Tuesday, 28 May 2019

The Best Gear for Graphic Designers (Sorted by Career Level & Price)

Throughout your career as a graphic designer, illustrator or any other creative role you may have, there are generally three mile markers during your career.

  1. When you’re just starting out when you’re most likely right out of college.
  2. The mid-point in your career where you’ve had some success and have some great clients, but you haven’t reached the level of a seasoned pro.
  3. When you’re a seasoned pro, you’ve been working in the field for a good amount of years, have a Rolodex that is bursting at the seams and loving life.

But at each of the three points, we started to wonder what the best gear for each stop along the way would be. What tools would not only help you succeed at that point but help you move to the next one as well? With that in mind, we crafted a list of the Best Tools for Graphic Designers including the best software, hardware and equipment and broke it down by each point in your career. That way, you can be at the top of your game no matter where you are in the game.

Before buying anything, there are three major points to consider before you buy anything so let’s start there shall we?

Things to Consider When Buying Graphic Design Tech

Cost

Depending on your situation, considering the cost of the gear that you use on a day to day basis could be very important. If you’re just starting out running your own business, funds may be at a minimum so the cost that the gear you use may come into play much more than if you have been running a successful business for several years.

Quality

With cost, comes quality. For many products, the higher the price, the better the quality the item has. This can also pertain to the way an item feels in your hands or when you are using it. Regardless of the price, a piece of tech that feels cheaply made when you use it will probably not last very long and you’ll be forced to replace it much sooner than you may have anticipated.

Comfort

We all love to feel comfortable right? Whether it is our favorite pair of jeans, chair or piece of gear, being comfortable while using it is perhaps the most important thing to consider. The gear you choose will be used repeatedly in your line of work. Choosing something that makes you uncomfortable will just make your work suffer over time.

The Best Gear for Graphic Designers in 2019

We know that when you’re in the market for new gear or simply window shopping for your next upgrade, going through list after list just to find the one product that you are interested in can become mind-numbingly painful.

Because the adage, “time is money” can ring truer for some people more now than ever, we wanted to provide you dear reader with a handy, clickable guide broken down into the different stages in your career to make finding the best gear as easy as possible.

Check below to see a full listing the Best Tools for Graphic Designers in 2019, for both beginners and professionals. Feel free to click the link for any product on the list to be taken right to it.

The Essentials For All Levels ($50)

Beginners ($2435)

» View All Beginner Gear on Amazon

Mid-Career Expert ($8761)

» View All Mid-Career Gear on Amazon

Polished Professional ($14,680)

» View All Pro Gear on Amazon

Extra Gear worth Considering

If you’re interested in the full detailed list, please keep reading.

The Best Gear for Graphic Designers in 2019

While we all wish that we could be at a point in our careers where the clients keep coming, the money keeps coming and life is good, on Day 1, the reality is, we all start somewhere. Everyone has their own journey to success and the right tools can help you move down the career path and closer to that end goal.

With our focus on the three different points in your career, recommending a high-priced tablet when you’re just starting out might not be the best idea. Honestly, if you’re just starting out and can afford the best gear out there, go for it. It can only help you progress faster.

As Paul Arden, creative director at Saatchi & Saatchi put it:

“If you get stuck, draw with a different pen. Change your tools; it may free your thinking.”

Let’s get started!


The Essentials For All Levels

No matter where you are in your career, regardless of the creative industry that you work in, every role has those tools that when you start they should hand you in a welcome package. We call these The Essentials For All Levels. If you look over our list and aren’t interested in anything that you see, you should make special considerations for the items below.

Moleskine Classic

Moleskine Classic Notebook

If you’ve ever been in an office supply store, you have some idea what these very popular notebooks are. To many, Moleskine Notebooks are the Apple of notebooks, signified by the quality time and materials that go into each notebook.

With a variety of styles, including colored notebooks, smart notebooks, Moleskine offers notebooks that will satisfy just about any creative professional and can easily be a go-to choice for years to come.

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($15)

 

Copic Multiliner Pens

Copic Markers Multiliner 1.0 Black Pigment Based Ink

In the movie, The Wolf of Wall Street, the main character asks people at a conference to “sell me this pen.” While for many, this can be seen as just a way to sell someone, to us, it shows the importance of a good pen. If you’re an illustrator in any way, you cannot go wrong with the Multiliner Pen Set from Copic. A quality pen in every respect, it will create crisp lines and hold well on paper.

Comfort can be a big issue for creatives with the tools they use, and many have stated that the Multiliner, which is available in different thicknesses, is comfortable to use and isn’t scratchy. For the price and the ability to refill the pen, the Multiliner pen is an essential everyone should have.

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($7-$16)

 

Adobe Creative Cloud

Adobe Creative Cloud

All of the talent in the world is an amazing thing to have. When you start a career, however, having the right software so you can take your ideas and make them digital reality requires a piece of software that can help you from start to finish.

The Adobe Creative Cloud is without a doubt, the most essential piece of software you should own if you work in a creative field. With so many different platforms from Photoshop, Lightroom, and Illustrator, you have all the tools you would need. Adobe offers a subscription service broken down into individual, business and other options. If you’re serious about working in a creative field, you need this immediately.

Learn More

 


The Best Graphic Design Tools for Beginners

Congratulations! If you’re at this point, maybe you just made a career change or just graduated from college. Even if you had an internship with an agency during school, you may need some tools to perfect your skills and attract new clients or even a spot at your dream job. If you’re in this part of your career, here are the recommendations that we’d make to put you on the path to success:

Lenovo Yoga 730

Lenovo Yoga Laptop for Designer

Laptops from Lenovo are experts in combining remarkable quality with an affordable price. The 15.6-inch touch screen is perfect for any graphic designer just starting out and your project will pop on screen thanks to the 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor as well as 8GB of RAM and an upgradable 256GB of space. The Lenovo Yoga 730 laptop may not run as smooth as some other laptops out there, but for graphic designers, the performance and price point shouldn’t be ignored.

