In the not-so-distant past, there were only a handful of graphic-design-software options for people looking to make an advertisement, graphic, logo, or other kind of design. The software was complex, and it required time and training to produce designs that were aesthetically pleasing and production ready. Today, it’s a different story. There are many programs that are more user-friendly and template-based, making it easier for nondesigners or casual users to enter the design world.

Which is better: CorelDRAW or Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop?

I have had many conversations about this over the years with fellow industry professionals, but I’ve never put my thoughts on paper … until now. Why? Despite the numerous articles found online about the subject, I find the question difficult to answer due to the on-and-off nature in which I’ve used the programs, the complexity of each program, and the number of rabbit holes one can hop down due to the sheer number of tools each program possesses. I assume most people start with one platform for one reason or another and then stick with it out of convenience and familiarity, making this topic only useful if you haven’t yet decided which one to buy. But I could be wrong about that. Maybe you’re dissatisfied and looking for a reason to switch. Or maybe you’re just curious. My long history with both platforms makes me a bit of a unicorn in this arena and gives me a unique perspective, so here is my two cents on the topic.

Are you confused about what size to make your images for social media posts? Join the club! I have often found myself searching for answers to this question, only to find different answers depending on the source. Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and others have their own dimensional preferences. And the rules and guidelines surrounding these dimensions seem to shift and change like the prairie wind.

I’ve often said I use about 10% of the CorelDRAW Suite tools 90% of the time. I’m sure that is probably true for most designers. But every so often a new tool or technique becomes a bigger part of my design arsenal. And once those tools are ingrained into my workflow, they create new paths for my creativity and increase efficiency.

In this article, please note that, for Mac users, the command key will be used in place of the Ctrl key and the option key will be used in place of the Alt key.

Why take the long route to get to the same location? Imagine a scenario in which you weren’t using the key commands Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V but instead were mousing over to “edit” in the menu, choosing “copy,” and going back to the menu to find the “paste” option. Initially, it doesn’t sound that troublesome. But try doing this repeatedly, and you’ll find it a less-than-enjoyable experience. I can’t imagine designing without Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V, two unsung heroes of the graphic design world.

You might be thinking, “How is an article about the latest version of CorelDraw relevant if it was released in the spring of 2023?” Well, if you’re like me, the best time to purchase new software is when it’s on sale. And if you’re patient, it eventually gets cheaper, whether you’ve been designing with it for years or a first-time user.

My wife Lura and I had just finished having dinner with some friends when one of them, Jeff, showed me a feature he had recently discovered on his iPhone.

To receive a substantial and rewarding project, sometimes the less consequential ones may need to be addressed first. This matches the saying I often use, “broccoli before brownies.”

I often tell people that the volume of things I don’t know could fill a very large room. Or, in a more positive spin, I always have room to learn something new. Trends and new technology are an important part of our industry and require us to be aware of novel changes. My struggle is always the same: I must make time to learn and select the ideas that are relevant for me and my business—separating the proverbial wheat from the chaff.

For several years, I’ve had the good fortune to work with the Badger Clark Foundation as a board member, graphic designer and merch distributor. Through education, fundraising and donations to local poets and artists, this organization promotes humanities and Badger Clark, South Dakota’s first poet laureate. One of my roles has been to create the posters for the annual music event known as “Badger Stock.” This year’s event promises to be particularly special, as it will be featured as part of a PBS documentary showcasing the life and writings of Badger Clark himself. So this year’s poster needed to be special, too.