Some great design apps for graphics artists

If you are trying to come up with a great logo, but need some inspirado, or are looking for an app that will let you take your design creations mobile, there are quite a few apps out there that will help you in that department.

Thanks to a suggestion from one of our readers, we have a list of apps that are great for graphics artists, designers, and people who just appreciate the art of design…

Flowboard IconFlowboard – Touch Publishing

This publishing app for the iPad lets you turn pictures and words into a virtual magazine spread. Create professional looking presentations, albums, catalogs and more with the easy-to-use drag and drop features. Enter text manually, add PDF files, use the pre-made fonts, and customize your own style. Add images, hyperlinks, and logos with a few simple taps from Dropbox, Facebook, Instagram, and more. Use preexisting templates from a wide array of styles, or make your own from scratch. Share your final project through various social media sites, using AirPlay on Apple TV, or through the Flowboard public library online. This app is available on the iPad for free.

Adobe Ideas IconAdobe Ideas

Experienced graphics designers probably already have this app, but if you are just getting into mobile creating, Adobe has a fantastic freeform vector app that lets you make complex designs and logos. Using Adobe’s Creative Cloud subscription, you can create and edit projects using vector-based drawing tools with multicolored customizable hues, 10-layer sketching and photo importing, multiple drawing tools, a paint bucket for filling in large areas, and more. Then, sync your design with Creative Cloud and open it up in Illustrator CS6 for detailed refinement. This app is available for free.

iMockups IconiMockups for iPad

Web designers everywhere should already have this app on their iPad. It is an award-winning wireframe mockup app that includes a huge variety of customizable UI controls, including such features as navigation bars, tab panels, pickers, and more. Flick panels out of the way when you don’t want to work on them and collaborate with others on your design. If you don’t have a mockup in mind, choose from a selection of pre-built dynamic controls to help you flush out your ideas. The snap-to gridlines and customizable canvas let you create mockups fast and easy. This app is available for $6.99.

Marksta IconMarksta

In this current age of technology, posting your pictures to social networking sites practically guarantees it will be used somewhere by someone that didn’t ask for your permission. If you are a professional photographer, or just don’t want people taking credit for images you take, add a watermark to each photo with Marksta. Upload company logos, arrange the placement of your watermark, and include a customizable border. You don’t have to worry about ruining your image, either. Marksta preserves the original so you can keep it safe. This app is available for $1.99.

Visualator IconComputer Arts: Visualator

From the graphics design magazine that brought computer graphics to print, this app lets you create interesting and unique abstract art. Using the innovative Gradulate and Triangulate tools, turn your iPhone or iPad screen into a moving, flowing, interactive art piece. Adjust the background, patterns, colors, opacity, size, and wave to create a new design every time. If you like what you see, use it in your design work. The Visualator helps open your mind to new images and ideas. This app is available for free.

Quark DesignPad IconQuark DesignPad

Whether you are in your office or on the go, you can have control over new designs with this workhorse app. Experiment with different layouts using a grid-based mockup template. Create quick displays of posters, advertisements, tri-fold brochures, and more. With this full-featured app, you can have professional-grade design tools anywhere you are at. Collaborate with others and share your ideas through various social networking sites. Print directly from inside the app using AirPrint, sync with Dropbox, or email your design ideas to clients in seconds. This app is available for free.

iFontMaker IconiFontMaker

Serious typography aficionados can now create their own fonts on the iPad. Create completely original hand-drawn fonts in minutes. Start with a basic typeface and drag the lines to change the look. Convert your new letters to TTF files and send them to Adobe CreateSuite, Microsoft Office, and more. You can even use your customized font as a web-based text to really give your blog a personal touch. This app is available for $6.99.