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($579)

 

HP Pavilion Power Gaming Desktop Computer

While it’s classified as a gaming computer, the HP Pavilion Power Gaming Desktop Computer has the tech inside its metal casing to make it a great desktop computer if you are just starting out. With an 8th generation Intel Core i5-8400 processor, as well as an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 CPU, tucked inside along with 3GB GDDR5 that is dedicated and 8GB of RAM will help programs load faster and make your projects look amazing. An SSD with 256GB of storage is large enough for just about any project and with a collection of ports on the front, connecting any device is easy. Pair it up with the monitor below and you’re set.

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($775)

 

Samsung LU28E570DS/ZA 28″ UHD 4K Led-Lit Monitor

Samsung best monitor for designer

 

With one of the lowest response times of 1 millisecond, the LU28E570DS/ZA 28″ UHD 4K Led-Lit Monitor from Samsung is a great monitor to use when you’re first getting started. A 4K resolution and support for 8.3 billion pixels, as well as a static contrast ratio of 1,000:1, make this monitor stand out. While it does come with two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort 1.2, the monitor is missing DVI or USB 3.0 ports, which could be a deal breaker for some.

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($249)

 

Parblo Coast10 10.1″ Digital Pen Tablet Display Drawing Monitor

Parblo Coast10 10.1″ Digital Pen Tablet Display Drawing Monitor

For many graphic designers and other illustrators, holding a tablet isn’t how they do their best work and laying it flat on a table just hurts their viewing angle. The Parblo Coast10 10.1″ Digital Pen Tablet Display Drawing Monitor allows you to position the tablet at an angle that gives you the best angle to complete your project. Using a Windows operating system and compatible with any between XP and Vista (and Mac), a major benefit comes with the compatibility with so many other programs it has including many of the Adobe platforms. Packaged with a multi-plugin USB cable and artist’s glove, using the tablet is as easy as taking it out of the box.

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($198)

 

Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600

Best mouse for graphic designer - Apple Magic Mouse 2

Designed to be a suitable mouse for working on the road or even at your home office, the Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600 from Microsoft offers a great ambidextrous design that anyone can use. It is an easy choice for a first mouse and as you progress through your career, it will become a perfect back up mouse for many years to come. For those with larger hands, the Anker Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse will be a better choice.

Learn More

($24)

 

HP ENVY 5055 Wireless All-in-One Photo Printer

HP Envy 5055 Designer Printer

 

With built-in Bluetooth, faster print speeds as well as improved Wi-Fi connectivity, the Envy 5055 from HP is a great, inexpensive option for a graphic designer just starting out. While it does have a slower print speed that a laser printer might, the inkjet printer can provide you with rich graphics and beautiful colors to wow your prospective clients.

Learn More

($59)

 

Nikon D3500

 

Nikon D3500

Nikon is one of the best-known camera manufacturers in the world and is trusted by amateurs and professionals alike. With the D3500, Nikon has crafted an excellent entry-level DSLR camera that isn’t built like a camera for a beginner. With the traditional DSLR controls and styling, long-lasting battery and simple ease of use, you can take large amounts of photos and videos and with the use of SnapBridge, quickly share them with family, friends or clients. With 1080P full HD video right out of the box, it is easily one of the best entry-level cameras available.

Learn More

($397)

 

Western Digital My Passport

The best overall external hard drive for Mac or PC 

WD myPassport

Even when you’re first starting out, you may have files for prospective clients and images and drawings that may spark inspiration down the road. Having to rely on the hard drive in your desktop or laptop computer can be a risky gamble. With the My Passport external hard drive from Western Digital,  you can easily save those files for later use and with capacities from 1TB to 4TB available, having enough space will not be an issue.

With data transfer speeds that rank near the top of what’s currently available and being able to connect to a computer through the use of USB 3.0 ports, the Passport is an excellent option if you’re just starting your journey.

Learn More

($99)

 

Office Essentials Mesh Back Swivel Chair by Amazon

Amazon Essential

 

While a lot of the money that you do have when first starting out is most likely to go to the best tech within your budget range, we would be remiss if we didn’t also point out an excellent chair that could be a perfect addition to your workspace. The Office Essentials Mesh Back Swivel Chair by Amazon is an affordable option made with quality materials that will last a long time.

While not wholly designed to be sat in for long periods of time, the ergonomic design, padded seat and mesh back make it one of the most comfortable chairs you can own when you’re just starting your career.

Learn More

($55)

 


The Best Graphic Design Tools for Mid-Career Designers

So you’ve been out on your own for a few years now, built yourself a nice reputation in the industry and have some quality repeat clients. Maybe you’ve been nominated for an award or two. But what gear will help give you that push from All-Star to Superstar? Here are the choices we’d make to take the next step forward.

Dell XPS 15

Dell XPS

Since their inception, Dell has been a computer company known for producing reliable machines and with its entry into the graphic design space with the XPS 15, that reliability continues. Running on a Core i7 CPU, the XPS comes with 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, along with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q GPU to help your projects display beautifully on its 15.6 inch display. With an HDMI, two USBs, a Thunderbolt and SD Card Reader ports, connecting peripherals is simple on this elegant and high performing laptop without a huge price hit.

