As a designer who’s been using Adobe since 2010, I’ve seen my career evolve through graphic design, digital media, makerspaces, and industrial design. Now I want to share the overlaps to help you build a list of transferable design skills.Throughout this journey, Adobe has been my constant companion, adapting and growing alongside me.

Here’s my honest take on why I continue to choose Adobe for my design work, including some personal stories and considerations about its cost.

My Adobe Journey: From Novice to Expert

I still remember my first encounter with Adobe Illustrator in 2010. As a fresh-faced graphic design student, I was intimidated by the array of tools and options. But little did I know that this software would become as familiar to me as the back of my hand.

My first professional role I worked mostly in Adobe Flash, now Adobe Animate, to create animations for eLearning software before finding a job at a contemporary art gallery where I was involved in the commissions of artists. Essentially whatever they wanted for their exhibitions, we would be tasked in making it. The gallery evolved and opened a Makerspace.

The Makerspace Challenge

One moment that really stands out was when I first started working in a makerspace. Suddenly, I had to use my graphic design skills in a completely new context – creating designs for laser cutting and 3D printing. I had never even touched CAD software before!

Here’s where Adobe Illustrator became my unexpected hero. I figured out how to create vector designs in Illustrator, export them as DXF files, and then import them into CAD software for extrusion. Was it the “right” way to do things? Probably not. But it worked, and it allowed me to bridge the gap between my existing skills and this new world of digital fabrication.

The Car Window Handle Saga

This DIY approach came in handy in my personal life too. I once had an old car where the window winding mechanism broke. Instead of paying for an expensive replacement, I decided to 3D print a new part. I took a photo of the broken piece, recreated it in Illustrator, made the necessary modifications, and then extruded it in CAD software. The result? A functional, custom-made car part that saved me a trip to the mechanic. All thanks to my familiarity with Adobe Illustrator!

My point is that you can use your skills you already have to begin delving into different fields of design.

Versatility Across Industries

As my career progressed, I found Adobe’s suite invaluable across various design disciplines:

1. Graphic Design: Creating advanced vector graphics, 3D meshes, and tackling artistic client projects.
2. Makerspaces: Using Illustrator for laser cutting and transitioning into 3D design.
3. Industrial Design: Employing Illustrator for concept sketches and Photoshop for enhancing portfolios and renders.

The Proposal That Almost Wasn’t

One particularly challenging moment in my career involved a tight deadline for a post and beam structure proposal. I knew I couldn’t create everything in CAD software in time. So, I turned to my trusty Photoshop skills. I managed to create visuals that looked like they were made in CAD, meeting the deadline and impressing the client. It wasn’t the most conventional approach, but Adobe’s versatility saved the day.

Powerful Integration and Workflow

While I’ve experimented with alternatives like CorelDraw and Affinity, I always return to Adobe. The integration between applications like Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign is seamless.

The CorelDraw Conundrum

I once worked at a signage company that exclusively used CorelDraw. While it had some neat features (like automatic proportional scaling without holding the Shift key), I found myself constantly wishing for Adobe’s familiar interface and tools. It was a relief when I could finally return to Adobe – it felt like coming home.

Content Creation and Marketing

With tools like Adobe Express, I can easily create and schedule content for my design brand, Nollie. The ability to take Photoshop or Illustrator files directly into Express, with layers intact, is a game-changer for my content creation workflow.

Ethical AI Integration

Adobe’s approach to AI, particularly with Firefly, stands out due to its commitment to ethical sourcing of training data. This aligns with my values as a designer.

The Seagull Sketch

Recently, I needed to illustrate a seagull for a brand project. I couldn’t find the right reference photo online, and there weren’t many seagulls in my area to photograph. Firefly came to the rescue, generating a perfect reference image that I could then use to create my illustration. It was fast, ethical, and exactly what I needed.

The Cost Consideration

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – Adobe’s price tag. Yes, Adobe is expensive, especially for students or designers just starting their careers. I’ve been there. When I first started Nollie, I couldn’t afford Adobe and had to use Affinity instead.

But here’s the thing: as soon as I could afford it, switching back to Adobe was my top priority. Why? Because the time I saved and the additional capabilities I gained more than made up for the cost. Everything in Affinity was taking me twice as long, and there were certain tasks I simply couldn’t do as efficiently.

For professional designers, I believe Adobe is worth every penny. The industry-standard status, the comprehensive suite of tools, and the constant updates and improvements make it an invaluable investment in your career.

Affiliate Link

If you’re convinced and ready to take the plunge, you can sign up for Adobe Creative Cloud here. Full disclosure: This is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase. However, I only recommend products I use and love, and Adobe definitely falls into that category.

Looking to the Future

While Adobe excels in many areas, there’s always room for improvement. I’d love to see even tighter integration between apps, similar to Affinity’s one-click app switching. Additionally, I’m excited about the potential to work with Adobe on developing resources for multidisciplinary design approaches.

In conclusion, Adobe has been an integral part of my design journey for over a decade. Its evolving yet consistent toolkit, industry-standard status, and commitment to ethical AI integration make it an invaluable asset for any designer, especially those pursuing a multidisciplinary approach. Yes, it’s an investment, but for serious designers, it’s one that pays off many times over.