Designers Toolbox | Eugene Kovalenko

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Designers Toolbox | Eugene Kovalenko

Designers Toolbox
101
Resources for Drafters, Designers and
Architecture Students
by Eugene Kovalenko

The information contained in this eBook is for informational purposes only.

The material in this guide include information, products or services by third parties. Third Party Materials comprise of the products and opinions expressed by
their owners. As such, I do not assume responsibility or liability for any Third
Party material or opinions. Publication of such Third Party Material is simply a
recommendation and an expression of my own opinion.
No part of this publication shall be reproduced, transmitted, or sold in whole or
in part in any form, without the prior written consent of the author. All trademarks and registered trademarks appearing in this eBook are the property of
their respective owners.
Some of the links in this eBook are affiliate links. This means if you click on
the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add
value to my readers.
2015 DraftingHub & YGK Studio | All Rights Reserved

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Designers Toolbox | Eugene Kovalenko

Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
AutoCAD Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SketchUp Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Photoshop Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Textures & Cutouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Photo

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Productivity

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Field Verification / Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Outsourcing / Freelance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Website / Blogging

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Social Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Blogs, Podcasts & Inspiration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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Designers Toolbox | Eugene Kovalenko

Introduction
Its essential for every designer to have a toolbox of resources that he/
she uses to create exceptional products. Having the right tools handy
allows a designer to concentrate on the project at hand rather than
searching for resources to accomplish that task.
My goal in writing this eBook is to point fellow drafters, designers and
architecture students, in the direction of some very valuable information. A lot of these resources and tools have helped me tremendously
in my drafting business and I hope that they do the same for you.
Because the list of these resources is so vast, I will not provide extended comments on every resources. But I will make sure to include
hyperlinks so you can go straight to website of mentioned resource.
If you find this eBook helpful, the greatest thing you can do is to tell
others about it so they can benefit from it as well. Please feel free to
share these resources with your friends!
I would love to connect with you! I certainly dont want for this eBook to
be the only interaction that we ever have. Please connect with me using any or all of the social mediums listed below.

Sincerely,
Eugene Kovalenko
Blog:
www.draftinghub.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/eugenedrafting
Email: eugene@draftinghub.com

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Designers Toolbox | Eugene Kovalenko

Software
AUTODESK: This is an obvious one but I still want to mention it
here and provide a link to the official website. Whether you are
using basic AutoCAD LT, 3ds Max or Revit, this tool is essential
for any drafting and design firm.
SKETCHUP: This is a must for any drafter, designer or architecture
student. This 3D tool is extremely easy to use. You can create
simple shapes or complicated renderings for your clients to visualize their project.
PHOTOSHOP: Amazing tool that I use every day in my business.
Its an image editing software created by Adobe Systems Inc. You
can edit, crop, resize, correct color and of course add finishing
touches to your renderings.
CHIEF ARCHITECT: Professional 3D architectural home design
software that is easy to use. With this tool you can create 2D
plans or 3D models.
ADOBE ACROBAT: Software created to view, create, manipulate,
print and manage files in PDF (Portable Document Format). I
save all my DWG files in PDF format, its an easy way to share
and comment on drawings.
AIDECAD: Quick and easy way to convert your PDF files into DXF

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Designers Toolbox | Eugene Kovalenko

AutoCAD Resources
CAD-Corner: AutoCAD resources, tools, blocks, details, text styles,
hatch patterns.
AutoCAD Tips Blog: AutoCAD tips and tutorials to help you work
faster and smarter.
CAD-a-Blog: CAD tips, drafting techniques and tech news.
CADNOTES: Website that provides tutorials, tips and troubleshooting for CAD for students and professionals.
BETWEEN THE LINES: Autodesk, Technology, Design and more.
AUTOCAD TIPS: AutoCAD tips for everyday user.
LEE MAC PROGRAMMING: Custom programs for AutoCAD.
AUTOCAD ARCHITECURE BLOG: AutoCAD architecture tutorials,
tips, how-to resources.
ROCKMASTERS CAD RESOURCES: Even though the author of the
website stopped updating the blog, there are still a lot of helpful
posts and tips in the archives.
ARCAT: Free architectural CAD drawings, blocks and details for
download.
CADPIRATE: Website with collection of AutoCAD blocks and details.

