Equipment for Graphic Design and Graphic Art | Graphic Design Equipment

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Updated 4/12/08

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graphic art and graphic design equipment
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Q&A: Could you give us a list of graphic design equipment and supplies that would be the minimum required for starting out? (UPDATED)

You'll want a computer that has the most hard drive space and RAM as you can afford; minimum 40GB hard drive and 512MB of RAM. If you will be doing intensive graphics work, you'll need at least double that. A 15" monitor will do, but you will quickly want at least a 17" one.

You will also need:
- blank CDs
- fax machine or fax software; not all of your clients will be high tech and will prefer proofs via fax
- 600dpi laser postscript printer
- medium grade inkjet printer; upgrade to a better one later
- medium grade scanner; upgrade to a better one later
- backup drive
- a portfolio case
- light box; the portable size is fine for starters
- dedicated phone line
- dedicated answering machine or voicemail
- clear ruler
- paper cutter
- a simple calculator
- office supplies

graphics equipment

Q&A

below:

desktops
laptops
printers
storage
digital cams
pads / tablets
scanners
a/v equipment

Following are links to some of the equipment mentioned above. (Lightbox and portfolio cases are on our art supplies page. More graphic design Q&As are on our "starting out in graphic design" page.)

Manufacturers are constantly introducing new equipment. To make sure that we are listing the latest graphic design equipment available, we list top equipment in categories for you to explore.