My Top 10 FREE Creative Tools I’ve Used for Years

As a former graphic design student and current digital marketing apprentice, I always seek ways to express my creativity without breaking the bank. That said, here are some of the top FREE creative tools and platforms (from my experience) I’ve used for years!

Top 10 FREE Creative Tools (In My Opinion)

10: Google Sites

This seems random to have on here but just hear me out! I used Google Sites for a few of my projects as a graphic design student and it allowed me to keep all of my work on the project in one place. I could see where I started as well as the journey I took to get to the result. I also used it as a digital portfolio at the end of each project during my first year where research and evidence are a MUST! So even though this isn’t technically a creative tool, it’s definitely one of the things that helped me to decide whether or not I wanted to make a website of my own one day (and here you are).

9: QRCode Monkey

This is something I’ve started using more recently. QRCode Monkey is a website that allows you to make a customisable QR Code for your websites, socials, anything really. You can add your logo, and change the colour, shape and style. I often use this for social media posts, especially on our Instagram account.

8: Behance

Now this is more for inspiration and I know it is an Adobe-based platform, however, it is completely free to set up an account and scroll through the different things creators have made on the Adobe software. I think this is a great place to start if you want to see which Adobe platform works best for you and what you want to create.

7: Books

Image from Art net Blog, View Here: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/art-books-fall-2016-676049

I tend to get ideas from reading fiction rather than actual artist books but on the blog linked above, you can find out what types of books different creatives read. I like to use imagery I interpret from stories to sometimes make pieces of artwork or to inspire a collection (coming soon in 2024). what is your Favourite Book? Let me know in the comments !!

6: Go Outside!

Image From Pinterest: https://pin.it/4gvE4vZ

Whether you’re on the train, taking a walk or on your family holiday. Sometimes the world around you can inspire loads off different types of art. Most famous artworks are of the great outdoors or portraits, even memories of the adventures they’ve been on. If you having a creative block or are just wanting more ideas, exploring what the world has to offer is an amazing place to start.

What’s your favourite place to visit and why?

5: Creative Market

Creative Market is a website where people sell their own fonts, templates and designs. Though most of the items are paid and there is a membership option, by creating an account you will be sent 4 free assets per month (that’s like downloading one a week). If you’re a creative yourself and are looking for somewhere to sell your designs thats super secure, this is a great option! Simply provide a portfolio of the type of work you want to sell and if they think it will work on their site, you can open your own shop!

4: Bard (Gemini)

Bard by Google is a newer programme that i’ve started using over the course of my Digital Marketing Apprenticeship. From coming up with a caption for a social post to creative names for a new and coming podcast. Bard helps give you ideas when you hit that point in the day where the thought train leaves the station.

3: Colourbook

I started using Colourbook during college when i needed to know all the different codes for the colours I was using depending on whether it would be printed. This website allows you to insert a HEX and it will give you a conversion template for all of the different formats you may use it for e.f CMYK or RGB. I even use this fo the ‘EVERYTHING But…’ colour scheme when i’m working on posters and designs.

2: Pinterest

I’m sure Pinterest is a familiar thing to most creatives, It is a free inspiration hub that has ideas for everyone. You can organise your ideas into individual mood boards and folders so you don’t get your projects mixed up. For me I find myself using it for pictures and Blogs more than Google at times. Especially when it’s for anything artsy. Go give us a follow as I will be starting to post more in the new year! (cheeky self promo). It is completely free to set up an account and has something for everyone so if you haven’t already, why not give it a go?

1: Canva

i’ve used Canva for the last 9 years give or take. It has been my go to for making social media posts, gifs, stickers and everything else. now I am working on selling canva templates and designs that you can use at home. Canva has a paid version which is what I have been using since the website launch however, the free option has 1000s of fun resources for you to use when spicing up your Instagram page as well as many new features coming up so make sure to keep your eye out if your an avid user.

And there you have it…

My top ten FREE Creative tools that I have used over the years. The order is my personal opinion but I would love to hear you top 10 in the comments below!

until next time,

See ya XO