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Designers Toolbox | Eugene Kovalenko

SketchUp Resources
SKETCHUP: Official Sketchup website. You can find tutorials and
resources.
MASTERSKETCHUP: Blog where author offers tutorials, reviews,
resources, tips and tricks on SketchUP.
SMUSTARD: Tools and plugins to increase productivity for
Sketchup users.
EXTENSION WAREHOUSE: Official Sketchup extension warehouse. The best place to find and install add-ons.
SKETCHUCATION: 3D Sketchup community for design and engineering professionals.
SKETCHUP TEXTURE: Free collection of 3D models, textures and
tutorials for Sketchup.
3D WAREHOUSE: Official Sketchup 3D warehouse. You can find
free 3D models to use in your project as well as upload yours.
DESIGNER HACKS: Library of tips, tricks and tutorials on
Sketchup.
SKETCH THIS: Sketchup tutorials, articles, 3D printing, projects
and tools for designers.
3DVINCI: List of books for design professionals on Sketchup design.

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Designers Toolbox | Eugene Kovalenko

Photoshop Resources
VISUALIZING ARCHITECTURE: Tutorials on Photoshop, renderings
and more. Amazing quality renderings from author.
THE PLUGIN SITE: Resources and plugins for Photoshop, Elements, Paint Shop Pro, Photo-Paint and Irfanview.
OBSEDIAN DAWN: Free resources for Photoshop including tutorials, brushes, patterns and shapes.
FREE 4 PHOTOSHOP: Free Photoshop brushes, styles, patterns,
shapes and more.
DESIGN.TUTSPLUS: Amazing site with endless resources, tutorials
and freebies.
SMASHING APPS: Free hand drawn icons, brushes, textures and
fonts.
PHOTOSHOP STAR: Photoshop tutorials, blog, resources and freebies.
TUTORIAL 9: Photoshop tutorials, downloads, blog, articles and
inspiration.
PSDFAN: Amazing step by step Photoshop tutorials, free resources and more.
PSHERO: Photoshop tutorials, inspiration gallery, goodies and
articles.

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Designers Toolbox | Eugene Kovalenko

Textures & Cutouts

SKALGUBBAR: Great quality library of cutouts of people by Teodor
J. E.
IMMEDIATE ENTOURAGE: Library of free cutout people, trees and
more for use as architectural entourage.
GOBOTREE: Photography, cutout and texture resource aimed at
the visualization, architecture and design industry.
MR. CUTOUT: Huge library of high quality Photoshop cutouts
ready for your use.
XOIO AIR: Collection of textures, people and more resources for
Photoshop users.
CG TEXTURES: Library of hundreds of free textures, organized by
categories.
TEXTURER: Free textures for 3D modeling, texturing, photoshop
and game development.
TONY TEXTURES: Royalty free stock photo texture gallery of over
4000 items.
RENDER TEXTURES: Database of great quality textures for private
or commercial use.
SWTEXTURE: Blog containing a collection of building material textures.

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Designers Toolbox | Eugene Kovalenko

Photo
UNSPLASH: Free (do whatever you want) high-resolution stock
photos. Amazing quality!
ISTOCKPHOTO: Royalty free stock photos, vector art illustrations,
stock footage and audio for print and use on websites.
FLICKR: CREATIVE COMMONS: Collection of stock photography for
your use.
DREAMSTIME: Library of over 32 million free and royalty free
stock photos, illustrations & vectors.
PHOTOPIN: A free tool that helps bloggers and designers find photos with Creative Commons licensing.
PIXABAY: Search over 380,000 free photos, illustrations, and vectors.
COMPFIGHT: Search engine for visual inspiration and free stock
photos.

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Designers Toolbox | Eugene Kovalenko

Productivity
EVERNOTE: This is something I use every day to store and record
ideas, notes, pictures, articles and more.
HOW I USE EVERNOE IN MY DRAFTING FIRM: Post I wrote on my
blog that I hope will be helpful for small drafting firm owners.
DROPBOX: Online cloud storage for your files.
BOX: Online cloud storage for your files.
SPOTIFY: What is a workday without music in the background?
Spotify is a great app and software for streaming music.

PANDORA: Another online streaming personalized radio that

plays music you choose.
FOLLOWUP: Email tracking and reminder system from your email
inbox.

