Laptop Recommendations

Visual Arts labs provide access to specialized software and equipment, including Adobe Creative Cloud on our iMacs using student UNG credentials. These labs are managed by faculty assigned to those spaces, and access may vary based on class schedules and course needs. Students interested in using a specific lab outside of class time should contact the faculty member responsible for that space. Priority access is given to scheduled classes. All iMacs may be used for coursework, printing preparation, and creative projects while working on campus.

Visual Arts majors and minors are strongly encouraged to maintain regular access to a reliable computer for creative coursework and online learning. While students may complete work using department computer labs, many students prefer having a personal laptop for flexibility, file access, and off-campus work.

Adobe Creative Cloud software is widely used by the Visual Arts programs at the University of North Georgia. While not every area uses Adobe software in the same way, many students will encounter Adobe-based workflows, file formats, or creative applications during their time within the department. Students using department iMac labs may access Adobe Creative Cloud software using their UNG login credentials while working on campus. Students planning to install Adobe software on personal laptops will need to purchase an individual Adobe Creative Cloud Student Plan.

Some faculty and students may explore free, open-source, or lower-cost software alternatives depending on the course, project goals, and workflow needs. However, many Visual Arts courses utilize industry-standard software and file formats commonly used within professional creative industries. Students should review course expectations carefully and consult directly with faculty regarding software compatibility and assignment requirements.

Both Apple and Windows computers are acceptable for Visual Arts coursework at the University of North Georgia. Apple devices are most commonly used by our art students, particularly within Graphic Design and creative production workflows. However, Windows-based systems may also perform well when equipped with comparable specifications. Students are encouraged to prioritize reliability, sufficient storage and memory, software compatibility, and budget over specific brands or aesthetics.

iPads, drawing tablets, and pen displays may be valuable supplemental tools for sketching, illustration, sculpting, and workflow development, but they should not replace a primary laptop or desktop computer. Many Visual Arts courses require desktop-class software, file management, rendering, printing workflows, and multitasking capabilities that are better supported by a traditional computer system. Students pursuing Illustration or 3D Modeling for Game & Film are encouraged to consult directly with faculty regarding recommended devices and workflow expectations for their coursework.

The following recommendations are intended to support multiple years of studio coursework and evolving creative software requirements:

• Recent-generation laptop or desktop computer 
• Minimum 16 GB RAM 
  (24–32 GB recommended for advanced creative workflows) 
• Minimum 512 GB SSD storage 
  (1 TB recommended for long-term project storage) 
• Ability to run current Adobe Creative Cloud applications and other course-related software 
• Reliable battery life and wireless connectivity 
• External hard drives, USB drives, or personal cloud storage services for file management and portfolio archiving 

Because department computers are shared workstations that may be updated or cleared periodically, students should regularly back up important files using personally managed storage systems and accounts. Students pursuing motion graphics, video, animation, gaming, rendering, or 3D workflows may require higher-performance systems depending on their coursework. 

You can learn more about our areas of study here.

Questions regarding technology recommendations may be directed to Visual Arts faculty within each program area.