14 Essential Items For Graphic Designers
This guide offers essential reads, accessories, and other key equipment for graphic designers. This post contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you purchase using my link. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
As graphic designers, we spend countless hours creating visual concepts that inspire and captivate others. What better way to celebrate our community than to create a list of essential tools and items to help creatives like you work more effectively? Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade, these recommendations are perfect! Here are the 14 items:
Beier Branding, A Graphic Designer For Lifestyle & Wellness Brands
1. Branding: In Five and a Half Steps By Michael Johnson
This book is published by one of the world’s top graphic designers. This book offers an easy step-by-step guide to create a successful brand.
2. Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen By Donald Miller
This easy read by Donald Miller teaches marketers and business owners to use the seven universal elements of powerful stories to improve how they connect with customers and grow their businesses.
3. Adjustable Standing Desk
This desk is perfect for adjusting to your work mode. If you want to stand, you only have to push a button and poof! If you start to feel your feet heavy, you can put it back into a seating position. I also love the modern design!
4. Under Desk Walking Treadmill
If you have an adjustable desk, you must get the under-the-desk treadmill. This item has been so helpful for me to stay active, and it’s also increased my productivity!
5. Pantone Color Swatch Book
This Pantone color book helps to ensure consistent color reproduction in branding, logos, and other graphic design applications. Additionally, it’s easy to store, and I take this book with me everywhere!
6. Blue Light Blocking Glasses
With so many hours of staring at the screen, your eyes can get fatigued and uncomfortable. I purchased these because my eyes didn’t fatigue as much, and I had less blurry vision. Additionally, they are so stylish. You won’t regret getting these!
7. Selfie Ring Light
Another aspect of your job is to market yourself. In the world of Instagram, TikTok, and other social media outlets, we can make content with great lighting. This selfie ring is so easy to use!
8. Cell Phone Stand
This stand is perfect for four reasons (1) decreases hand fatigue (2) promotes proper posture when using my phone (3) makes it easy to use when taking calls and allows me to multitask (4) and is the perfect solution for recording timelapse videos of my computer screen while I’m designing.
9. Fuzzy Socks
That’s right! Fuzzy socks are the way to go if you are working from home. Espeically if you live somewhere that has seasons.
10. Water Tumbler
This SPOUT tumbler is great (and cheaper!) alternative to the Stanley tumbler. It comes in great colors, and it gets the job done!
11. Apple iMac Computer
The first thing to love about this computer is the design. It’s sleek and lightweight, which, in my eyes, is a win-win. There are so many features to love about this iMac, but it comes down to reliability and apps. I love Adobe Creative Cloud apps, and they work so well on the iMac
12. Apple Laptop
Second to the iMac is the Apple laptop. Along with being an entrepreneur, I am also a mother of two. Therefore, I need something that allows me to work on the go. What’s also great is that you can link everything to your iCloud, and it will be as if you are working on your iMac on the go.
13. Apple iPad
My iPad has been another great investment. It offers a large screen, color accuracy, and high resolution, making it perfect for designing illustrations and graphics. I also love its zoom-in/zoom-out feature, making it easy to get all the details.
14. iPad Case
My iPad is also on the go, and I need something to protect it. This case is excellent because of its versatility. I can lay it flat when designing illustrations or tilt it up for other uses. I love this company because it also offers many colors to fit your personality.
And there you have it, straight from my home to yours, 14 items that have helped my business thrive in graphic design. Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade, these recommendations could be useful. And please if you have recommendations to share, comment below.
I have been able to help numerous brands through brand, logo, and web design. Check out my portfolio that’s been a result of using these items.
Beier Branding
Shelby the designer behind Beier Branding, a branding + web designer for Lifestyle and Wellness brands. If you ready to elevate your logo and website, contact her today!