This is the 1st part of a new series here on MyInkBlog. We’ll be asking top designers what design tools they use to help them complete their work. As a guy who loves to discover new apps and find new and easier ways to accomplish my job, I’m really looking forward to the insight that we receive. I must admit that this idea was partially the result of admiring Grace Smith’s “Show Me Your Dock Series.” So in honor of that, and the awesome work that she does, I’ve decided to have Grace bat leadoff in this series
About Grace Smith
Grace Smith is a talented blogger, designer and the owner of Postscript5. She was kind enough to take the time to share some of the tools she uses and some insight into why she’s chosen them. Check out her thoughtful responses below.
Browser
At the moment it would be Safari 4, however I’ve been testing out Google Chrome over the last few days (having downloaded the developer preview for OSX) and I think once it’s in Beta I will be switching. While I appreciate how useful Firefox can be, I switched to Safari because of the stability problems I was experiencing with Firefox, It was just one crash too many!
Code Editor
I’ve used both CSSEdit and Espresso but always come back to Coda. It integrates everything that I need; namely a code editor, css editor, preview pane, SSH Terminal, website management and an FTP client.
Mail Client
I run all my mail accounts through Google Apps as a desktop app using Fluid, with all my accounts streaming into a single inbox. Previously I used the native Mail app, however I switched to Google to better streamline my email and process.
Billing App
I was a Freshbooks user for several years but recently switched to Curdbee as I needed a simpler, more cost effective solution. Curdbee is an excellent service, offering the necessary functionality and features which suit my needs perfectly.
FTP Client
Coda, although I had been using Transmit for some time before getting into Coda. I do love it’s simplicity and functionality, a great standalone FTP app. I still make use of the ‘droplets’ which are great for recurring uploads.
Twitter App
I use Tweetie because of it’s speed and slick interface although I long for it to add the ability to create groups as that’s the feature I miss most since switching from Tweetdeck earlier this year.
RSS Reader
Google Reader
as a standalone app using Fluid and styled with the exquisite Helvetireader. It’s simply a beautiful and useful piece of kit.
Task Organizer
After longing for a super simple, ‘get your stuff done’ to-do list app, I knew my search was over once I found TaskPaper. No bloated complex software, just a fast, simple app that makes sure I keep up to date with my tasks.
Photo/Design Editor
Photoshop – I’ve been using it since the days of Photoshop 6 and can’t see myself usng any other app. It’s where every design I work on is created and polished.
Vector/Illustration Program
Admittedly I don’t use Illustrator all that often, but when I work on a logo or illustration, it’s my app of choice.
Final Thoughts
Feel free to add your tools of choice for any of the categories above. Also, I’d love to hear your suggestions for the categories I should add to the next designer’s toolbox series (I already have a couple of ideas).
If this post was helpful to you, please consider sharing it with others, it's a great way of saying thanks.
Contribute
Sneh Roy
October 27, 2009
ah good stuff! It is always interesting to see what apps/softwares put people in their comfort zone. A wonderful way to discover and try out new ones based on the good reviews of a regular user! Thanks Grace and Andrew.
Darryl
October 27, 2009
I enjoyed reading this one, some solutions i found interesting to check out. Keep it coming!
Tim Read: Ripplenet web design
October 27, 2009
Thanks. I went to Grace’s site and I see why she doesn’t have much need of vector software – her designs are quite minimalist.
I’m looking forward to a few more!
clippingimages
October 27, 2009
I also use some of the same tools of Grace Smith. Great designer. Thanks for sharing this awesome post.
Angie Bowen
October 27, 2009
Great new series Andrew, I’m really looking forward to future installments. I love trying out new apps and Grace has made me check out Fluid. Thanks to the both of you :)
AJ Troxell
October 27, 2009
Great post. I love reading about other people and their tools/techniques.
Michael Krapf
October 27, 2009
Google Apps, Curdbee, Tweetie are my newest favorites…gonna have to check into TaskPaper.
P.S. The IPhone when on the go!
Selvie
October 28, 2009
Thanks for sharing your tools :) I’ve been using Freshbooks for invoicing and didn’t ever come acorss Curdbee. Just checked and looks really cute, may be I might switched soon if they allow easy data migration. Really worth the price and I’ll save a decent amont over Freshbooks.
Keep them coming!
Grace Smith
October 28, 2009
Thanks everyone for the great feedback and especially to Andrew for the lovely intro and for asking me to kick-off the series, it’s an honor. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
@Selvie You should definitely check out Curdbee, very efficient invoicing system that won’t break the bank ;-)
Tanay | TJDzine
October 28, 2009
Nice tools. Haven;t tried out curdbee or taskpaper before… will check them out.
Matt
October 28, 2009
We use pretty much all the same things. Classy mac apps for the win!
Tim Smith
October 28, 2009
Awesome stuff Andrew! It’s interesting to see what people use to get their work done. Great job!
Sean Carter @carterography
October 28, 2009
I love posts that let you get an inside look into a designers work habits and software preferences!
John
October 29, 2009
Great list. I was using textmate for a ruby project and really liked it for code editing. For billing and task organization, take a look at Intervals. We built it and use it at our web design and development agency for tracking time, tasks and projects.
murrydan
October 29, 2009
Browser: Firefox, can’t live without Firebug
Code Editor: Coda/TextMate
Mail Client: Mail.app
Billing: TimeLog/GrandTotal
FTP: Coda/Transmit, but I also like Forklift
Twitter: Tweetdeck
RSS Reader: NetNewsWire
Task Organizer: OmniFocus
Photo/Design Editor: Photoshop
Vector Editor: Illustrator
Most importantly, the Spaces feature in OS X
murrydan
October 29, 2009
Ohh, forgot MAMP Pro and Sequel Pro.
Roland
November 4, 2009
It is very interesting to get to know, how other designers work :) You always find some solutions, that you never knew about before…Or sometimes it is just a very cool feeling, that someone is using same software as you are ))
Vitezslav Valka
November 22, 2009
Thank you! It’s nice to see somebody else have pretty similar collection of tools. I just use Socialite and Pixelmator, but the rest is same. For Pixmac company we use Gmail for everything and it’s easy and without any breakdowns to fix…
Chotrul Web Design
December 19, 2009
Not sure why any designer would use Safari over Firefox – the development and SEO add-ons for Firefox are absolutely awesome.
Color Experts
April 7, 2010
I just love using photoshop….
Thanks