On this page, you will find a list of items that I strongly suggest that you own for yourself if you are serious about getting into the Multimedia Design field.  Please note that the items on this page are only SUGGESTED that you own, not required. I have another page for Equipment Requirements for you to use.

Click the price range of the items to see a sample shopping search online.

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Suggested DSLR Camera Kits & Gear

“My classroom makes use of Canon equipment. You absolutely can buy any other brand of equipment such as Nikon or Sony if you wish, but I suggest you buy the same equipment as the lab, due to overall cost and the ability to use classroom equipment (like classroom lenses) with your own.”
-GD

As a professional Multimedia Artist, you will be expected to own your own camera equipment for product photography, eCommerce photography, and even have the ability to capture HD video, with good audio. I strongly suggest you invest in your own career, and own your own equipment. If you own your own things, you can start to take on private clients right away, and are more valuable to full time employers too (since, they don’t have to provide you with equipment).

Also (this seems to be a thing I am going to keep repeating) you need to educate yourself on the different types of Lenses, and the compatibility with different types of cameras.  Here is a Canon Lens Compatibility guide, which will help you make sense of things BEFORE you spend money.

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Suggested Laptop or Ultrabook

“You will notice right away that I do NOT suggest the purchase of any MAC computers. In my experience and opinion, the are far more costly, and much less functional than modern PC computers. If you want to buy a MAC, you certainly can if you wish. I suggest your read this article titled MAC or PC, the Never-Ending Debate so that you can get a more in depth understanding of my position on the matter.”
-GD

Yes, as a professional you SHOULD have have your own, mobile design machine for client presentations, or work on the go. If you don’t anything about computers, you should very much take the time to educate yourself BEFORE you buy anything, as with any tech purchase. Read articles like this titled How to choose the best computer for graphic design, and start to really understand WHAT you are buying.  Also, don’t confuse this with your REAL design rig, which would be a desktop (shown later).

 

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Suggested Desktop Computer

“It’s worth repeating… If you want to buy a MAC you may feel free to do so, but I would never suggest it, as desktop PCs are cheaper, more powerful, easier to fix & upgrade, as well as far more modular.  Make up your own mind.”
-GD

Having a really strong desktop machine (in my opinion) is absolutely crucial for power-house style work. While a Laptop will do the basic job (even a high end Ultrabook) there is no comparison to the power of a desktop PC. I strongly suggest you have a three screen desktop with the following specs at a bare minimum.

If you are going the custom PC Build route, then there are things to consider.  Like the fact that I don’t add peripherals like keyboards, mice, cams and monitors to the list or price average, since that is 100% up to you to buy what you like. You should read up and learn about how to put together a PC, and before you start learn How To Avoid Common PC Building Mistakes so that you know what you are in for.

• Minimum Desktop PC Specifications ($500-$750)
  • Windows 10
  • Quad Core Processor (2.2-3.2GHz or faster)
  • 8g RAM
  • 1T Hard Drive (7200RPM)
  • 2g Video Card
    • Dual Screen Ports
    • No “Intel HD” or “Integrated” Graphics, ever.

• Suggested Desktop PC Specifications ($1500-$2500)
  • Build your own machine from the ground up!
    • Bring your pieces into class and we will build it together, piece by piece.
  • Components vary, based on what is currently available
    • Windows 10
    • Custom Case
    • 8 Core Proecessor
    • 16g RAM
    • 500g SSD & 1T HDD
    • Liquid Cooling
    • Upgraded Power Supply
    • 4g Video Card
      • 3 Screen Ports