Our Three Step Process
February 7, 2025
Underrated Creative Toolkits You Must Know
Our Three Step Process
February 7, 2025
Underrated Creative Toolkits You Must Know
When it comes to creative work, most people rely on the same tools: Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva, Figma, Procreate. They’re powerful, yes, but they’re also expensive, heavy to learn, and sometimes not the best choice for specific tasks.
What many don’t realize is that there are dozens of underrated apps and software out there that can make your workflow easier, spark new ideas, and even save you money. These hidden gems don’t always trend on social media, but they’re the quiet workhorses that creative professionals around the world rely on every day.
Here’s a closer look at ten of them, and why you should try adding at least one to your toolkit.
Why Try Lesser-Known Tools?
It’s easy to think: “Why not just stick to what everyone else uses?” But here’s the thing, different tools can completely change the way you work.
They save time. Some tools are built to do one thing very efficiently, instead of trying to do everything.
They save money. Many alternatives are free or have a one-time payment instead of monthly subscriptions.
They help you think differently. A fresh interface or feature can break creative blocks.
They make you stand out. If everyone’s using Canva templates, your work risks looking like everyone else’s.
1. Krita – Professional Drawing Without the Price
Krita is a free digital painting app that feels like Photoshop without the heavy cost. Artists use it for illustrations, comics, and even animations.
Unlike some free apps that feel watered down, Krita is feature-packed: customizable brushes, stabilizers for smoother strokes, and even onion-skinning for frame-by-frame animation. If you’ve ever wanted Procreate but don’t own an iPad, Krita is the closest alternative.
Example: Many independent comic artists and concept designers rely on Krita because it lets them create high-quality work without worrying about subscriptions.
2. Milanote – Your Digital Pinboard
Ever tried brainstorming ideas on sticky notes or saving random links in a folder, only to forget about them? Milanote solves this by giving you a flexible digital workspace.
You can drag and drop text, images, and links onto a canvas, building moodboards or project outlines. It feels like arranging ideas on a wall but online.
Example: A marketing team planning a campaign can collect ad samples, notes, and sketches in one Milanote board. When they pitch the idea, the visuals speak louder than plain slides.
3. Obsidian – Notes That Connect
Obsidian is not just for writing notes, it’s for connecting them. Think of it like building your own personal knowledge map. Each note links to another, showing how your ideas connect over time.
This is especially powerful for writers, researchers, or anyone working on long-term projects. You don’t just save information; you build a system that grows with you.
Example: A content creator can use Obsidian to link research notes, video ideas, and scripts. Over months, patterns emerge, making it easier to plan series or ebooks.
4. Blender – Beyond 3D Models
Most people think Blender is just for hardcore 3D artists, but it’s actually an all-in-one creative studio. It can handle 3D modeling, animations, VFX, sculpting, and even video editing.
The best part? It’s completely free, yet capable of movie-quality results. Major studios have even used Blender for professional productions.
Example: A small startup that can’t afford expensive 3D software can still create product mockups, animated ads, and tutorials, all with Blender.
5. Affinity Suite – Pay Once, Own It Forever
The Affinity apps (Designer, Photo, Publisher) are professional alternatives to Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. But instead of monthly payments, you buy them once and own them.
They’re fast, sleek, and powerful enough for professional work. Many freelancers and small agencies have switched to Affinity to cut costs while keeping quality.
Example: A freelance designer who used to pay $50 a month for Adobe can switch to Affinity and spend under $70 once, with free updates for years.
6. PureRef – Simple but Brilliant
PureRef is one of those apps that does one thing so well you’ll wonder how you worked without it. It lets you keep reference images floating on your screen while you work.
No more switching tabs or juggling windows, your visual inspiration is always there.
Example: An illustrator working on a portrait can keep several photo references pinned while painting in Krita or Photoshop, saving constant back-and-forth.
7. Lunacy – Free Design With Extras
Lunacy is a vector design tool like Figma or Sketch, but with some unique advantages: it works offline, it’s free, and it has built-in AI features like background removal and text generation.
It’s not as popular yet, but many UI/UX designers find it surprisingly powerful for wireframes, app designs, or quick layouts.
Example: A freelance app designer can build wireframes in Lunacy even without internet, something Figma doesn’t allow.
8. Notion AI – Smarter Organization
Notion is already known for organizing projects and notes, but its AI features are still underrated. With one click, it can turn messy notes into summaries, brainstorm blog ideas, or rewrite meeting minutes.
This is a huge time-saver for busy professionals. Instead of spending hours cleaning up notes, you can focus on real work.
Example: A project manager can drop raw meeting notes into Notion AI and instantly get a clean to-do list for the whole team.
9. Descript – Edit Videos Like a Document
Descript makes editing video and audio as simple as editing text. You upload your recording, and it creates a transcript. Delete words in the transcript, and they disappear from the video.
