December 07, 2024

Like most people, I have a preference for the tried and true—especially when it comes to tools I use regularly. Over the years, I’ve shifted away from some well-known industry standards in favour of tools that better suit my needs. For instance, I left Photoshop behind many years ago and transitioned to Clip Studio Paint, which has been a fantastic tool for my digital painting and design work. However, replacing Freehand, my go-to vector drawing application, was a much bigger challenge. For years, the best replacement I found was Graphic—a sleek and user-friendly app that fit my workflow perfectly. Unfortunately, Graphic was acquired and has since been left to languish, which left me once again searching for a reliable solution.

This Black Friday, I took the plunge into Affinity Designer, thanks to their excellent pricing. After spending some time with it, I must say, I’m thoroughly impressed. As someone who has been drawing with bezier curves since the days of Freehand 1, finding a tool that feels intuitive and powerful has always been a priority. Affinity Designer not only looks good but also performs exceptionally well, offering the precision and flexibility I need for vector work. It’s refreshing to discover a modern application that respects the legacy of great design tools while pushing forward with innovative features. If you’re considering a switch, Affinity Designer is well worth a look!

Oh, and Chris brought the Rhodes VST