Essential Tools – Creative Design Style

This week’s Essential Tools series features David Airey :: Creative Design. David works as a freelance creative designer with the majority of his time spent on print work (advertisements, brochures, business stationery, posters etc.). However, this is changing as more of his time has become devoted to completing online projects ranging from full web development to eye-catching web graphics, and blogging.

David’s creative mind and love of breakfast is reflected in the header of his blog. The quote, by Mao Tse-Tung reads:

He uses pencil sketches as the starting point for all of his designs (check out his portfolio) then transitions them to Adobe’s Creative Suite.

When looking for design inspiration and advice, David recommends the HOW design forum for its concentration of talented designers and art directors who participate there and Brand Republic.

As for the day to day basics, VOIP (for international phone calls) and instant messaging are essential for communicating with clients.

What are your favorite tools for success? How about your favorite design inspirations or resources?

Previously featured: Wendy Piersall (eMomsAtHome), Randa Clay, Ingo Scheusse (stixster), Jason Kaneshiro (Webomatica), Ben Yoskovitz (Instigator Blog), Phil Gerbyshak (Make It Great), Jason Alba (Jibber Jobber), Tony Clark (Success from the Nest), Gayla McCord (MomGadget), Mike Sansone (Converstations), Jennifer Hadorn (Bloggertunity), Robyn Tippins (Practical Blogging), Liz Strauss (Successful Blog) – you could be next – just drop me a line at charlene [at] keystrokes [dot] net!