If you are working as a creative, the chances are that you are already an expert in whatever digital creative tools you use for your work. Rather than focusing on the digital creative mainstays like Photoshop, this list will outline some of the best digital tools to help you work as a creative. Whether you are working freelance or for a creative business, many digital tools can help you to protect your work and manage your projects so you can focus on your creativity.

1. A Fully Managed IT Solution

Whether you are working freelance or as a part of a small business, chances are you don’t have the time to maintain your computer network alone. While it is understandable that you are spending more time on creative endeavours than cybersecurity, it is still important to have your IT maintained. Without a fully managed IT solution, you are leaving yourself open to a range of threats such as cyber-attacks, software failures and hardware issues. It is not difficult to protect yourself and your work against cyber threats, for example, Zeta Sky offers a fully managed IT solution with real-time monitoring, proactive maintenance and a 24/7 help desk that can help you to protect your valuable intellectual property.

2. Productivity Monitors

As a creative, you likely spend a lot of time working alone. While this can be a great way to get lost in your work, it also leaves you open to a wide range of distractions. If you feel that you sometimes struggle with your productivity, there are many tools on the market that can help you. For example, Toggl is a productivity application that is tailored toward freelancers, graphic designers and consultants. Apps like Toggl allow you to track your time and present it in an easily accessible visual format so you can quickly identify where your time is being wasted. These applications can be used across your devices so no matter where you are working, you can track your progress.

3. Project Management Software

Whether you are working as part of a team or as a freelancer, chances are your creative work is mainly project-based. Many digital tools on the market can help you manage your ongoing projects. Every project management software has been developed with a different user in mind, each with its own unique set of features. There are a range of solutions that most project management software offer, like expense tracking, reports, calendar management, scheduling and workforce management.

4. Accountancy Applications

Invoicing and accountancy can be a huge drain on your time, taking your focus away from your creative tasks. Luckily for creatives many digital services will do all your invoicing and accountancy applications for you. For example, applications like Wave and QuickBooks have been designed to speed up and streamline the invoicing process, while applications like Harvest make it quick and easy to track and monitor incoming and outgoing expenses. You can take photographs on your phone and upload them all to the application, so you are always on top of your finances.