In every creative community, I often hear the same story: “Being a surface designer costs too much. I have to pay for Adobe Suite, Photoshop, Illustrator, iCloud, subscriptions, memberships—it’s overwhelming. Maybe this isn’t for me.”
It saddens me because this thinking is not about passion or talent. It’s about perspective. When creatives think small—focusing only on the cost of tools—they miss the bigger picture: the cost of not pursuing their dream.
So, let’s break this down together.
Passion Doesn’t Vanish—Commitment Does
If you ever find yourself saying “I’m walking away from surface design because I can’t afford the tools,” ask yourself: are you truly losing passion, or are you stepping away from commitment?
Think of it like this: a plumber cannot run a business without tools. He can’t fix a leak or install a system without his toolbox. Those tools are not “optional.” They are the foundation of his trade.
The same is true for you as a designer. Your design software, subscriptions, memberships, and cloud storage—they are your toolbox. Without them, you cannot perform.
The real question isn’t whether you can afford them. It’s whether you are willing to treat your creative practice as a business. Because a business requires investment before it creates profit.
Your Tools Pay for Themselves
At first, paying for software or memberships can feel like a burden. But if you commit, those costs quickly become investments.
A plumber may spend thousands setting up his business: buying tools, a vehicle, and equipment. But once he starts driving around, finding clients, and serving customers, that investment pays for itself.
Design is no different. The Adobe Suite you subscribe to can help you create collections, pitch clients, and license designs. The cloud storage you maintain ensures your files are safe and accessible. The memberships you keep give you opportunities to connect, showcase, and sell.
Every tool is a bridge between your creativity and your customer.
Small Thinking vs. Big Thinking
Some creatives argue they can’t afford the costs—yet they can afford several big holidays each year.
This is not a matter of affordability; it’s a matter of priorities.
Holidays are wonderful, but they do not build your business. Software, subscriptions, and memberships do. If you want your art business to thrive, you must ask yourself honestly: am I prioritising pleasure over progress?
When you think small, you see only the expense. When you think big, you see the return on investment.
Steps to Reassess Your Tools and Subscriptions
Of course, not every subscription or tool is necessary. It’s important to review what you have and focus only on what truly supports your practice. Here’s a simple process:
1. List All Your Tools and Subscriptions
Write down everything you currently pay for—software, memberships, online storage, design platforms, apps. Be honest and complete.
2. Separate Into “Need” and “Nice to Have”
Ask yourself: Do I use this tool regularly to create or run my business? If the answer is yes, it belongs in the “Need” column. If it’s something you barely touch, it’s “Nice to Have.”
For example:
- Need: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, iCloud storage.
- Nice to Have: Extra stock photo subscription you rarely use.
3. Evaluate Each Cost
Look at the monthly or annual cost. Then ask: Does this tool help me earn money or move closer to my goals?
If yes, it stays. If no, it’s time to let it go.
4. Explore Alternatives
Sometimes there are cheaper tools that work just as well, especially when you’re starting out. For example, Procreate for iPad is a one-time purchase. Affinity Designer is another option. But remember: if you want to work with professional clients, Adobe Suite is still the industry standard.
5. Reinvest the Savings
Whatever you save from cutting “Nice to Have” tools, redirect into the essentials. This ensures you’re never under-equipped.
Building a Business Mindset
It’s not enough to have tools—you also need to use them strategically. Here are some ideas:
- Pitch regularly: Send your designs to potential clients, licensing managers, or platforms. Your tools only make sense if they’re helping you create work to share.
- Plan for growth: Treat your subscriptions as part of your monthly business budget. Build in those costs, just as you would rent or utilities.
- Prioritise earning opportunities: Enter competitions, join trade shows, or collaborate with other creatives. Each opportunity can bring you closer to covering your costs—and beyond.
- Track income vs. expenses: Keep a simple spreadsheet. When you see your software costs compared to your potential earnings, you’ll realise they are not as heavy as they seem.
Shifting Priorities
Here’s the truth: many creatives say they “can’t afford” the tools, but what they really mean is “I choose not to prioritise them.”
If you can budget for holidays, dinners out, or new clothes, you can also budget for software. The question is: what matters more right now—temporary pleasure or long-term creative success?
Your art business deserves the same respect as any other business. If you want to grow, you must invest.
Final Thoughts
Walking away from your tools is not walking away from a subscription—it’s walking away from your potential.
If surface design was ever your passion, it still is. But passion alone won’t carry you. You need commitment, tools, and a willingness to think big.
Just as a plumber invests in wrenches and pipes, you must invest in Photoshop, Illustrator, and memberships. These aren’t “luxuries.” They’re necessities. They’re the foundation of your practice.
So, reassess what you have. Keep the essentials. Let go of the waste. Prioritise your business the way you would prioritise any profession.
Because in the end, it’s not the cost of the tools that determines your success. It’s how you use them—and how committed you are to building the creative life you dream of.
Ready to Begin Your Creative Journey?
Are you a creative or a Pivoter, someone ready to start a new career or transition into the world of art and design?
Don’t wait for the “perfect moment.”
The best way to grow is to start and to keep showing up.
At ArtSHINE, our Launchpad & Accelerator Program is designed to guide you step by step – helping you discover your strengths, build your portfolio, and turn your passion into a sustainable career.
Take the leap today: LPA.artshine.com
Your journey starts now.