Learn More

($1429-$1738)

 

HP Envy 34″ Curved All-in-One

Consumers have come to know that HP manufacturers quality products and with the Envy 34” Curved All-in-One, graphic designers can say the same with this computer/monitor combo. Housing a 7th generation core processor, a solid state drive of 256GB and a 1TB SATA hard drive provides you with a quality balance of both speed and capacity. The graphics in all of your projects are displayed with pristine quality thanks to the AMD Radeon RX 460 GPU on a stunning 34” curved display. With its minimalist design, the connectivity ports are located in the base to help keep clutter at a minimum. With ports including Thunderbolt, Base-T Network and HP’s 3-in-1 Media Card Reader connecting any of your devices has never been easier.

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($1,879)

 

Dell UltraSharp UP3216Q

dell best graphic design monitor

With 31.5 inches of In-Plane Switching that provides you with a great view no matter where you place it, the UltraSharp UP3216Q from Dell is one of the best 4K monitors available. A quality display image is almost guaranteed with 99% Adobe RGB coverage as well as 100% RGB, REC and 87’% of the DCI-PS color spaces allowing any image to easily stand out. Standard inputs make connecting to the monitor a breeze as well as a surprise 6 in card reader located on the left side of the monitor. The Dell UltraSharp UP3216Q is a great monitor for anyone taking the next step in their career.

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($1048)

 

Wacom Cintiq 13HD Interactive Pen Display

Wacom Cintiq 13HD Interactive Pen Display

Tablets for creatives generally begin with products made by Wacom and then everything else. The Cintiq 13HD Interactive Pen Display fits that description perfectly. Built for you to customize, and available in multiple sizes. With a wide viewing angle and a high-resolution screen provide users with an amazing experience while working right on the tablet. A display stand lets you move the tablet into the perfect position for all kinds of work. An included roller ring and four express keys keep the customization options coming.

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($799)

 

Logitech MX Ergo Wireless

Best mouse for graphic designer - Logitech MX Ergo Wireless

Despite its retro-style look, the MX Ergo Wireless mouse from Logitech comes with fully customizable buttons and makes great use of Logitech’s Flow system, allowing you to use the mouse on two different screens. The value lies in the Ergo’s battery life. A full charge will last up to four months while charging the mouse for a minute will last all day. While using a trackball may take some getting used to, the design makes using it feel comfortable and intuitive every time.

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($79)

 

Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wireless Color Wide-format Printer

Epson 1500

If you’re going to be using a home printer to print out examples of your work to show clients, you want to make sure you’re using a high-quality powerhouse of a printer and you cannot go wrong with the Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wireless Color Wide-format Printer from Epson. Featuring six individual ink tanks to create ultra-realistic prints. The Expression can print on paper as large as 13” x 19” and can use high-yield ink cartridges printing upwards of 800 pages per color which can save you money and keep projects flowing.

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($299)

 

Panasonic Lumix GH5

Panasonic Lumix G5 Camera

 

Each and every day, the technology available to us can take leaps and bounds forward. In the world of camera technology, these jumps continue to blur the line between traditional camera and camcorder. The Lumix GH5 from Panasonic blurs it even further by using 4K/60p video capture which makes it an attractive piece of gear for photographers and videographers alike.

The rugged design allows for you to easily use interchangeable lenses to get the best picture and video results possible. Shooting 12 frames per second on still photos and 9 fps when using the autofocus continuously makes it very hard to find a negative point about this camera. Even though the sensor is smaller than other options out there, for such a quality camera, these are very minor complaints.

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($2398)

 

WD My Book Duo External Hard Drive

WD My Book Duo

Even though you may have started to make traction with your career, many of the best options in tech can still cause a lot of sticker shock when you see the price. With a combination of affordable price and large storage capacity, the WD My Book Duo External Hard Drive is the best of both worlds.

With WD’s auto backup software included, the Duo provides a 256-bit security hardware encryption system to keep others from stealing your data. Connecting to your computer is easy with two USB ports on the rear of the device, also giving you the option of inserting flash drives to transfer data. While it is preformatted for Windows, a simple reformatting will make it easy to use with a Mac as well.

Learn More

($320)

 

Sayl by Herman Miller

Sayl Herman Chair

Herman Miller is to chairs what Apple is to smartphones. They are one of, if not the biggest names in office chairs combining style and comfort with unique designs. The Sayl is no exception with an unframed backing, the Sayl gives you the ability to move between positions while sitting in the chair freely but still receiving optimal support from the chair’s flexible strands. Designed to prevent slouching, it also comes with optional lumbar support and is sure to turn heads.

Learn More

($510)

 


The Best Graphic Design Tools for Seasoned Professionals

You’ve made it. The top of the mountain. Clients can’t wait to work with you. You’re a name among names in the industry. But where do you go from here? At this point, focusing more on having the right tech to stay on top of your games is more important where you go next. Tech at this point should be helping you get better, not worse. This is what we would choose:

Microsoft Surface Book 2

Microsoft Surface 2

While the screen on the Surface Book 2 from Microsoft may be smaller than the one on its competitor, the MacBook Pro from Apple, the Surface offers versatility that the others cannot. Running on a Core i7 processor, the screen has a resolution of 3000 x 2000 making it one of the best screens for creating graphics and sketching. The ability to disconnect from the keyboard and become a tablet that creatives can’t get enough of and would much rather use than working their fingers all day long. Available in 13.5 and 15-inch variations, making it easy to suit just about anyone.

Learn More

($819-$1600+)

 

Apple iMac 5K Pro

While the Apple brand name needs no introduction, the tech powerhouse that is the iMac Pro is a behemoth when it comes to comparing other computers. An all-in-one machine, the iMac Pro houses a 2.3GHz 18-core Xeon W processor, 128GB of RAM, a 4TB Solid State Drive, plus a Radeon Pro Vega 64 GPU. On top of all of that, the 27-inch LED-backlight Retina 5k display will provide you with the incredibly bright and vibrant colors on every project you create. A collection of inputs, including 4 Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports rest on the back of the computer. The only negative with this machine is the price, which may keep even some of the most successful graphic designers from buying it.