It’s beginner-friendly but powerful enough for serious content creators.
Example: A podcaster who stumbles a lot while speaking can simply delete the “ums” and mistakes in the transcript, and Descript automatically cleans the audio.
10. Inkscape – Free Vector Graphics
Inkscape is a free alternative to Illustrator for creating logos, icons, and illustrations. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and great for beginners or hobbyists.
It may not have every feature of Illustrator, but it’s perfect for quick projects or learning vector design without spending money.
Example: A small business owner can design a clean, scalable logo in Inkscape without hiring a designer or paying for subscriptions.
How to Choose Which Tool to Try
With so many options, here’s how to decide:
Know what you need. Are you trying to save money, save time, or unlock new ideas?
Test it out. Most are free or cheap, so you lose nothing by experimenting.
Start small. Add one tool to your workflow instead of replacing everything at once.
Check support. Look for tutorials and communities, these make learning much easier.
The Bigger Picture
Your tools shape the way you work. While mainstream apps are reliable, they can also limit your creativity if you never try alternatives.
By exploring hidden gems, you discover faster workflows, unique styles, and sometimes a whole new way of creating.
Creativity isn’t just about skill, it’s also about the tools you choose. While the big names like Adobe and Canva dominate the conversation, underrated apps like Krita, Milanote, Descript, and PureRef prove that you don’t always need the most popular software to create great work.
The next time you feel stuck or uninspired, try experimenting with one of these lesser-known toolkits. You might find yourself working faster, saving money, and even enjoying the process more.
Because in the end, the right tool isn’t the one everyone uses, it’s the one that works best for you.
Written by Lorrein Joy Luna
What many don’t realize is that there are dozens of underrated apps and software out there that can make your workflow easier, spark new ideas, and even save you money. These hidden gems don’t always trend on social media, but they’re the quiet workhorses that creative professionals around the world rely on every day.
Here’s a closer look at ten of them, and why you should try adding at least one to your toolkit.
Why Try Lesser-Known Tools?
It’s easy to think: “Why not just stick to what everyone else uses?” But here’s the thing, different tools can completely change the way you work.
They save time. Some tools are built to do one thing very efficiently, instead of trying to do everything.
They save money. Many alternatives are free or have a one-time payment instead of monthly subscriptions.
They help you think differently. A fresh interface or feature can break creative blocks.
They make you stand out. If everyone’s using Canva templates, your work risks looking like everyone else’s.
1. Krita – Professional Drawing Without the Price
Krita is a free digital painting app that feels like Photoshop without the heavy cost. Artists use it for illustrations, comics, and even animations.
Unlike some free apps that feel watered down, Krita is feature-packed: customizable brushes, stabilizers for smoother strokes, and even onion-skinning for frame-by-frame animation. If you’ve ever wanted Procreate but don’t own an iPad, Krita is the closest alternative.
Example: Many independent comic artists and concept designers rely on Krita because it lets them create high-quality work without worrying about subscriptions.
2. Milanote – Your Digital Pinboard
Ever tried brainstorming ideas on sticky notes or saving random links in a folder, only to forget about them? Milanote solves this by giving you a flexible digital workspace.
You can drag and drop text, images, and links onto a canvas, building moodboards or project outlines. It feels like arranging ideas on a wall but online.
Example: A marketing team planning a campaign can collect ad samples, notes, and sketches in one Milanote board. When they pitch the idea, the visuals speak louder than plain slides.
3. Obsidian – Notes That Connect
Obsidian is not just for writing notes, it’s for connecting them. Think of it like building your own personal knowledge map. Each note links to another, showing how your ideas connect over time.
This is especially powerful for writers, researchers, or anyone working on long-term projects. You don’t just save information; you build a system that grows with you.
Example: A content creator can use Obsidian to link research notes, video ideas, and scripts. Over months, patterns emerge, making it easier to plan series or ebooks.
4. Blender – Beyond 3D Models
Most people think Blender is just for hardcore 3D artists, but it’s actually an all-in-one creative studio. It can handle 3D modeling, animations, VFX, sculpting, and even video editing.
The best part? It’s completely free, yet capable of movie-quality results. Major studios have even used Blender for professional productions.
Example: A small startup that can’t afford expensive 3D software can still create product mockups, animated ads, and tutorials, all with Blender.
5. Affinity Suite – Pay Once, Own It Forever
The Affinity apps (Designer, Photo, Publisher) are professional alternatives to Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. But instead of monthly payments, you buy them once and own them.
They’re fast, sleek, and powerful enough for professional work. Many freelancers and small agencies have switched to Affinity to cut costs while keeping quality.
Example: A freelance designer who used to pay $50 a month for Adobe can switch to Affinity and spend under $70 once, with free updates for years.
