ESSENTIAL NUMBER 1 - Your Equipment
Your Computer:
This is the big one now-a-days. If you’re going to be a pen-and-ink guy, go a little further down.
We’ll forgo the Mac versus PC thing - that’s really just a matter of choice these days. I am a dyed-in-the-wool Mac freak - but your preference is your preference. The main thing - get the most horsepower and expandability that you can afford. You’ll be using this puppy for a while, and you’ll want to be able to do as much, as quickly as you can with it, so skimping here will cost you money in the long run.
Get something expandable. Don’t get a little bitty box because it’s cute - get a big, juicy tower if you’re going to be setting up in one location. That way, you can add extra drives, more RAM, peripherals and all the groovy little things you want.
Get something fast. Get the biggest, baddest processor (or processors) you can afford. Don’t break the bank on this, as you’ll need money for other things - Red Bull, coffee, monitors, heating, rent, etc - but get the best. If you can work 15% faster because of your computer, that’s 15% more billable time. Every little bit helps.
Get a big monitor. They’re getting cheaper every day. The more real estate you have, the more you can do without scrolling. Again, it’s a time issue - save time, make more money. Another little nugget - CRT monitors (the uncool TV-type monitors) are better for pre-press as their colors are truer than the sexy flat panels. Plus, they’re a lot cheaper. You could get 2 21″ CRT monitors for the same price as a 17″ flat panel.
Get a lot of RAM. This will speed you up more than any other add-on besides the processor. Get as much as you can afford or as much as your machine will hold.
Get a lot of storage - and be redundant. You want to back up regularly, and you want to have plenty of space. If you’re like me (and shouldn’t you be?) you’ll keep every rough draft and every little scrap of every job. That takes space, and since hard drives are pretty cheap - stock up. Also, get at least one removable drive. It’s a good idea to back up to a removable drive as it probably won’t suffer the same fate as your mainframe if it goes down.
The Extras:
There are a few other things you’ll want to grab. They’re not as expensive as your main system - but there’s some stuff that’ll really help out.
A battery backup. Also called a UPS (Uninterrubtible Power Supply,) this will really aid in the longevity of your equipment and your sanity. It helps keep a good, constant power flow to your stuff, and if the power flickers or goes out, you’ll have a few minutes to save everything and shut down without a crash. You can find some here.
A good printer. You’ll need to print a lot of stuff. You’ll need to keep records of emails. Invoices. Letters. Proofs, etc. Get something that prints nicely on plain paper, as the photo paper can get a little costly. Inkjets have really come a long, long way, and they’re nice and cheap. Plus, you can get ink refills really inexpensively, which is good. Get a LOT of black ink.
A scanner. If you do any hand illustration or need to scan photo prints, invest in a decent scanner. Nothing too crazy - but get the best you can afford. Some of the all-in-ones are nice. If you need to scan transparencies or slides, do the world a favor and take them to someone with a drum scanner. None of the scanners that are available to us regular schmoes are really just not good enough to produce a good, print-ready scan. Unless you spend a boatload - and if you’re starting out, you probably don’t have a boatload of cash. If you have a boatload of cash - send me some. Thanks.
A digital camera. Most everyone has one of these anyway, but just in case you need the advice. They’re good for reference shots, taking shots of clients, etc. Get a good one. Do some research and get one that works for you and your needs.
A phone. Get a good one with a speakerphone. Speakerphones are annoying, granted - but they’re really, really nice to have when you need both hands to work while you’re on hold with your cable company.
