I'm looking to get my first desktop computer for graphic design

[artisticPhilosopher]

Just as the title says, I'm looking for a desktop computer to use for graphic design. On the side, I'd also like for it to be a gaming PC if possible. I don't know the first thing about constructing PCs, but from what I've been told the prices can get insane.
My limit is $1000 and would like if someone could help me with a build for what I want to do.

 

[IntelTurtleFan]

Real good build for the price. A bit over budget but worth it.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor ($279.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($69.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($81.00 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Trident X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.80 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 4GB Dual-X Video Card ($168.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($47.70 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: XFX TS 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro (OEM) (64-bit) ($130.00 @ Newegg)
Total: $1054.32
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-24 22:41 EDT-0400

 

[digitaldoc]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/GQLPdC

Would drop the CPU from an i7 to the i5-4690k, and downgrade to 8 GB of RAM as that can be downgraded down the road as prices fall. I added a 256 GB SSD, but this can go down to a 120 GB model if the funds are super tight as you have a mechanical hard drive for storage as well.

CPU

Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor
$219.99 Buy
CPU Cooler

Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler
$69.88 Buy
Motherboard

Gigabyte GA-H97-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
$81.00 Buy
Memory

Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
$54.99 Buy
Storage

Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
$98.99 Buy


Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
$64.80 Buy
Video Card

Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 4GB Dual-X Video Card
$168.99 Buy
Case

Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case
$47.70 Buy
Power Supply

XFX TS 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply
$74.99 Buy
Optical Drive

Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer
$16.98 Buy
Operating System

Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro (OEM) (64-bit)
$124.89 Buy
Total: $1023.20

 

[IntelTurtleFan]

For 30 bucks more he could get the i7 and more faster ram. If he wanted a SSD I would recommend the Samsung 850 EVO.

 

[Bossyfins]

Or for the same price he can get a 1231v3...