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($4,920+)

 

Eizo ColorEdge G2420-BK

Eizo Designer Monitor

When you reach this stage in your career, the tech you use sometimes has to be the very best and that’s exactly why the ColorEdge G2420-BK from Eizo is a perfect choice. With an in-built self-calibration sensor, a contrast ratio of 1,000:1, a response time of six milliseconds, as well as a brightness rating of 300 cd/m2, it is easily one of the best out there. 100% of the Rec. 709, EBU, and SMPTE-C standards are met with this monitor and 99% of the Adobe RGB color space is covered. When you need the best monitor available, the ColorEdge G2420-BK from Ezio fits the bill.

Learn More

($2,426)

 

Wacom DTH1620K0 Cintiq Pro 16 Graphic Tablet

Wacom DTH1620K0 Cintiq Pro 16 Graphic Tablet

 

When you’re in the market for a tablet, those who are looking for options and the ability to customize the layout of their tablet should look no further than the Wacom DTH1620AK0 Cintiq Pro 16″ Graphic Tablet with Link Plus. With an amazing, high-resolution screen which can get even better when you connect the tablet to a 4K monitor and see your graphics pop off the screen. The included pen is a lightweight and versatile peripheral with higher levels of sensitivity to pressure which can help prevent lag and provide pinpoint accuracy. Compatible with Mac and Windows, one-touch shortcuts, radial menus, and express keys help make getting work done smooth and effortless.

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($1499)

 

Logitech MX Master 2s

Best mouse for graphic designer - Logitech MX Master 2s

The very mouse used by Jacob Cass himself, reading the specs on the MX Master 2s from Logitech, it isn’t hard to see why. A 4,000 dpi Darkfield sensor allows the mouse to be used on all surfaces. An auto-wake feature provides you with a charge indicator from three green LED lights on the left side of the mouse and can last up to 70 days on a full charge.

The mouse is easily programmed and buttons on the side allow you to switch windows without having to use a keyboard. The ergonomic design makes the MX Master 2s easy to use without causing a lot of strain.

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($79)

 

Canon PIXMA Pro-100 Wireless Color Professional Inkjet Printer

Canon Pixma Pro
For those looking for a fantastic large format professional level photo printer, the Canon PIXMA Pro-100 Wireless is for you. This professional Wireless Photo Printer has 8 dye based color inks for colorful and vivid prints, 3 of which are dedicated grayscale inks for beautiful black & white prints. Of course, this premium quality comes with a cost. But that’s what you get, with the best. You can print at 4800 x 2400 DPI for incredible detail and up to 13″ x 19″ in size.

Learn More

($331)

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

 

Canon EOS 5D Camera

If you’re at a point in your career where only the best tech will help you provide your clients with your best possible work, you should not look any further than the EOS 5D Mark IV from Canon. It is easily the best DSLR camera for professionals.

With the ability to shoot 30.4 megapixel still photos and use Dual Pixel autofocus while shooting video, everything you shoot, even when using easily interchangeable lenses will look amazing. While the only real issues with the camera tend to be no tilt screen and HDMI output is 1080p, otherwise, this is the best camera your money can buy.

Learn More

($3549)

 

G-Technology G-RAID External HardDrive with Thunderbolt 3

The largest capacity & fastest external hard drive for Mac

G-Technology G-RAID Thunderbolt 3

With our selection of the Apple iMac, choosing the best external hard drive to match was much easier than you would think. With a housing reminiscent of the iMac, the G-Technology G-RAID with Thunderbolt 3 offers data transfer rates up to 440MB/sec and with the HDMI 2.2 port on the back, you can use the drive to send a video signal to an external display.

The G-RAID isn’t only for Mac owners as a USB-C port allows for connection to a PC as well. The storage capacity ranges from a moderate 8GB all the way to 20GB giving you more than enough storage space.

Learn More

($529)

 

Aeron Chair by Herman Miller

Aeron Chair

 

For the very best option in chairs once you reach this point in your career was an easy choice for us. The Aeron by Herman Miller is the same chair that Jacob uses every day, and has done for more than 10 years. Three different sizes make fitting into the chair much easier and provide more of a custom fit than ones you might find at an office supply store.

With an aesthetically pleasing design that is not only functional but also ergonomically supportive, despite its high price tag, you will want a room full of these chairs.

Learn More

($1275)

 

Extra Gear worth Considering

Even when we go through our notebooks and to-buy lists, every once in a while, a product blows us away so much that it has to be part of our lives. These are the products that we felt we worth their own spot on our list. They may be honorable mentions, but each one can be an MVP for your career.

  • Pantone Swatch Book ($214)
  • X-Rite ColorMunki Smile Monitor Calibrator ($97)
  • Samsung Galaxy S8 Phone+ or iPhone ($379)
  • VIZ-PRO Magnetic Dry Erase Board (29)
  • Bose SoundSport Free ($199)
  • FlexiSpot Standing Desk ($280)

Pantone Swatch Book

PANTONE COLOR BRIDGE SET Coated & Uncoated

Pantone is one of the biggest names in colors and their Pantone Matching System is the without a doubt, the most widely used spot-color printing system used. Pantone offers a wide array of different books, color fans, chips and other guides that can help you not only choose the best color for your project but also help you ensure that the color you’re using pops off the page, screen or whatever you’re using it on.

