Dragons flying out of 3D billboards or a towering Barbie figure stomping right out of the Burj Khalifa. That’s the power of visual content today. 

“Stopping the scroll” is the new currency and brands are investing in it. 

In this digital age, where AI is redefining possibilities, captivating visuals are the ultimate game-changers for brands and creators alike.

In today’s blog post, we have curated a list of tools for business owners. 

But first, let’s brush up on a few tips for crafting compelling visual content.

Tips for Creating Mind-Bending Visuals for Your Audience 

Creating visuals that stand out requires more than aesthetics; it demands a strategic approach. 

Implement the following tips to elevate your visual content when you start your business.

Know What Your Audience Wants 

While a sleek, modern design might appeal to young professionals, a vintage aesthetic could resonate with a different demographic.

By aligning your content with your audience’s interests, you’ll capture attention and foster a loyal following.

Consistency and Brand Identity

How often have you seen a brand’s signature color and instantly recognized it? That’s the power of consistency.

A consistent visual style is your brand’s signature. 

To achieve this, develop a cohesive look and feel across all your platforms using a harmonious color palette, typography, and design elements.

Invest in High-Quality Visuals 

Ever been impressed by a blurry or pixelated product image?

Exactly.

First impressions matter, and high-quality visuals make a powerful statement. 

Always invest in images and graphics that reflect your brand’s commitment to excellence.

Optimize for Different Platforms 

The digital space is diverse. Various platforms cater to different audiences. 

Ensure your visuals are optimized for each platform to maximize their impact. 

For instance, a vertical image might be perfect for Instagram Stories, while a horizontal format excels on YouTube. 

By understanding the nuances of each platform, you can create visuals that truly shine.

Tell a Story

Visuals are powerful storytelling tools. 

Craft narratives that evoke emotions and connect with your audience on a deeper level. 

Consider the emotions you want to evoke – joy, excitement, inspiration – and let your visuals bring that story to life.

Strong Call to Actions (CTAs)

Every visual should have a clear purpose: to inspire action. A well-placed CTA boosts your conversions and engagement. 

Whether it’s “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” or “Subscribe,” make sure your CTA is prominent and compelling. 

And finally, up next, is what tools you should use to translate these tips into marketing marvels. 

Let’s get creative.

Design and Graphics Tools

Take it from the top brands like AirBnB, Netflix, or Shopify: The best way to stay on top of people’s minds is to build a strong brand identity.

It starts with visuals that are simple and minimalistic. Clean and clutter-free.

1. Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop remains the industry standard for image editing and graphic design.

Why is it popular?

Powerful features: Offers a wide variety of tools for photo editing, graphic design, and digital art.

Flexibility: Suitable for beginners and professionals alike.

Best Features

a. Advanced editing tools: Layers, masks, and filters for detailed editing.

b. Content-Aware Fill: Intelligent tool for removing unwanted objects from images.

c. Brushes and effects: Wide array of brushes and special effects for creative design.

d. Integration: Seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud tools.

User Reviews

Customers praise its top-notch capabilities and versatility. But it can be complex for beginners.

Limitations to Consider

a. Steep learning curve for entry-level designers and new users.

b. Subscription-based pricing can be expensive over time.

Pricing

Starts at $20.99/month.

Upcoming Features

a. AI-Powered Tools: Enhanced AI tools for automatic photo editing and design assistance.

b. Collaborative Editing: Real-time collaboration features for team projects.

2. Canva

Canva is leading the pack as a user-friendly graphic design tool perfect for creating stunning visuals quickly and easily.

Why is it popular?

Ease of use: Intuitive drag-and-drop interface.

Wide range of templates: Thousands of customizable templates for various design needs.

Best Features

a. Templates: Pre-designed templates for social media, presentations, and marketing collateral.

b. Stock library: Presents a vast library of images, icons, and fonts.

c. Collaboration: Real-time collaboration features for team projects.

d. Brand Kit: Tools for maintaining brand consistency across designs.

User Reviews

Users love its simple yet diverse template library, though some advanced features are limited.

Limitations to Consider

a. Limited advanced editing features compared to professional software.

b. Some premium elements require a paid subscription.

