Designers love to argue about design tools. Some treat it as their religion, as if their design tool is the only thing that gives them meaning or an identity.
Perhaps it's classic tribal behavior, similar to the Apple vs. Microsoft debate. A way to be part of a group. Only in this case, it's paralyzing our craft. We seem to be more focused on talking about our tools – criticizing them, praising them or arguing about them – than actually using them.
Zooming out, trying to see this as an outsider, the design community is a big, confusing cluster fuck.
The reason I'm writing this isn't to join the debate (which, from a distance, only seems empty and trivial), but to help newcomers enjoy a smoother start in our walled-in design community. We're making it harder for new designers to enter the industry by artificially complicating our practice.
It is rather simple: The tools don't matter.
The only exception is when working with a team. Only then do your choice of tools make a difference, as they guarantee harmony and efficiency within your team. This may also apply in a larger sense. If one tool has market dominance, it may be beneficial for you to know it, even if you prefer others for personal use.
Otherwise, the only thing that matters is that the tool works. Every tool comes with its own upsides and downsides, but most of them are increasingly the same. They mostly differ in workflow. But I can promise you: they all draw rectangles equally as well. If you can accomplish your work with the tool, then it serves its purpose.
If you work on your own, pick the tool that works best for you. If you work in a team, pick the tool that works best for the team.
Most importantly: Don't let your productivity, dreams or aspirations as a designer get influenced by the software you use. They're only a tiny part of your job.
Use your tools, but don't let your tools use you.
