I'll be honest – I was a bit nervous about making such a change. Adobe had been my go-to for so long, and I had become so familiar with its tools and workflows. The thought of starting over with new software did NOT sound fun to me. However, since Affinity announced they were extending a generous free trial (6 months, even if you previously had a free trial), I decided to give it a try.

So, I dove into Affinity Designer and Affinity Photo (I haven't yet tried Affinity Publisher), and let me tell you, in less than a week, I am more than sold. Not only did these programs meet my expectations, but they also far exceeded them. And for the way I use these tools as a surface designer, I actually like Affinity Designer BETTER than my old Adobe workflow. (Can you say, "Live Pattern Preview"???) It’s been a revelation, and it got me thinking about the broader theme of change and how, if we're open to it, change can be a good thing.

Embracing Change

Change can be scary, especially when it involves stepping out of our comfort zones. But here's the thing: change is often where the magic happens. When we embrace change, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and opportunities for growth. Switching from Adobe to Affinity was a significant change for me, and it has been incredibly rewarding so far.

Overcoming Fear

One of the biggest hurdles to embracing change is fear – fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of not being able to adapt. I had all these fears when I considered switching to Affinity. Would I be able to do all the things I had become so familiar with in Adobe? Would the new tools be intuitive? Would it disrupt my creative flow?

The reality is that fear is a natural part of the process. It’s okay to feel nervous or unsure. The important thing is to push through that fear and give yourself the chance to discover what’s on the other side. For me, the switch to Affinity turned out to be a positive and empowering experience.

Discovering New Strengths

One of the most exciting aspects of embracing change is discovering new strengths and capabilities. Affinity Designer and Affinity Photo have not only matched what I could do in Adobe but have also introduced me to new features and workflows that have enhanced my creativity. It’s been a journey of rediscovery, and I’ve found that I’m more productive and inspired than ever before.

A Better Fit

Sometimes, change leads us to something that fits us better. While Adobe was a fantastic tool, Affinity has proven to be a better fit for my needs and style. The intuitive interface, powerful features, and affordability make it an excellent choice for artists like me. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the things we fear losing aren’t as indispensable as we think, and what we gain can be even more valuable.

Staying Open to Change

The key to navigating change is staying open-minded and flexible. The creative world is always evolving, and as artists, we need to be adaptable. Whether it’s trying new tools, exploring different techniques, or shifting our approach, staying open to change keeps us dynamic and innovative.

Final Thoughts

Switching from Adobe Creative Cloud to Affinity was a big change, but it was a change worth making. It has revitalized my creative process and opened up new possibilities. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that change, while challenging, can lead to incredible growth and new opportunities.

And, yes, I know Serif (Affinity) was recently purchased by Canva, and we do not yet know what change that may entail for the future of Affinity. But that is a change for another day...

As we continue our creative journeys, let’s remember to embrace change with an open heart and mind. Who knows what amazing things await us on the other side?

“Change is the only constant in life. One’s ability to adapt to those changes will determine your success.” – Benjamin Franklin

Here’s to embracing change and all the wonderful surprises it brings!

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