If you're a freelance designer, chances are you're constantly juggling project deadlines, client meetings and business development – let alone free time! Any freelancer knows staying organized is paramount to success. Thankfully technology is here to help – there is an abundance of apps with reminders, calendars, to-do lists, habit builders, alarms, trackers... you name it.
Only problem is it can be tricky to know which ones are worth your time, and which will just end up eating more valuable hours while you try making them work for you. To help you stay on track, we've made a list of apps we find invaluable in helping us manage our time and stay on top of our deadlines.
Struggling with time management? 30/30 will help you out. This simple, useful app helps you get stuff done – all you need to do is set up a list of tasks and suggest the length of time each of them will take. Once you start the timer, you will be told when to move on to the next task, keeping your day firmly on track.
Available: Apple store
Sad that you can't produce a vector drawing unless you have your laptop with you? Have no fear – Adobe Draw is here. This is a modern version of the full-featured drawing app Adobe Ideas – basically Adobe Ideas made a whole lot bigger and better. Basically, it allows you to create vector designs on both the iPad and iPhone, and thanks to Creative Cloud, automatically syncs these files with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. With five expressive pens (and an eraser), up to 10 drawing layers, and unparalleled precision and control, you'll be designing 24/7
Available: Apple Store
Do you have the need to create precise drawings or logos? Would you like to have detailed perspective views? If your answer is yes, then this is the go-to app for you. The drawing grids and drafting tools assist with the precise work, making it perfect for detailing and finicky designs that need to be just right.
Available: Apple Store
We know, we know – yet another Adobe app (Let's be honest – pretty much all designers use Adobe. So all of the good apps should be mentioned.) In a nutshell, this is Photoshop for your pocket, allowing you to be free to create beautiful drawings. If you know how to use Photoshop then you should find this easy to use, and the Creative Cloud (all hail the cloud!) lets you easily sync your files and touch them up on the big screen later. Convenient!
Available: Apple Store
Have you come up with an idea while sitting on the train on your way to work? Are you afraid you will forget it? Well thank God there's ClipUp. This handy app increases productivity especially for the creative minds, as it organizes your inspirations, ideas, notes and files. Basically it's a diary that can work for you personally and professionally. It collects images, videos, articles, text, audio, so maybe think of it as an upgrade from Pinterest.
Available: Apple store
Need to store your docs, photos, designs somewhere? Dropbox is one of the best storage apps around. The great thing about this storage app is that you can download it to all your devices and all files will be linked automatically. It's easier to send a large file through Dropbox than via email, so this is also a prime app to use when collaborating with team mates and clients.
Available: Apple Store, Android, Windows 8
This is essentially a to-do list on speed, or, in its more corporate friendly terms, a "modern workspace". You can collect inspiration, share your ideas, present your work, all while setting alarms for your urgent deadlines and syncing your lists across all devices. It's also super easy to use, with a handy search function, search for a particular keyword and – hey presto – your tasks or documents will pop up.
Available: Apple Store, Android, Windows 8 (Touch)
Do you salivate for typography? Crave it so bad you need to carry some sort of "book" everywhere you go? Hello FontBook app. Some may call this the bible of typography, with a library of typefaces following 148 international type foundries. You can research a type through Class, Foundry, Designer, Year or Name. If you find something you want to save for later, you can pin it to your favorites and it'll be there whenever you need it.
Available: Apple Store
Move away, old school doodling. Welcome to the world, high tech doodling! Paper turns your iPad into a digital notebook. With no fussy settings or distractions, this easy-to-use app allows you to sketch a product concept and chart your progress. It gives you five tools – Sketch, Write, Draw, Outline and Color. Although finger friendly, you can also get a Pencil – FiftyThree's handcrafted Bluetooth Smart stylus to give you more control (it literally looks like a pencil!). Best of all, it's totally free!
Available: Apple Store
Quark DesignPad brings design layouts on grid-based design literally into the palm of your hand. From creating a brochure to writing a newsletter, this is the Design on the Go app you've been waiting for. To control layouts this app is optimal, as it uses easy slider controls to adjust all aspects of your layout grid. If you ever need to send across a concept to a client really quickly, you can create layouts in minutes and interactively share them. So handy!
Available: Apple Store
Comment on This Article:
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Want More?
Try BrandCrowd's logo maker app or check out these additional resources:
10 'Useful' Macbook Stickers
Getting Psychological About Brand Color
Six Ways to Rise to the Top in Your Next Design Contest
Written by Divya Abe on Monday, August 17, 2015
Divya Abe is an expert graphic designer ready to share her knowledge with the crowd. Besides spending quality time on the internet she enjoys anything to do with cats. Get in touch via Google+.
