I will pivot slightly from my usual tech topics to discuss design, particularly the software commonly used. When I started my career in graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite was the “must-have” at the time. Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and even Dreamworks were the foundation of my work in college and early on in my career. I was trained to manipulate, create, and design all within the Adobe Suite.

However, after graduation, I faced a harsh reality. While in school, I could pay for the suite with a student discount, but now that I was a professional, the cost exceeded what I could afford. As a newly independent designer, I couldn’t justify the expense, but I still needed robust tools to continue my work. That’s when I started to look into other open-source alternatives.

Thankfully, there are some well-supported open-source tools, like Krita, Inkscape, and GIMP. However, switching to these tools wasn’t an easy process. I spent years learning and mastering how to perform specific tasks all within Adobe’s interfaces and workflows. Don’t get me wrong; each tool has its unique strengths, but they also present challenges, especially when you’ve been trained in a very different ecosystem. I found myself having to relearn certain tasks or adapt my methods to fit these new tools. It’s been a learning experience that continues today, but over time, I’ve grown to appreciate the flexibility and freedom that comes with open-source software.

Ultimately, the shift from Adobe to open-source tools has been a journey of adaptation, patience, and growth. While the tools are different, the principles of design remain the same. The same could be said for development. I’m sure many of you may have similar experiences working with the many different tools available for development. Having access to open-source tools has opened new avenues in design—as well as development—by providing me with the means to continue learning and honing my skills without having to worry about a paywall. It provides opportunities for everyone to experiment and discover what they can achieve.

As I now continue my journey in development, I’m reminded that the tools we use may change, but the creativity, patience, and adaptability we cultivate are what truly matter. Whether you’re a designer learning a new software interface or a developer exploring alternative coding frameworks, the skills we gain in these processes are universally beneficial. Embracing open-source software has not only enriched my skills but also inspired me to explore new avenues in both design and development that I never thought possible. I encourage anyone, regardless of their focus, to take a chance and experiment with these powerful tools; you might just find a new favorite in the process and may even give back to the community you are in.