Learn More

($214)

 

X-Rite ColorMunki Smile

X-Rite ColorMunki Smile

While it may not be the most expensive monitor calibration option out there, it makes our list for the ease of use that it has right out of the box. In three simple steps, you can have a monitor perfectly calibrated to your needs. Making it even easier, the Smile plugs directly into your computer’s USB port.

The ColorMunki Smile provides you with before and after results that many other calibrators already do but this is where the affordable price makes it stand out not breaking your budget and offering so much substance.

Learn More

($97)

 

Samsung Galaxy S8+

Samsung Galaxy S8+ Unlocked

It seems like every year, the race for the best phone available comes down to two manufacturers, Apple and Samsung. While Samsung has come out with a newer version and teased us with the Fold, the Galaxy S8+ has the features that a graphic designer could want from a first major smartphone purchase.

With an infinity display with a resolution of 2960 by 1440 pixels and a rear camera with a 12-megapixel sensor while the front camera boasts a not-too-shabby 8 megapixels. With no home button, the Galaxy S8+ is all screen and offers you three different ways to unlock it providing you with extra security if you happen to forget it somewhere.

Its waterproof case is, in our opinion, the best feature as many of us are way too clumsy for our own good.

Learn More

($379)

 

VIZ-PRO Magnetic Dry Erase Board

VIZ-PRO Magnetic Dry Erase Board

The right whiteboard should feel like an extension of your thoughts. You should be able to jot or sketch ideas with ease or fear of them fading off or being hard to clean once you’re done. That’s why we like the Magnetic Dry Erase Board from VIZ-PRO. The smooth surface makes writing on it super easy and comes with a sturdy frame which is helpful if you want to move it around in your office.

With a hanging kit that gives you the option to place it horizontally or vertically, the board also comes with a detachable marker tray to help keep your markers in one place and not lost all over the room.

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($29)

 

Bose SoundSport Free

Bose SoundSport Free Truly Wireless Sport Headphones

The best headphones can remove you from your surroundings and immerse you in the music or anything else you choose to listen to. With the Bose SoundSport Free, its innovative design not only provides that escape but also amazing connectivity.

The minimalist design makes them easy to use and carry around when not in use. Great sound quality can make you feel like you’re right there listening to your favorite band but for some, can provide a loose fit which is a minimal complaint for such a high-quality pair of earphones.

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($199)

 

Ergonomic Desk: FlexiSpot Standing Desk 

Flexi Desk

FlexiSpot’s desktop workstation provides an easy way to transition between sitting and standing throughout the workday. This particular standing desk offers a deep work surface, a wide keyboard and instant tablet integration. These quality workstations offer smooth up/down motion, twelve height adjustment settings and ergonomic monitor mount compatibility.

Learn More

 

Choosing the Best Gear for You

The right gear for where you are in your career can depend on many different things. It can be the price or anything else entirely. As always, you want to use the gear that you feel will help you provide quality work each and every time.

Is there a piece of gear you recommend? Something not on our list that should be? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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Sunday, 26 May 2019

[Freebie] Brand Personality Slider – An Essential Brand Strategy Tool

The Brand Personality Slider is a brand strategy tool that promotes discussion between designers & their clients, helping them get on the same wave length when it comes to defining the positioning of their brand in the market – perfect for logo design & branding projects.

Why use a brand personality slider?

A brand personality slider is quick & efficient strategy tool that helps define brand positioning and acts as the perfect anchor and reference tool when it comes to design.

I personally use this tool quite early in my logo design & branding projects to help mould the overall feeling of a brand and have more of a defined path to follow before I start brainstorming concepts.

How can you use it?

  1. Send the JPG below to your client or your customize your own version with the free AI file. Get your client to fill it out and send it back.
  2. Print the JPG and fill out the slider with the client in person.
  3. Use an online interactive version of the slider. One way is with Google Forms. Click here for a template. Sign in and then click the 3 dots in the top right and click Make A Copy). You can then create your own slider.

If you want to customize the slider’s colors and words, download the AI (Adobe Illustrator) file below.

» Download FREE editable Brand Personality Slider (670kb)

 

Brand Personality Matrix Slider

What brand strategy exercises do you use with your clients? Let us know!

7 Top-Notch Notebooks for Creatives

Despite what we may think, for someone who works in a creative space, no piece of tech will replace a quality notebook for quick notes or sketches of ideas and projects when you’re on the go.

The problem is, like many other product landscapes, the options that are available when it comes to a good pen or good notebook are almost endless and can cause headaches and confusion trying to find the best one for your type of work.

With that in mind, we wanted to build a guide to best notebooks for artists, designers and illustrators. But before you can start sketching your next big idea that will change the world, knowing what to look for and things to consider for each product is important.

So let’s start there shall we?

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What To Look For When Buying Notebooks

If you’ve ever stopped by your local office supply store and strolled down either the notebook or pen aisles, the number of choices available to you is staggering. It is no wonder that many creatives will go through notebook after notebook until they find the best one for them.

But what should you look for in each? Let’s take a look.

Notebooks

A good notebook should be made of better quality materials than the notebooks that you had in college. You’re a professional now, you should own something with substance.

Let’s take a look at what you should consider when buying a notebook.

Size

This factor will be different for everyone. A lot of the decision in regards to the size of the notebook you’re using comes from what you’re using it for. If you are typically going to do more writing in your notebook, you may be ok with a book-size notebook. On the other hand, if you are primarily going to be sketching and drawing, a larger notebook could be more accommodating.

Paper

The paper that you use in your notebook of choice will typically be influenced by three major areas. These include:

  • Media

Specifically speaking, what type of writing or drawing utensil do you plan on using most often with your notebook. If sketching is the primary focus of your notebook, finding one with sketching paper will likely work best for you. Many notebook manufacturers will make notebooks that work well with many types of media including markers, ink, fountain pens or even watercolor.