Pricing

Free plan available; Pro plan starting at $12.99/month.

Upcoming Features

a. Video Editing Tools: Enhanced video creation and editing capabilities.

b. Interactive Design Elements: New interactive elements for creating engaging presentations and social media posts.

A lot of designers use Fiverr Logo Maker as a Canva alternative for short-term projects.

3. Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer by Serif is a powerful vector graphic design software that often rivals Adobe Illustrator.

Why is it popular?

Professional-grade tools: Suitable for professional graphic designers and illustrators.

One-time purchase: No subscription required.

Best Features

a. Vector and raster workspaces: Seamless switching between vector and raster editing.

b. Advanced design tools: Precise vector pen tool, boolean operations, and gradients.

c. High performance: Smooth performance even with large files and complex designs.

d. Export options: Wide range of export options for web, print, and app design.

User Reviews

Customers appreciate its affordability and robust feature set. Although it may lack some niche features of Adobe Illustrator.

Limitations to Consider

a. Steeper learning curve for beginners.

b. Smaller community and fewer tutorials compared to Adobe products.

Pricing

One-time purchase at $54.99.

Upcoming Features

a. Enhanced Collaboration Tools: New features for team collaboration and project sharing.

b. AI-Driven Design Suggestions: AI tools to provide design suggestions and improvements.

4. Sketch

A popular design tool for creating appealing user interfaces and digital designs, Sketch is a top pick of web and app designers.

Why is it popular?

Specialized for UI/UX design: Customized tools for designing interfaces and better user experiences.

Collaboration features: Strong collaborative capabilities for design teams.

Best Features

a. Symbols and reusable components: Create reusable design elements to maintain consistency.

b. Prototyping: Built-in prototyping tools for creating interactive designs.

c. Plugins: Extensive plugin ecosystem to extend functionality.

d. Cloud collaboration: Share and collaborate on designs in real time.

User Reviews

Designers love its focus on UI/UX design and collaboration, though it’s limited to macOS.

Limitations to Consider

a. Only available for Mac users.

b. Subscription-based pricing can add up over time.

Pricing

Starting at $9/month per editor.

Upcoming Features

a. Cross-Platform Support: Plans to introduce a web-based version to support non-Mac users.

b. Enhanced Prototyping Tools: Advanced tools for more interactive and detailed prototyping.

5. Procreate

Procreate is a powerful digital illustration app for iPad that has become a favorite among digital artists.

Why is it popular?

User-friendly: Intuitive interface tailored for touch and Apple Pencil.

Professional-grade tools: Suitable for professional digital artists and illustrators.

Best Features

a. Brush engine: Customizable brushes and high-resolution canvas options.

b. Layer system: Robust layer system for complex artwork.

c. Animation Assist: Tools for creating animations and GIFs.

d. Time-lapse recording: Automatically records your drawing process.

User Reviews

Users praise its ease of use, powerful features, and affordability, though it’s only available on iPad.

Limitations to Consider

a. Limited to iPad users.

b. Not as feature-rich as desktop software for some professional needs.

Pricing

One-time purchase at $9.99.

Upcoming Features

a. 3D Painting Tools: New tools for creating and painting on 3D models.

b. Improved Animation Capabilities: Enhanced features for more detailed and complex animations.

Video Editing Tools

A whopping 91% of businesses leverage video as a marketing vehicle (source: Vidico 2024 statistics). 

Pretty much underscores the importance of a robust video marketing strategy to engage potential customers and drive business growth.

Designers and masterminds behind record-breaking campaigns rely on the following video creation and editing tools.

6. Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is a leading video editing software used by professionals worldwide for creating high-quality videos.

Why is it popular?

Industry standard: Trusted by professionals in film, TV, and online content creation.

Comprehensive features: Offers a wide range of tools for video editing, color correction, audio editing, and more.

Best Features

a. Advanced video editing: Supports multi-camera editing, dynamic trimming, and seamless integration with other Adobe products.

b. Color correction and grading: Lumetri Color tools for precise color adjustments.

c. Audio editing: Essential Sound panel for professional-grade audio.

d. VR editing: Supports immersive video editing with VR tools.

