Utilizing Adobe Creative Cloud

By Jenna LaBorde

Graphic design can be an integral part of public relations, from designing websites to social media graphics. Chances are Adobe Creative Cloud has an app to help you create content. Fortunately for Boston University COM students and faculty, Adobe Creative Cloud is available for free. Check out this link to access it. Adobe Creative Cloud has over 20 applications available to users, and it can be confusing to know which ones to use for which purposes. Here to help, I’ve compiled a list of  four apps that public relations professionals can use to serve their clients better:

• Photoshop

Over the years, Adobe Photoshop has become a household name. We’ve all seen haphazard editing of people’s heads onto the bodies of celebrities, but Photoshop also has features that appeal to designers and digital artists. If you’re looking to edit or manipulate an image, check out Photoshop.

• InDesign

Adobe InDesign is useful when creating a layout with a lot of text and graphics. Professionals often use InDesign to create magazines, newspapers, and other text-heavy projects. If you’re working on a project with multiple pages, InDesign is the app for you.

• Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom is relatively similar to Photoshop, but Photoshop has more advanced functions for photo editing. Lightroom is best used for a quick and basic edit of photos. This makes Lightroom easier for beginners to use. It is also a great stepping stone towards becoming a master of Photoshop.

• Illustrator

In need of a new logo or icon? Adobe Illustrator is probably your best choice. While it may also seem quite similar to Photoshop, Illustrator is useful when you’re not working with actual photos. Illustrator is a phenomenal tool when you’re looking to create a business card with a unique logo or a billboard with an eye-catching graphic.

Now that you know what application is best used for each content-creating need, you are probably looking to learn hands-on experience! Most universities offer classes to help. Look into your school’s graphic design classes. For BU students, CM501: Design and Software is a great start! There are also a plethora of YouTube tutorials that can give you a crash course.