  • Weight

If you’ve never gone paper shopping, it can be eye-opening to learn that paper is offered in different weights. The higher the weight of the paper will be relative to the thickness of the paper. A thicker paper can resist getting wet without rippling or buckling. Some weight is better suited for using with certain pens so that the ink doesn’t smudge or even bleed through.

  • Finish

When it comes to the finish of the paper, the term refers to the texture of the paper, For many illustrators, having a paper with good texture can add a sense of realism to what they are drawing, giving it a feel of being real and coming right off the page for some.

Cover

For many creatives who may use a notebook for sketching, the cover can become a makeshift hard surface to draw on. Choosing a notebook with a flimsy cover may not be the best choice. Coincidentally, for writers, having a book-type can be more beneficial so you don’t have to flip back and forth continuously.

Price

It always boils down to this. You may have found the perfect notebook for your needs. It does everything you need it to short of making a good cup of coffee. Then you see the price and almost fall over. A good, high-quality notebook shouldn’t cost more than your rent but at the same time, shouldn’t cost so little that you can find it at the dollar store either. Finding a good middle ground is your best option here.

The Best Notebooks for Creatives in 2019

When we started to look around and gather information for our list, we realized that there are a lot of options out there and we needed some help. For our recommendations for the best notebooks in 2019, we actually reached out to our Facebook group for suggestions and what our readers use.

Click on any of the links below to get more information on a certain product, or if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, keep reading for more information.

Notebooks

The Best Notebooks Compared

Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Pocket (3.5" x 5.5") Dotted, Black
MOO Hardcover Notebook (5.12" x 8.15"), 160 Lined Pages, 16 Central Colored Pages, Charcoal...
Field Notes Original Kraft Memo Book 3-Pack - 48-Pages per book (Mixed Paper 3-Pack (1 Graph book, 1...
Moleskine Adobe Soft Cover Smart Notebook, Plain, XL (7.5" x 9.75") Black
Leuchtturm1917 Classic Hardcover Master Sketchbook Black
Moleskine Livescribe 1 Notebook Ruled Black Large
Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Pocket (3.5" x 5.5") Dotted, Black
MOO Hardcover Notebook (5.12" x 8.15"), 160 Lined Pages, 16 Central Colored Pages, Charcoal...
Field Notes Original Kraft Memo Book 3-Pack - 48-Pages per book (Mixed Paper 3-Pack (1 Graph book, 1...
Moleskine Adobe Soft Cover Smart Notebook, Plain, XL (7.5" x 9.75") Black
Leuchtturm1917 Classic Hardcover Master Sketchbook Black
Moleskine Livescribe 1 Notebook Ruled Black Large
-
-
914 Reviews
2 Reviews
766 Reviews
1 Reviews
18 Reviews
8 Reviews
$14.95
$19.99
$9.95
$12.78
$35.50
$22.39
Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Pocket (3.5" x 5.5") Dotted, Black
Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Pocket (3.5" x 5.5") Dotted, Black
914 Reviews
$14.95
MOO Hardcover Notebook (5.12" x 8.15"), 160 Lined Pages, 16 Central Colored Pages, Charcoal...
MOO Hardcover Notebook (5.12" x 8.15"), 160 Lined Pages, 16 Central Colored Pages, Charcoal...
2 Reviews
$19.99
Field Notes Original Kraft Memo Book 3-Pack - 48-Pages per book (Mixed Paper 3-Pack (1 Graph book, 1...
Field Notes Original Kraft Memo Book 3-Pack - 48-Pages per book (Mixed Paper 3-Pack (1 Graph book, 1...
766 Reviews
$9.95
Moleskine Adobe Soft Cover Smart Notebook, Plain, XL (7.5" x 9.75") Black
Moleskine Adobe Soft Cover Smart Notebook, Plain, XL (7.5" x 9.75") Black
-
1 Reviews
$12.78
Leuchtturm1917 Classic Hardcover Master Sketchbook Black
Leuchtturm1917 Classic Hardcover Master Sketchbook Black
18 Reviews
$35.50
Moleskine Livescribe 1 Notebook Ruled Black Large
Moleskine Livescribe 1 Notebook Ruled Black Large
-
8 Reviews
$22.39

The Best Notebooks for Designers in 2019

To some, a pen and notebook go together like peanut butter and jelly or ketchup and french fries. Essentially made for one another. The best pen and notebook feel like an extension of your hand and the perfect writing surface for all of your ideas.

We wanted to shine a light on those that even in their simplicity, can make a world of difference for someone who works in a creative field. 

So if you’re ready, let’s read ahead a bit.

Moleskine Classic

Moleskine Classic Notebook

As it was also featured in our best gear article, seeing multiple offerings from Moleskine is no surprise at all. People can get obsessive over owning a notebook from Moleskine and it all started with the Classic. A straightforward notebook with a practical design, it is available in different styles including colored notebooks, memo books and even “smart” versions (see our 4th item).

The variety and quality offered by the company that started little more than twenty years ago as well as the convenient size of many of their notebooks, designed to be easy to take with you or throw into a bag will keep these at the top of many lists for the best notebook available for a long time. 