User Reviews

Users appreciate its powerful features and integration with other Adobe tools, though it can be resource-intensive and has a steep learning curve.

Limitations to Consider

a. Expensive subscription model.

b. Requires a powerful computer to run smoothly.

Pricing

Starting at $20.99/month.

7. Final Cut Pro X

Final Cut Pro X by Apple is a favorite among Mac users for its powerful features and intuitive interface.

Why is it popular?

User-friendly: Easy to use for beginners while offering advanced tools for professionals.

Performance: Optimized for Mac, providing smooth and fast performance.

Best Features

a. Magnetic Timeline: Streamlined editing process with automatic alignment.

b. Advanced color grading: Professional color-grading tools with HDR support.

c. Motion graphics: Built-in Motion and Compressor for creating stunning visuals.

d. 360-degree video: Supports 360-degree video editing.

User Reviews

Customers love its fast performance and user-friendly interface, though it’s only available for Mac.

Limitations to Consider

a. Only available for Mac users.

b. Expensive initial purchase price.

Pricing

One-time purchase of $299.99.

8. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve by Blackmagic Design is a powerful video editing and color-grading software known for its professional-grade tools.

Why is it popular?

Comprehensive toolset: Combines video editing, color correction, visual effects, and audio post-production.

High-quality color grading: Industry-leading color correction and grading tools.

Best Features

a. Editing: Professional video editing tools with a multi-user collaboration feature.

b. Color grading: Advanced color-grading with HDR support and a wide range of color correction tools.

c. Fusion: Integrated visual effects and motion graphics.

d. Fairlight: Professional audio post-production.

User Reviews

Users praise its advanced color-grading tools and comprehensive feature set, though it has a steep learning curve.

Limitations to Consider

a. Steep learning curve for beginners.

b. Requires a powerful computer to run smoothly.

Pricing

Free version available; Studio version at $295.

9. Adobe After Effects

Adobe After Effects is a go-to tool for creating stunning visual effects and motion graphics.

Why is it popular?

Versatile: Excellent for compositing, motion graphics, and visual effects.

Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other Adobe Creative Cloud tools.

Best Features

a. Visual effects: Advanced VFX tools for compositing and animation.

b. Motion graphics templates: Streamline workflow with pre-designed templates.

c. 3D camera tracker: Integrate 3D elements into live-action footage.

d. Expressions: Automate animations with JavaScript-based expressions.

User Reviews

Users appreciate its robust feature set and integration with other Adobe tools, but also say that it can be resource-intensive.

Limitations to Consider

a. Resource-intensive and can be slow on older hardware.

b. Subscription-based pricing can add up over time.

Pricing

Starts at $20.99/month.

10. iMovie

iMovie by Apple is a beginner-friendly video editing software offering a host of basic editing tools.

Why is it popular?

User-friendly: Ideal for beginners with an intuitive interface.

Free: Available for free on all Apple devices.

Best Features

a. Simple video editing: Basic tools for trimming, splitting, and merging clips.

b. Themes and templates: Pre-made themes and templates for quick editing.

c. Green screen: Easy green screen effects for background replacement.

d. Trailer templates: Create Hollywood-style trailers with customizable templates.

User Reviews

Users love its ease of use and free availability on Apple devices, though it lacks advanced features for professional editing.

Limitations to Consider

a. Limited advanced editing features.

b. Only available for Apple users.

Pricing

Free for Apple users.

GIF Creation Tools

Creating quirky and engaging GIFs has never been easier with the right tools. 

Here’s a detailed look at the top GIF creation tools, including their upcoming features.

11. GIPHY

Why is it popular?

Massive Library: Access to a vast library of GIFs and stickers.

User-Friendly: Simple interface for creating and sharing GIFs quickly.

Best Features

a. GIF Maker: Create GIFs from videos or images with ease.

b. Stickers and Text: Add animated stickers and text to your GIFs.

c. Social Integration: Share GIFs directly on social media platforms.

User Reviews

Praised for its extensive library and ease of use, though it has limited advanced editing options.