6. PureRef – Simple but Brilliant
PureRef is one of those apps that does one thing so well you’ll wonder how you worked without it. It lets you keep reference images floating on your screen while you work.
No more switching tabs or juggling windows, your visual inspiration is always there.
Example: An illustrator working on a portrait can keep several photo references pinned while painting in Krita or Photoshop, saving constant back-and-forth.
7. Lunacy – Free Design With Extras
Lunacy is a vector design tool like Figma or Sketch, but with some unique advantages: it works offline, it’s free, and it has built-in AI features like background removal and text generation.
It’s not as popular yet, but many UI/UX designers find it surprisingly powerful for wireframes, app designs, or quick layouts.
Example: A freelance app designer can build wireframes in Lunacy even without internet, something Figma doesn’t allow.
8. Notion AI – Smarter Organization
Notion is already known for organizing projects and notes, but its AI features are still underrated. With one click, it can turn messy notes into summaries, brainstorm blog ideas, or rewrite meeting minutes.
This is a huge time-saver for busy professionals. Instead of spending hours cleaning up notes, you can focus on real work.
Example: A project manager can drop raw meeting notes into Notion AI and instantly get a clean to-do list for the whole team.
9. Descript – Edit Videos Like a Document
Descript makes editing video and audio as simple as editing text. You upload your recording, and it creates a transcript. Delete words in the transcript, and they disappear from the video.
It’s beginner-friendly but powerful enough for serious content creators.
Example: A podcaster who stumbles a lot while speaking can simply delete the “ums” and mistakes in the transcript, and Descript automatically cleans the audio.
10. Inkscape – Free Vector Graphics
Inkscape is a free alternative to Illustrator for creating logos, icons, and illustrations. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and great for beginners or hobbyists.
It may not have every feature of Illustrator, but it’s perfect for quick projects or learning vector design without spending money.
Example: A small business owner can design a clean, scalable logo in Inkscape without hiring a designer or paying for subscriptions.
How to Choose Which Tool to Try
With so many options, here’s how to decide:
Know what you need. Are you trying to save money, save time, or unlock new ideas?
Test it out. Most are free or cheap, so you lose nothing by experimenting.
Start small. Add one tool to your workflow instead of replacing everything at once.
Check support. Look for tutorials and communities, these make learning much easier.
The Bigger Picture
Your tools shape the way you work. While mainstream apps are reliable, they can also limit your creativity if you never try alternatives.
By exploring hidden gems, you discover faster workflows, unique styles, and sometimes a whole new way of creating.
Creativity isn’t just about skill, it’s also about the tools you choose. While the big names like Adobe and Canva dominate the conversation, underrated apps like Krita, Milanote, Descript, and PureRef prove that you don’t always need the most popular software to create great work.
The next time you feel stuck or uninspired, try experimenting with one of these lesser-known toolkits. You might find yourself working faster, saving money, and even enjoying the process more.
Because in the end, the right tool isn’t the one everyone uses, it’s the one that works best for you.
Written by Lorrein Joy Luna
When it comes to creative work, most people rely on the same tools: Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva, Figma, Procreate. They’re powerful, yes, but they’re also expensive, heavy to learn, and sometimes not the best choice for specific tasks.
What many don’t realize is that there are dozens of underrated apps and software out there that can make your workflow easier, spark new ideas, and even save you money. These hidden gems don’t always trend on social media, but they’re the quiet workhorses that creative professionals around the world rely on every day.
Here’s a closer look at ten of them, and why you should try adding at least one to your toolkit.
Why Try Lesser-Known Tools?
It’s easy to think: “Why not just stick to what everyone else uses?” But here’s the thing, different tools can completely change the way you work.
They save time. Some tools are built to do one thing very efficiently, instead of trying to do everything.
They save money. Many alternatives are free or have a one-time payment instead of monthly subscriptions.
They help you think differently. A fresh interface or feature can break creative blocks.
They make you stand out. If everyone’s using Canva templates, your work risks looking like everyone else’s.
1. Krita – Professional Drawing Without the Price
Krita is a free digital painting app that feels like Photoshop without the heavy cost. Artists use it for illustrations, comics, and even animations.
Unlike some free apps that feel watered down, Krita is feature-packed: customizable brushes, stabilizers for smoother strokes, and even onion-skinning for frame-by-frame animation. If you’ve ever wanted Procreate but don’t own an iPad, Krita is the closest alternative.
Example: Many independent comic artists and concept designers rely on Krita because it lets them create high-quality work without worrying about subscriptions.
2. Milanote – Your Digital Pinboard
Ever tried brainstorming ideas on sticky notes or saving random links in a folder, only to forget about them? Milanote solves this by giving you a flexible digital workspace.
You can drag and drop text, images, and links onto a canvas, building moodboards or project outlines. It feels like arranging ideas on a wall but online.