Learn More

Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Pocket (3.5' x 5.5') Dotted, Black
914 Reviews
Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Pocket (3.5" x 5.5") Dotted, Black
  • CLASSIC MOLESKINE NOTEBOOK: Moleskine classic notebooks are perfect notebooks for writing journals, a daily diary, or note taking in college classes or meetings. Moleskine notebooks are beloved by...
  • DURABLE COVER & ELASTIC CLOSURE: Hold writing projects & notes in your Moleskine notebook with an elastic closure band & inner storage folders. Leather-like classic Moleskine cover & thick, ivory...
  • GIFT QUALITY NOTEBOOKS: Moleskine planners, journals and notebooks come in hardcover or softcover and colors like black, red, blue, green and brown. The binding and cover have a durable finish,...
  • DELUXE QUALITY PAGES: Moleskine's thick, ivory paper pages in a hardcover Moleskine notebook, softcover Moleskine notebook, cahier or volant journal, or Moleskine planner are perfectly textured for...
  • MOLESKINE IS LOVED FOR A REASON: Writers, students, artists, professionals & travelers love Moleskine notebooks & planners. From lined to unlined, dotted to graph paper there's a Moleskine notebook...

 

Moo Hardcover Notebook

MOO Hardcover Notebook

While Moo may have made a name of themselves with their almost-endless array of business cards, many people aren’t aware that they also make some high-quality notebooks, among other things. Crafted with the same care that is given to your business cards, they are available in both hardcover and softcover, but we have a soft spot for the hardcover option.

Available in a range of colors, the paper is non-glare, ruled, crisp and ready to use right out of the box. A colored, 16-page section of colored paper in the middle of the notebook can give you a scrap paper area to jot down those random thoughts during the day. The best feature, which will make left-handed people swoon is that the notebook will lay flat when open thanks to its binding.

Learn More

 

MOO Hardcover Notebook (5.12' x 8.15'), 160 Lined Pages, 16 Central Colored Pages, Charcoal...
2 Reviews
MOO Hardcover Notebook (5.12" x 8.15"), 160 Lined Pages, 16 Central Colored Pages, Charcoal...
  • MOO HARDCOVER NOTEBOOK: Full of clever details to get you organized, the MOO hardcover notebook mixes premium materials with practical design.
  • 160 PAGES OF LUXURY & LAY FLAT DESIGN: Swiss-bound with 160 pages of Swedish Munken Kristall paper, the MOO Notebooks have lined pages with a smooth, non-glare writing surface that won't yellow with...
  • HANDY CENTRAL SEAM & HEAVYWEIGHT TOP SHEET: 16 pages of G.F Smith unlined color paper (so doodle away) helps separate work from play. The top sheet protects the inside pages and the lay-flat design...
  • TOUGH, TACTILE COVER: Made from durable book cloth, this tough cover stands up to backpacks and bags and has a thick, quality feel.
  • MOO PREMIUM PRINT: We love great design and believe it can work wonders for every business. That's why MOO makes it simple to create beautiful, expertly crafted business stationery and promotional...

 

Field Notes

Field Notes Original Kraft Memo Book

One look at these vintage-styled notebooks ad you may think that someone found a collection of their granddad’s old notebooks laying around. Measuring 3.5 x 5 inches, the small notebooks come with 48 pages and are perfect for a quick sketch or jotting down notes on the go with its saddle binding.

Available in three styles, Aaron Draplin’s, Field Notes design harkens back to pocket ledgers, agricultural memo books and for the on-the-go designer, is a must-have item.

Learn More

 

Field Notes Original Kraft Memo Book 3-Pack - 48-Pages per book (Mixed Paper 3-Pack (1 Graph book, 1...
766 Reviews

 

Moleskine Smart Notebook, Creative Cloud connected

Moleskine Adobe Soft Cover Smart Notebook

These days, just about everything we use is connected and now, that even includes the notebook you use on a daily basis. With the Smart Notebook from Moleskine, anything you write can be transferred to your Creative Cloud account by taking a picture of your work with the Moleskine, which is an app connected to the Creative Cloud, and will sync the image as a JPG or SVG which then allows you to edit it in Illustrator or Photoshop.

Technology can be amazing and with this notebook, it can also help you be super productive during your day.

Learn More

 

Sale
Moleskine Adobe Soft Cover Smart Notebook, Plain, XL (7.5' x 9.75') Black
1 Reviews
Moleskine Adobe Soft Cover Smart Notebook, Plain, XL (7.5" x 9.75") Black
  • SMART NOTEBOOK: Combines the flexibility & memory-enhancing tactile feedback of an old-school analog notebook w/ the convenience & shareability of digital note apps. This smart notebook works...
  • WITH NCODED TECHNOLOGY: Invisible Ncoded technology embedded within each page enables the Moleskine Pen+ to recognize where it is within the notebook and to transfer all your freehand notes from page...
  • FROM PAGE TO SCREEN: Companion app seamlessly transfers what's written on the notebook page to your device, digitizing your analog notes & allowing you to notate, share, search, edit, & organize your...
  • MOLESKINE VERSATILITY: In addition to the iconic notebook, the Moleskine family of products includes both digital & analog writing & lifestyle technology, including smart notebooks & apps, bags,...
  • MOLESKINE QUALITY: Moleskine is dedicated to quality, culture, travel, memory, imagination, & personal identity--in both the physical & digital world. We bring this commitment to our notebooks, bags,...

 

Leuchtturm Master Classic

Leuchtturm1917 Classic Hardcover

At a whopping 233 numbered pages, the Leuchtturm Master Classic notebook definitely gives buyers their money worth. While for many, having a smaller, thinner notebook may be the way to go, this is for those who feel otherwise.

Deliberately designed to last you quite some time, the paper comes in four different options – ruled, plain, squared or dotted. Which one you choose is a matter of preference but get ready to have this one for quite some time.