Limitations to Consider

a. Limited customization features.

b. Relies heavily on an internet connection.

Pricing

Free to use.

Upcoming Features

a. Enhanced Editing Tools: Improved tools for customizing GIFs with advanced effects and filters.

b. AI-Powered Suggestions: AI will suggest trending stickers and GIFs based on your recent activity and preferences.

12. EZGIF

Why is it popular?

Ease of use: Simple interface for creating and editing GIFs quickly.

No Signup Needed: Use the tool anytime without creating an account.

Best Features

a. GIF Maker: Create GIFs from images or videos.

b. Editing Tools: Crop, resize, and optimize GIFs easily.

c. Text and Effects: Add text and visual effects to your GIFs.

User Reviews

Known for its ease of use and no-frills approach, but lacks advanced features.

Limitations to Consider

a. Basic editing options.

b. Interfaces can be outdated.

Pricing

Free to use.

Upcoming Features

a. Batch Processing: Ability to process and edit multiple GIFs at once.

b. Improved UI: A more modern user interface for a better user experience.

13. LICEcap

Why is it popular?

Lightweight: Minimal resource usage and easy to use for screen captures.

Simple: Ideal for quick GIF creation from screen activity.

Best Features

a. Screen Recording: Record screen activity and save it as GIFs.

b. Adjustable Frame Rate: Control the frame rate for smoother animations.

c. Text Captions: Add text during recording.

User Reviews

Valued for its simplicity and effectiveness, though it has limited post-recording editing features.

Limitations to Consider

a. Basic editing capabilities.

b. Limited functionality beyond screen recording.

Pricing

Free to use.

Upcoming Features

a. Basic Editing Tools: Tools for trimming and adjusting GIFs after recording.

b. Improved Recording Quality: Enhanced options for higher-resolution screen captures.

14. Gifmaker.me

Why is it popular?

Online Convenience: Create and edit GIFs directly in your browser.

Simple Interface: Easy to navigate with basic tools for GIF creation.

Best Features

a. GIF Maker: Convert videos and images into GIFs.

b. Edit GIFs: Resize, crop, and add effects to your GIFs.

c. GIF Splitter: Split large GIFs into smaller parts for easier handling.

User Reviews

Praised for its ease of use and straightforward functionality, though it has limited advanced features.

Limitations to Consider

a. Limited customization and editing options.

b. Basic design compared to more advanced tools.

Pricing

Free to use.

Upcoming Features

a. Advanced Editing Options: Enhanced tools for more detailed GIF customization.

b. Improved Performance: Faster processing and rendering of GIFs.

15. GIMP

Why is it popular?

Free and Open Source: Powerful tool without the cost of commercial software.

Feature-Rich: Extensive features for advanced GIF creation and editing.

Best Features

a. Animation: Create animations from layers and export as GIFs.

b. Layer Management: Utilize layers for complex GIFs with multiple elements.

c. Advanced Tools: Includes tools for image manipulation and text addition.

User Reviews

Appreciated for its powerful capabilities and being free, but it can be complex for beginners.

Limitations to Consider

a. Steep learning curve.

b. Less intuitive interface compared to other tools.

Pricing

Free to use

Upcoming Features

a. Improved Animation Tools: Enhanced tools for creating smoother and more complex animations.

b. User Interface Updates: Updates aimed at making the interface more user-friendly.

Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) Tools

CGI is turning into a vital tool for experiential marketing. The steady rise of immersive content indicates that CGI technology is here to stay. 

Add the following CGI tools to your marketing stack and never look back.

16. Blender

Blender is a powerful, open-source CGI tool known for its versatility and comprehensive feature set.

Why is it popular?

Comprehensive toolset: Includes 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and compositing.

High-quality output: Capable of producing professional-grade visuals.

Community support: A large user base and extensive documentation.

Best Features

a. Real-time viewport: Interactive rendering with Eevee and Cycles.

b. Sculpting tools: Advanced sculpting capabilities for detailed models.

c. Motion tracking: Integrate CGI elements with real-world footage.

d. Python scripting: Customize and extend functionality.

User Reviews

Users praise Blender for its powerful capabilities and value as a free tool, though the learning curve can be steep.

