Start Using the Tools of Your Trade.

All incoming students in the School of Art, Design and Creative Industries (ADCI) are required to have their own laptop computer. This requirement reflects the nature of visual arts in the 21st century. Students should plan to bring their laptop to all ADCI classes. This is especially true for graphic design majors, who rely heavily on Adobe Creative Cloud programs as professional tools. Whatever you major, having a laptop will make you a more productive student, as anywhere can become a creative space, allowing for collaboration and creativity at a moment’s notice.

We understand that laptops are not cheap. Laptops are, however, an essential tool for your professional future. The good news is that required laptops can be included in your cost of attendance for financial aid. Since we require a laptop, you can visit with the Office of Financial Aid about evaluating your financial aid eligibility to include the laptop purchase. Ask them about it.

Mac or PC?

It doesn't matter! The platform is up to you. Both Mac and Windows hardware is sufficient for the programs students need, though not all PC's are adequate to run the necessary software. Please check carefully if the computer you intend to buy will run Adobe Creative Cloud software. That being said, most ADCI faculty prefer the Mac platform, and this is true for many areas in the visual arts — but there are exceptions. Most animation and CAD work is performed on PC computers. Students entering ADCI should choose whichever platform they are most comfortable with, but we encourage you to make an informed selection based on your career goals.

Software & Storage

Whichever platform you choose, your laptop will need to run high-end software and be able to handle large files. The main requirement is that your laptop must be able to run Adobe Creative Cloud. This a professional tool not just for graphic designers, but also for studio artists who maintain a digital portfolio and a web presence, art historians who handle high-quality images of artwork and art educators who introduce younger generations to arts and technology.

These are the most commonly used programs used in ADCI classes (each are linked to their system requirements):

If you are a WSU student, visit the Resources page of the Technology Help Desk website to purchase and download this software with your myWSU ID.

When purchasing a new laptop, pay particular attention to the processor speed and the amount of RAM or unified memory. This is internal memory that holds your operating system and active software while the computer is on. Purchase a laptop with as much RAM or unified memory as you can afford (more is ALWAYS better). 8GB of internal memory is usually a minimum, 16GB is much better.

Graphics processing (GPU) and screen size are also worth considering. If you plan on work with high-quialty images or video, make sure your GPU meets Adobe requirements. For screen size, some students prefer a smaller, more portable laptop with an inexpensive external monitor at home.

Adequate storage space on a hard drive is also important to hold the work you will create. External hard drives are highly recommended and are relatively inexpensive. External hard drives provide extra storage space and backup protection if your laptop is damaged.

Questions regarding the capabilities of specific laptops are worth careful Internet research. Look into the professional requirements and preferences of your field as well to make an informed decision.

Other Questions

I think I would prefer a desktop computer. Do I have to buy a laptop?

While having access to a desktop computer is great, we require laptops. Depending on your major, many classes will require that you have your computer with you in class. Most students find that having a laptop allows for greater flexibility and productivity.

What about non-majors who take ADCI courses?

While most students today are coming to WSU with their own laptops, not all students have the software we use. ADCI maintains a small mobile laptop lab for non-majors. These laptops have all the software needed for our courses and may be checked out and used in the building during regular school hours. Visit the Art Office in McKnight 302 to check out available laptops. The university also provides access to a computer lab with the needed software in Ablah Library.

What about an iPad or Tablet?

While these devices have made huge strides in the past few years, they are still not a satisfactory replacement for a fully functional laptop. Our strong recommendation is to purchase a good laptop for the bulk of your work.

What about printing?

We have a variety of low-cost printing options for students through the Art Office. Check with our administrative specialist for more information or call the office: 316-978-3555.

Who will provide technical support?

For technical support, search Google first. There’s a good chance someone has experienced and solved the issue. If you can't readily find a solution, contact the support services for your hardware or software companies. For network issues and WSU services (such as Blackboard access), contact the university Help Desk at helpdesk@wichita.edu or 316-978-HELP.

Is there anything else I might need?

You can spend a lot of money on computer equipment, but a few specific items will make your life much easier:

  • An external hard drive for backup and long-term storage can be immensely helpful. Backup your work! There is nothing worse than losing your work due to a laptop failure. There are a great many free, online file storage options like Dropbox and iCloud. Just keep in mind that these services require a fast Internet connection to upload and download large files.
  • A wireless mouse will usually be much easier to use than the computer’s built in track pad. You can purchase a wireless mouse for around $30. Wired mouses are even less expensive.
  • A decent flash drive (4GB or greater) for sharing files with colleagues when working on group projects. This is also convenient when you need to print files.
  • Speaking of printing, a small inkjet printer/scanner combination can be a good investment for your academic career

This is not meant to be an exhaustive list. Depending on your intended field, you may require additional equipment. Photography students will need digital SLRs and may want to invest in a higher quality photo printer. Graphic design students may want better quality printers that print larger sizes up to 13” x 20." Drawing and painting students may look at drawing tablets in addition to mice. Students interested in animation and video might need a decent video camera. The list goes on and on! It is always a good idea to do your research and buy a good laptop to start out. Just remember that you may need to add additional equipment as you progress in your degree field. You can always ask our faculty and your fellow students for advice.