Example: A marketing team planning a campaign can collect ad samples, notes, and sketches in one Milanote board. When they pitch the idea, the visuals speak louder than plain slides.
3. Obsidian – Notes That Connect
Obsidian is not just for writing notes, it’s for connecting them. Think of it like building your own personal knowledge map. Each note links to another, showing how your ideas connect over time.
This is especially powerful for writers, researchers, or anyone working on long-term projects. You don’t just save information; you build a system that grows with you.
Example: A content creator can use Obsidian to link research notes, video ideas, and scripts. Over months, patterns emerge, making it easier to plan series or ebooks.
4. Blender – Beyond 3D Models
Most people think Blender is just for hardcore 3D artists, but it’s actually an all-in-one creative studio. It can handle 3D modeling, animations, VFX, sculpting, and even video editing.
The best part? It’s completely free, yet capable of movie-quality results. Major studios have even used Blender for professional productions.
Example: A small startup that can’t afford expensive 3D software can still create product mockups, animated ads, and tutorials, all with Blender.
5. Affinity Suite – Pay Once, Own It Forever
The Affinity apps (Designer, Photo, Publisher) are professional alternatives to Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. But instead of monthly payments, you buy them once and own them.
They’re fast, sleek, and powerful enough for professional work. Many freelancers and small agencies have switched to Affinity to cut costs while keeping quality.
Example: A freelance designer who used to pay $50 a month for Adobe can switch to Affinity and spend under $70 once, with free updates for years.
6. PureRef – Simple but Brilliant
PureRef is one of those apps that does one thing so well you’ll wonder how you worked without it. It lets you keep reference images floating on your screen while you work.
No more switching tabs or juggling windows, your visual inspiration is always there.
Example: An illustrator working on a portrait can keep several photo references pinned while painting in Krita or Photoshop, saving constant back-and-forth.
7. Lunacy – Free Design With Extras
Lunacy is a vector design tool like Figma or Sketch, but with some unique advantages: it works offline, it’s free, and it has built-in AI features like background removal and text generation.
It’s not as popular yet, but many UI/UX designers find it surprisingly powerful for wireframes, app designs, or quick layouts.
Example: A freelance app designer can build wireframes in Lunacy even without internet, something Figma doesn’t allow.
8. Notion AI – Smarter Organization
Notion is already known for organizing projects and notes, but its AI features are still underrated. With one click, it can turn messy notes into summaries, brainstorm blog ideas, or rewrite meeting minutes.
This is a huge time-saver for busy professionals. Instead of spending hours cleaning up notes, you can focus on real work.
Example: A project manager can drop raw meeting notes into Notion AI and instantly get a clean to-do list for the whole team.
9. Descript – Edit Videos Like a Document
Descript makes editing video and audio as simple as editing text. You upload your recording, and it creates a transcript. Delete words in the transcript, and they disappear from the video.
It’s beginner-friendly but powerful enough for serious content creators.
Example: A podcaster who stumbles a lot while speaking can simply delete the “ums” and mistakes in the transcript, and Descript automatically cleans the audio.
10. Inkscape – Free Vector Graphics
Inkscape is a free alternative to Illustrator for creating logos, icons, and illustrations. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and great for beginners or hobbyists.
It may not have every feature of Illustrator, but it’s perfect for quick projects or learning vector design without spending money.
Example: A small business owner can design a clean, scalable logo in Inkscape without hiring a designer or paying for subscriptions.
How to Choose Which Tool to Try
With so many options, here’s how to decide:
Know what you need. Are you trying to save money, save time, or unlock new ideas?
Test it out. Most are free or cheap, so you lose nothing by experimenting.
Start small. Add one tool to your workflow instead of replacing everything at once.
Check support. Look for tutorials and communities, these make learning much easier.
The Bigger Picture
Your tools shape the way you work. While mainstream apps are reliable, they can also limit your creativity if you never try alternatives.
By exploring hidden gems, you discover faster workflows, unique styles, and sometimes a whole new way of creating.
Creativity isn’t just about skill, it’s also about the tools you choose. While the big names like Adobe and Canva dominate the conversation, underrated apps like Krita, Milanote, Descript, and PureRef prove that you don’t always need the most popular software to create great work.
The next time you feel stuck or uninspired, try experimenting with one of these lesser-known toolkits. You might find yourself working faster, saving money, and even enjoying the process more.
Because in the end, the right tool isn’t the one everyone uses, it’s the one that works best for you.
Written by Lorrein Joy Luna
Other Blogs
Other Blogs
Check our other project Blogs with useful insight and information for your businesses
Other Blogs
Other Blogs
Check our other project Blogs with useful insight and information for your businesses
Other Blogs
Other Blogs
Check our other project Blogs with useful insight and information for your businesses