Learn More

 

Leuchtturm1917 Classic Hardcover Master Sketchbook Black
18 Reviews
Leuchtturm1917 Classic Hardcover Master Sketchbook Black
  • Hard cover and stickers for labeling and archiving
  • Numbered pages and blank table of contents for easy organization and notes
  • Acid-free and ink proof paper, expandable pocket inside back cover, page marker and elastic closure
  • Thread-bound opens flat
  • 233 numbered pages, 8 perforated pages, 8.75 x 12.5 x 0.86-inches

 

Livescribe Notebook

Moleskine Livescribe

Another entry from Moleskine, the Livescribe Notebook will or should be familiar to anyone who uses a Livescribe pen. Designed aesthetically like any other Moleskine notebook, the pages feature three controls for the Livescribe+ features at the bottom of each page.

These controls work with an app and once they are sync will make any notes appear in digital form on the app. This can be really handy for someone who may temporarily misplace their notebook on a busy day.

Learn More

 

Sale
Moleskine Livescribe 1 Notebook Ruled Black Large
8 Reviews
Moleskine Livescribe 1 Notebook Ruled Black Large
  • Moleskine Livescribe 1 Notebook Ruled Black Large

 

Evernote Sketchbook with Smart Stickers

Evernote Sketchbook

While this is technically a Moleskine notebook, it is also different. Many people, creatives, bloggers and more use Evernote on their phone to keep track of notes, web pages, and other things. With the Evernote Sketchbook with Smart Stickers, write or sketch whatever you want on the page and then use one of the included Smart Stickers to tag the page.

Take a picture through the Evernote app and it will appear right inside your Evernote account. If you use Evernote and you want more flexibility with the files you’re saving, this is right up your alley.

Learn More

 

Moleskine Evernote Smart Notebook, Large, Slate Grey, Hard Cover (5 x 8.25)
3 Reviews
Moleskine Evernote Smart Notebook, Large, Slate Grey, Hard Cover (5 x 8.25)
  • SMART NOTEBOOK: Combines the flexibility & memory-enhancing tactile feedback of an old-school analog notebook w/ the convenience & shareability of digital note apps. This smart notebook works...
  • WITH NCODED TECHNOLOGY: Invisible Ncoded technology embedded within each page enables the Moleskine Pen+ to recognize where it is within the notebook and to transfer all your freehand notes from page...
  • FROM PAGE TO SCREEN: Companion app seamlessly transfers what's written on the notebook page to your device, digitizing your analog notes & allowing you to notate, share, search, edit, & organize your...
  • MOLESKINE VERSATILITY: In addition to the iconic notebook, the Moleskine family of products includes both digital & analog writing & lifestyle technology, including smart notebooks & apps, bags,...
  • MOLESKINE QUALITY: Moleskine is dedicated to quality, culture, travel, memory, imagination, & personal identity--in both the physical & digital world. We bring this commitment to our notebooks, bags,...

 

The Best Notebooks Compared

Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Pocket (3.5" x 5.5") Dotted, Black
MOO Hardcover Notebook (5.12" x 8.15"), 160 Lined Pages, 16 Central Colored Pages, Charcoal...
Field Notes Original Kraft Memo Book 3-Pack - 48-Pages per book (Mixed Paper 3-Pack (1 Graph book, 1...
Moleskine Adobe Soft Cover Smart Notebook, Plain, XL (7.5" x 9.75") Black
Leuchtturm1917 Classic Hardcover Master Sketchbook Black
Moleskine Livescribe 1 Notebook Ruled Black Large
Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Pocket (3.5" x 5.5") Dotted, Black
MOO Hardcover Notebook (5.12" x 8.15"), 160 Lined Pages, 16 Central Colored Pages, Charcoal...
Field Notes Original Kraft Memo Book 3-Pack - 48-Pages per book (Mixed Paper 3-Pack (1 Graph book, 1...
Moleskine Adobe Soft Cover Smart Notebook, Plain, XL (7.5" x 9.75") Black
Leuchtturm1917 Classic Hardcover Master Sketchbook Black
Moleskine Livescribe 1 Notebook Ruled Black Large
-
-
914 Reviews
2 Reviews
766 Reviews
1 Reviews
18 Reviews
8 Reviews
$14.95
$19.99
$9.95
$12.78
$35.50
$22.39
Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Pocket (3.5" x 5.5") Dotted, Black
Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Pocket (3.5" x 5.5") Dotted, Black
914 Reviews
$14.95
MOO Hardcover Notebook (5.12" x 8.15"), 160 Lined Pages, 16 Central Colored Pages, Charcoal...
MOO Hardcover Notebook (5.12" x 8.15"), 160 Lined Pages, 16 Central Colored Pages, Charcoal...
2 Reviews
$19.99
Field Notes Original Kraft Memo Book 3-Pack - 48-Pages per book (Mixed Paper 3-Pack (1 Graph book, 1...
Field Notes Original Kraft Memo Book 3-Pack - 48-Pages per book (Mixed Paper 3-Pack (1 Graph book, 1...
766 Reviews
$9.95
Moleskine Adobe Soft Cover Smart Notebook, Plain, XL (7.5" x 9.75") Black
Moleskine Adobe Soft Cover Smart Notebook, Plain, XL (7.5" x 9.75") Black
-
1 Reviews
$12.78
Leuchtturm1917 Classic Hardcover Master Sketchbook Black
Leuchtturm1917 Classic Hardcover Master Sketchbook Black
18 Reviews
$35.50
Moleskine Livescribe 1 Notebook Ruled Black Large
Moleskine Livescribe 1 Notebook Ruled Black Large
-
8 Reviews
$22.39

Choosing the Best Notebook for Your Needs

Finding the best pen and notebook can take time and effort. Going through different notebooks to find a kind of paper that works best and a pen that feels like an extension of your hand is difficult, which is why you may see people with dozens of notebooks and cups full of pens.

We hope that our list of the Best Notebooks for Creatives in 2019 helped to give you some ideas so you can avoid that fate but if you have a favorite notebook that isn’t on our list, let us know in the comments below.

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