Upcoming Features

Continuous updates from the community ensure Blender evolves with new features and improvements.

Limitations to Consider

a. Steep learning curve for beginners.

b. Limited customer support.

Pricing

Free

17. Autodesk Maya

Autodesk Maya is a leading CGI tool widely used in the film, TV, and gaming industries.

Why is it popular?

Industry standard: Trusted by professionals for high-end CGI production.

Advanced tools: Robust animation, simulation, and rendering features.

Best Features

a. Bifrost for procedural effects: Create complex simulations and effects.

b. Arnold for rendering: High-quality rendering engine integrated with Maya.

c. Time editor: Non-linear animation editing.

d. MASH procedural effects: Motion graphics and procedural animation tools.

User Reviews

Maya users appreciate its comprehensive feature set and reliability for complex projects, but note that it can be expensive.

Upcoming Features

Regular updates with new tools and enhancements to keep up with industry demands.

Limitations to Consider

a. Expensive for small businesses and freelancers.

b. Resource-intensive, requiring powerful hardware.

Pricing

Starts at $215/month.

18. Cinema 4D

Cinema 4D is renowned for its user-friendly interface and powerful tools, making it a favorite among motion graphics artists.

Why is it popular?

Ease of use: Intuitive interface that’s accessible to beginners.

Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Adobe After Effects.

Best Features

a. MoGraph toolset: Powerful motion graphics tools.

b. Physical render engine: High-quality rendering capabilities.

c. Node-based materials: Flexible material creation.

d. Character animation: Advanced tools for rigging and animating characters.

User Reviews

Users highlight its ease of use and powerful motion graphics tools, though it’s less suited for highly detailed character animation compared to Maya.

Upcoming Features

Regular updates focused on improving performance and adding new creative tools.

Limitations to Consider

a. Higher cost compared to some other tools.

b. Limited in comparison to more specialized CGI software for certain tasks.

Pricing

Starts at $94/month.

19. Adobe After Effects

Adobe After Effects is a go-to tool for creating stunning visual effects and motion graphics.

Why is it popular?

Versatile: Excellent for compositing, motion graphics, and visual effects.

Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other Adobe Creative Cloud tools.

Best Features

a. Visual effects: Advanced VFX tools for compositing and animation.

b. Motion graphics templates: Streamline workflow with pre-designed templates.

c. 3D camera tracker: Integrate 3D elements into live-action footage.

d. Expressions: Automate animations with JavaScript-based expressions.

User Reviews

Users appreciate its robust feature set and integration with other Adobe tools, but maintain that it can be resource-intensive.

Upcoming Features

Adobe frequently updates After Effects with new tools and performance enhancements.

Limitations to Consider

a. Resource-intensive and can be slow on older hardware.

b. Subscription-based pricing can add up over time.

Pricing

Starts at $20.99/month.

20. Houdini

Houdini by SideFX is known for its procedural generation capabilities, making it ideal for creating complex simulations and effects.

Why is it popular?

Procedural workflow: Ideal for creating intricate simulations and visual effects.

Flexibility: Highly customizable with a powerful node-based workflow.

Best Features

a. VFX tools: Advanced tools for particles, fluids, and destruction effects.

b. Procedural modeling: Create complex models with node-based workflows.

c. Mantra render engine: High-quality rendering capabilities.

d. Integration: Supports integration with other major CGI tools.

User Reviews

Users praise Houdini for its powerful procedural tools and flexibility despite its steep learning curve.

Upcoming Features

Continuous development with new procedural tools and enhancements.

Limitations to Consider

a. Steep learning curve, especially for beginners.

b. Higher cost for full-featured versions.

Pricing

Starting at $1995/year for the Indie version.

Let doola be Your Partner in Success

Creating stunning visuals is just the beginning. doola can help you develop a comprehensive strategy that aligns with your business goals. 

Our team of experts can assist with forming an LLC, tax consultation, and guidance with compliance mandates.

Combining the power of modern tools with doola’s strategic guidance, you can take your content creation journey to a whole new dimension. 

Schedule your consultation today. 

Get your creative cap on, and let’s doola it!