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Designers Toolbox | Eugene Kovalenko

Field Verification / Office

FIELD VERIFCIATION: Post I wrote about tools and resources I use
for field verification in my drafting firm.
DEWALT TAPES: After hundreds of field verifications I finally
found measuring tapes that are durable and do their job right.
BOSCH LASER MEASURE: For those who like laser measuring devices this tool is perfect.
ROOM SCAN APP: Great app that draws a floor plan by itself. I
wouldnt trust the measurements but a cool tool for a quick plan.
PILOT PRECISE V5 STICK ROLLING BALL PENS: My favorite pens
that I use all the time.
BROTHER MFCJ6920DW PRINTER: The best 11x17 & 8.5x11
combo printer Ive ever owned. Highly recommend it!

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Designers Toolbox | Eugene Kovalenko

Outsourcing / Freelance
ELANCE: Access over two million skilled freelancers from around
the world or create an account and offer your services.
ODESK: Find freelancers to do work for you or offer your services
as a freelancer.
THUMBTACK: A consumer service for finding and hiring local professionals as well as offering your services in your area.
99DESIGNS: Place where you can have different graphic designers compete to design a logo or a website for you.

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Designers Toolbox | Eugene Kovalenko

Website / Blogging
BLUEHOST: One of the largest web hosting services. I use this one
for my website www.draftinghub.com
WORDPRESS: Create a free website or build a blog with free customizable themes.
MAILCHIMP: Online email marketing solution to help you manage
contacts and send out mass emails.

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Designers Toolbox | Eugene Kovalenko

Social Media
TWITTER: Online social networking service that enables users to
send and read short 140-character messages.
FACEBOOK: Social networking service that helps you connect with
friends as well as promote your business.
INSTAGRAM: Take a your pictures or videos, apply filters and
share with your friends.
BUFFER: A tool to schedule all your social media posts throughout
all your social media networks.
BITLY: URL shortening service.

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Designers Toolbox | Eugene Kovalenko

Business
THE HYBRID PROPOSAL FOR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES: Contract templates and video courses on how to set up proposals.
ENTREPRENEUR ARCHITECT FOUNDATIONS: Collection of 50 +
business forms and checklists.
PAYPAL: Worldwide online payment system. Fast and safe way to
send and receive money.

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Designers Toolbox | Eugene Kovalenko

Marketing
VISTAPRINT: Website where you can design and customize affordable marketing materials for your business.
ENVELOPES: Create custom envelopes (sizes, colors, prints) for
your business.
GOOGLE ADWORDS: Advertise locally and attract customers with
your product.
HOUZZ: Great tool for creating your business online profile and
present your work to potential clients.

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Designers Toolbox | Eugene Kovalenko

Books
THE E-MYTH REVISITED: Why most small businesses dont work
and what to do about it | By Michael E. Gerber
BUILDING CODES ILLUSTRATED: A guide to understanding the
2012 international building code | By Francis D. K. Ching
THE WAR OF ART: Break through the blocks and win your inner
creative battles | By Steven Pressfield
THE 4-HOUR WORKWEEK: Escape 9-5, live anywhere, and join the
new rich | By Timothy Ferriss
SKETCHUP TO LAYOUT: The essential guide to creating construction documents with SketchUp Pro and layout.
THE VISUAL HANDBOOK OF BUILDING AND REMODELING: Visual
guide for designers | By Charlie G. Wing

ARCHITECTURE: FORM, SPACE, AND ORDER: A great visual reference to the principles of architecture | By Francis D. K. Ching

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Blogs, Podcasts & Inspiration

LIFEOFANARCHITECT: Personal blog on architecture by Bob
Borson.
ENTREARCHITECT: Website full of resources, blog and podcast
from Mark R. LePage.
BUILD: Discussion of modern design in the Pacific NW by Build
LLC.
YOUNGARCHITECT: A blog for young architects about design by
Michael Riscica.
THINK ARCHITECT: Personal blog of Lee Calisti, architect and
owner of lee CALISTI architecture+design.
SMART PASSIVE INCOME: Learn how to build an online passive
income business with Pat Flynn.
MICHAELHYATT: Thoughts on leading with purpose, personal productivity, book publishing, and social media by Michael Hyatt.
TED: Events where the worlds leading thinkers and doers gather
to find inspiration.
QUOTES ON DESIGN: Random inspirational quotes related to
design.

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