Being a graphic designer, I still believe that with all of the new technology out there nothing compares to an old fashioned notebook and pencil for when inspiration strikes. But realistically, you can’t ignore the things that make life a bit easier. And I am all about what makes life easier. When I got my very first cell phone (a long time ago kids) I found myself thinking what would we do without our cell phones? Then it was what would we do without our iPhones. Now it’s what would we do without our iPhone Apps? Here are 10 apps for designers that are our faves for helping you organize and manage everything from selecting color palettes to managing your busy schedule.
Evernote cost: free. Evernote turnes the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad into an extension of your brain, helping you remember anything and everything that happens in your life. From notes to ideas to snapshots to recordings. It also instantly synchronizes from your iPhone to your Mac or Windows desktop.
ZeptoPad cost: free. ZeptoPad is the ideal app for channeling your artistic creativity. When you are out and about and have that flash of inspiration, this app allows you to create vector images, simply by drawing on the screen with your fingers. The latest version even has P2P access, so you can share your masterpieces with all your ZeptoPad buddies and associates. Creativity on the run.
ColorToy cost: $2.99. The color scheme generator for iPhone and iPod Touch. Whether you’re a web designer, interior decorator, artist or just a lover of colors, ColorToy can help you find your ideal color scheme. This simple, flexible app lets you generate, capture, mix and store complementary color palettes.
iRetouch cost: free. This is advanced, feature-rich photo editor. You will benefit from having all essential retouching tools in one app. Easy, on-the-go photo editing.
Design Ruler cost: $0.99. Use DesignRuler to measure lengths in inch, metric, pica, points, and agate scales, gauge type height and leading, and determine line weights and bullet sizes in points. A handy fraction to decimal conversion chart is also included.
Paper Sizes cost: $0.99. International Paper Sizes is an ideal resource for looking up a variety of paper standards. It’s ideal for those working in graphic design, illustration, printing, export and packaging.
WhatTheFont cost: free. Identify the fonts in a photo or web graphic! Ever seen a great font in a magazine ad, poster, or on the web and wondered what font it is? Whip out your iPhone and snap a photo, and WhatTheFont will identify that font in seconds!
FontShuffle cost: free. FontShuffle is the fastest mobile source of typographic inspiration. 650+ font families are sorted by visual similarity. Without any previous knowledge about type design, you can quickly discover 6 typefaces of similar style in just two taps by navigating the simple category menu. Choose the list view to examine up to 24 similar typefaces.
WorkTimer cost: free. How long have you spent on your various projects? How many hours are you going to bill your client? For those of us who work on several projects for several different clients, now you can keep track of your hours on your iPhone.
Analytics App cost: $6.99. Finally you can get to all of your reports and data with Analytics App for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Whether you’re on the road, in a meeting, or sitting on the throne, Analytics App gives you quick and easy access to your analytics data.
