics was relatively straightforward - I liked to draw (what kid doesn't like to draw during school lessons) and play on the computer. I was interested in some backgrounds and screen savers and since I'm very curious, I wanted to know how such backgrounds are made. And when I found out, graphics took me with it :)

Can you remember your first computer you used to create graphics?

Sure. I first got a computer (the family computer, of course) when I was 8 years old. It was an old box with Windows 98 and I used to play the legendary game Dyna Blaster on it. So even though I'm relatively young, I'm still familiar with floppy disks.

Later, I bought my first laptop with money from my pocket money and part-time jobs. HP Compaq 615 (which I still have and is in the process of decaying due to the poor quality plastic it is made of). I used Gimp and Inkscape for graphics. (and I'd rather not say how long I lasted with them). For industry standard applications like I've been getting Photoshop for quite a while now by extending free trials .

When I started my current job in 2017, I have to admit that I was completely immersed in tutorials the whole week before the D-day to maximize my knowledge of industry standard applications. In any case, I have to say that Adobe by no means has a patent on everything . Still There are certain universal procedures and principles that you must apply at work. in any program (to make the result worth it). The most important thing is continuous education from other graphic designers, from design books and of course from YouTube .

So how many computers have you replaced and which one are you currently working on?

As I mentioned - in my early days, I was helped by an HP Compaq 615 (2010), later I bought a desktop (quad-core i5, 2GB graphics, 8GB RAM) for playing games (in 2014), but I stopped enjoying them and started using it for graphics. In 2015, I bought a Macbook Air 13" (I earned money for it exclusively through graphic services) and most recently in January 2019 I treated myself to Macbook Pro 13" with quad-core and 16GB RAM . This piece of junk cost me almost 3,000 Euros , including accessories , but it was an excellent investment in every way.

Imagine if your Mac was stolen today. How would you choose a replacement/temporary computer?

Ufff, I would never want to live to see that happen (that's why I bought a special backpack that can't be opened without taking it off my back). But if such an extreme were to happen, First of all, I would look for a laptop , since I often work not only from the office, but also from home. It probably wouldn't be about the operating system anyway. - I would primarily look for a piece with the best possible build quality (and that is always the best in Macs) and with the most compact dimensions possible.

RAM is also important - I definitely wouldn't go below 16GB . If I needed to render video (and not just make static images), I would consider the processor and graphics card in addition to the RAM.

You're often seen behind a large external monitor at work. What made you choose it?

That's true. As a graphic designer, I like to work on two screens at once to increase my productivity. My monitor is nothing special, however - it's a regular office monitor with Full HD resolution . However, I have to admit that on paper it seems sufficient, but in reality it's not ideal if you have retina resolution on your Macbook and only Full HD on an external monitor twice as large . Those pixels are really starting to be visible there and I'm thinking of asking for a better one with 4k resolution in the near future.

Do you back up your data? If so, how?

Of course - it wouldn't be possible without it. I use Google Drive for 300 CZK (approx. 12 EUR) per month . I have 2TB of data available for that , which is more than enough for me. The biggest benefit is that I don't have to deal with different versions of files - for example, if I connect from my home computer and not from the Macbook I left at work, I always have the latest one available. That is truly invaluable.

Let's talk a little about your job. What do you think a graphic designer should be able to do today and how should they move up?

I think that excellent knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud should only be a basis. English (not only for work, but mainly for education) is also extremely important . If you want to move somewhere qualitatively and humanly, it is important develop an emotional distance from their work . Graphic designers develop a certain relationship with their creations and try to put a piece of themselves into them. However, this relationship must end when the final form is handed over for further processing.

Often enough comes harsh feedback , which is often (depending on the people you work with) really objective and You have to accept that you will often have to dig through the things you have handed over quite a bit. so that other people in the company can identify with them. And especially customers. If If you can't detach yourself from your work, you will forever be more of an artist than a specialist. - and that really won't get you anywhere in the graphic design business (yes, I consider it a business).

You also have to try. to design in the context of a specific client (and companies) so that you don't fall into one typical pattern that will be the same for a software producer, a local bakery, and an aero club somewhere in a neighboring republic.

Never forget yourself. actively take an interest in the overall situation on the client's side and surprise him by finding out a lot of facts about his business. Ask everything you are interested in and if you can, Participate actively in discussions outside your field with your ideas and experiences .

What resources do you recommend for a beginner or advanced graphic designer?

First of all, I must warn every graphic designer that continuous learning is about the will to persevere and great self-discipline . Only with an open mind and a "want" to learn things will you learn easily and quickly. There are of course many resources, but definitely I recommend The Futur - this is an agency that, among other things, is dedicated to educating designers. They have their own platform with paid membership and want to compete with outdated and expensive design schools. Watch the YouTube channel The Futur or go straight to website thefutur.com . Among other portals I recommend Interaction Design Foundation (also recognized among employers).

From books about design, I recommend the publication Design Elements: A Graphic Style Manual (Timothy Samara) , possibly How to Be a Graphic Designer without Losing Your Soul (Adrian Shaughnessy) .

And of course you can also check out my website dankrapek.com :)