As a graphic design blog, it’s pretty obligatory to cover the gear that I use. However, I’m covering EVERYTHING that I used, which includes product, software, and even some design resources. Check out my latest video or if reading if your thing, everything is listed below.
MacBook Pro
Let’s start with the obvious, a MacBook Pro. You should absolutely be using a Mac!
I feel like this is an age old debate of Macs vs PCs. In the design world, Macs are the industry standard. Every art department in a reputable company uses Macs. Just from a logical standpoint… if the industry you’re trying to go into speaks Spanish, why would you learn Italian.
I just upgraded to a M1 Max Macbook Pro. It’s 64gb of memory with 2TB of storage. I always purchase the laptop I think I’ll need 3-4 years from now, which is typically my lifecycle of upgrading. I don’t really consider laptops a purchase because of the nature of the job. I do freelance on the side and one project alone will pay off the laptop, so the ROI on one is pretty solid.
Apple Studio Display
Until recently, I used to work off of a laptop alone. I guess I got used to it from college. Pre-pandemic, I used to work all over the city Starbucks… Equinox… wherever, so I needed something portable. I’ve been editing more video, so I wanted a larger screen. I have the basic model for the Apple Studio Display. I didn’t upgrade to the nano-textured glass because I don’t get that much reflection in my apartment.
I did go to the Apple store to check the height of the screen and it’s perfectly fine. $400 for the adjustable stand? That’s for someone, but that someone isn’t me!
I also looked into the LG UltraFine 5K, but I couldn’t get over the plastic. I also prefer when things are in sets and I am 100% in the Apple Ecosystem.
Wacom
I love my Wacom tablet. I have a Wacom Intuos Pro in the medium size. I use photoshop a lot, so this makes it so much easier. I don’t know how people get anything done with a mouse or event worse a trackpad. I design much faster with a tablet.
Storage
This is so, so important. My external hard drive crashed on me at the end of last year and I was devastated. What I spent to recover everything is about 20 years worth of harddrives. It’s just not worth the hassle. My current setup is not 1, or 2, but 3 externals.
For my setup, I have a SanDisk G-Drive, a LaCie Rugged, and a Samsung T7.
The Samsung is solid state and clearly super portable, so I use it for any files I need quick access to and also any project files that I’m currently working on.
I also have cloud storage and for that, I’m using BackBlaze.
I can’t say it enough, Back. Up. Everything.
Misc
A Notebook
Who doesn’t love a good notebook?! As designers, there’s a lot of thinking that happens off of the computer. Notebooks are great to write ideas down, creating your to-do lists, and sketching.
I have 2 notebook brands of choice. The first is a Shinola hard-covered linen notebook. I love that they monogram them for free.
They technically only allow you to have 3 letters. Obviously, I have 5 letters in my name. Ask politely and they might make an exception!
The other brand I love is Leuchtturm 1917. Hands down the far superior notebook to Moleskine. Although very similar, I like that it has page numbers and then when I need a random sheet of paper, there’s maybe 10 pages in the back that are perforated. There’s a Table of Contents, which is something, I never thought I needed. It also comes with labels, which I never use.
A Pen
I feel like everyone should have a favorite type of pen. I pride myself on having fairly neat handwriting and I need the right pen, which is typically a Uni-Ball 207 or 205.
I also bought a Leuchturm1917 Drehgriffel, the Monocle edition. It’s a little thin, but I like the aesthetic, so I use it.
A Lamp
As a designer, it is inevitable that there will be late nights, so you’ll need a good lamp. I have an Anglepoise lamp, the Paul Smith collaboration. I just like the colorway on it.
An Hourglass
I actually have a half-hour glass, which I use for Pomodoro working. I wanted an hourglass, but they didn’t have the color I wanted.
A Chair
I don’t use a desk chair. I had one and then I realized that I never use the full seat. I grew up playing the piano and also the clarinet and you have to sit back straight. I never really broke that habit I guess. I use an Emeco 111 Navy Chair.
Camera
A camera isn’t necessary, but some designers like to take photographs. I have 2 cameras, a Leica Q and a Leica SL2-S. Do I need both? I do actually! I use them for different purposes. The Leica Q is still the go-to for take street photography all of my food shots. The SL2-S is much much better for video, but I also have a zoom lens on there.
In general, I prefer an actual camera to a phone, no matter how great the camera is on the phone. I find that I consciously go through the photos as we used to. If you’re into photo, get yourself a camera. The best camera for you is the one that’s going to make you go out and take some photos!
Software
I do actually use a lot of the Adobe Suite. On the daily, I’m using Acrobat, Bridge, Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, and XD. For video, I use After Effects and Premiere Pro.
I currently use XD because that’s what my department uses, but I’ve used Sketch and Figma in the past for anything digital.
Outside of design programs, I use both Notion and Evernote for… well, taking notes.
Not actually sure why I use both, but my workflow is pretty seamless right now, so I don’t want to interrupt anything.
Research Resources
Pinterest is probably the most popular tool. I also use Behance and occasionally Dribbble. Additionally, I look into design agencies, but nothing specific.
For art direction, you need to pull a lot of photo research. Presumably, you’re going to pull stock. The best for stock photography is Getty, also the most expensive.
Actually, it’s not, Trunk Archive is. I imagine a lot of you don’t know Trunk Archive, but it has the most renowned photographers in the industry on there. You can find most editorial photoshoots.
You can get a great swipe of lifestyle, food, celebrity, or still-life, so this is one I turn to often for swipe.
For fashion, I also use Le Book, which is a classic. A little tricky to navigate, but poke around and you’ll find a lot.
Continuing Education
I’m a huge fan of designers taking classes to better their skills. I don’t take as many classes anymore, but previously, I used Udemy. It’s great for learning technical skills. Yes, you can probably find the same content on Youtube for free, but sometimes it’s nice to have a structured class.
Definitely wait for a sale though. The classes go down to like $10-$20 even, so save your money.
I’ve taken a few classes at SVA for interaction design. If you’re a New York local, it’s a great option. If you’re not, they do have some online classes.
Some of you might be looking into a UX Bootcamp. I did a Nielsen Norman Group Conference. Pricey, but I learned a lot. For me, it was worth it because I was able to apply it to my job. I also got a ton of freelance work after with some startups. That’s sometimes what you’re paying for is the network you get from the class or conference.
Also, IDEO U has some really great online classes. They are excellent to get your design thinking going, which brings me to the last and most important tool in the setup…
Your Brain
You can have all of the latest gear for design and, don’t get me wrong, we all love new gear, but if you don’t know how to think and come up with ideas, it won’t really get you anywhere.
You can’t just sit at a computer and think of solutions. I mean you can, but the results will vary.
Expose yourself to new experiences so that you build up a library of ideas. Learn knew ways to brainstorm and actively looking at designs to see how other designers are creating solutions.
Outro
This is most of what I use. No matter what your setup is like, just keep on designing. You can be a very successful designer without having the latest products, but if new gear is what it takes to get you designing, the upgrades are worth it.
Keep on creating!