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Essential Gear Every Graphic Designer Needs

Purple Star emoji 30 items
Welcome to your ultimate graphic design toolkit! This curated list features essential tools, resources, and tips that every graphic designer should have in their arsenal. From must-have software to handy gadgets and inspiring books, each item is chos...
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Desk Essentials

 
Kay Green profile picture
Whether you're working on your next design project or need a break from sitting, this standing desk is a game-changer. It's adjustable, sturdy, and has plenty of space for my monitor and sketchpad. Since I started using it, I feel more energized thro...
The #1 Standing Desk - UPLIFT Desk
 
Kay Green profile picture
This ergonomic mouse is perfect for Mac users looking for comfort and precision. The contoured design fits naturally in your hand, reducing strain during long design sessions. With four customizable buttons, it streamlines your workflow, making it ea...
Logitech - Lift for Mac Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse with 4 ...
 
Kay Green profile picture
This stylish pink ergonomic mouse adds a fun pop of color to your workspace while still delivering top-notch comfort and precision. It’s perfect for long hours of design work, and if pink isn’t your style, it also comes in black or white!
LIFT
 
Kay Green profile picture
I use this keyboard every day, and it’s fantastic! The Touch ID feature adds a layer of convenience and security, while the numeric keypad is great for graphic design tasks. I love that I only have to charge it every couple of months, making it hassl...
Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad for Mac models with Apple silicon - US English - White Keys
 
Kay Green profile picture
This monitor is fantastic! The 4K resolution delivers stunning clarity and vibrant colors, perfect for both work and entertainment. The IPS panel ensures wide viewing angles, while AMD FreeSync reduces screen tearing during gaming. Plus, the HDR10 su...
LG 27UL500-W 27" 4K UHD Monitor, IPS
 
Kay Green profile picture
This portable SSD is a lifesaver! It’s perfect for backups and freeing up space on your laptop, eliminating those annoying "disk is full" messages. With fast transfer speeds and hardware encryption, it’s both convenient and secure. A must-have for an...
Samsung - T7 1TB External USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable SSD ...
 
Kay Green profile picture
I love this chair! Its ergonomic design promotes better posture by shifting weight between your knees and seat, reducing back strain. It’s comfortable and adjustable, making it perfect for long hours at your home office. Highly recommend it for impro...
Variable Kneeling Chair
 
Kay Green profile picture
This laptop stand is a game-changer! It offers multiple angles for comfortable viewing and typing, helping to reduce neck and eye strain. The sleek aluminum design looks great and provides sturdy support for laptops up to 16 inches. Perfect for creat...
j5create Aluminum Multi-Angle Laptop Stand for Up to 16" Laptops, 11.4" x 8.9", Space Gray (JTS127)
 
Kay Green profile picture
This Wacom Intuos tablet is a fantastic tool for intricate pen tool designs and a great mouse replacement for designers who do a lot of illustrative work. It’s precise, responsive, and the wireless feature keeps your workspace clutter-free. Perfect f...
Wacom Intuos Graphic Drawing Tablet for Mac ...
 
Kay Green profile picture
Every graphic designer needs this sketchbook! Its high-quality paper is perfect for sketching and jotting down ideas. The compact design makes it easy to take anywhere, making it an essential tool for capturing inspiration on the go!
Moleskine Art Collection Sketchbook - Black, Medium
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Kay Green profile picture
Every graphic designer needs a MacBook! Its sleek design and powerful performance make it ideal for design work. The Retina display ensures vibrant colors and sharp graphics, while its lightweight build is perfect for working on the go. A must-have f...
MacBook Pro

Books

 
Kay Green profile picture
Grid systems are super important for graphic design layouts! This is a great book and tool to use :)
Grid systems in graphic design: A visual communication manual for graphic designers, typographers and three dimensional designers (German and English Edition)
 
Kay Green profile picture
Another great read, especially for a graphic designer that specializes in logos!
Logos That Last - by Allan Peters (Hardcover)
 
Kay Green profile picture
This book is a must-read for graphic designers! It explores the principles of light and dark in design, offering valuable insights for creating balanced compositions. A great resource for enhancing your understanding of visual harmony and elevating y...
Notan: The Dark-Light Principle of... book by Marlys Mayfield
 
Kay Green profile picture
Flexible Visual Systems is a must-read for graphic designers looking to enhance their visual communication skills. This insightful book explores innovative approaches to design, focusing on adaptable and dynamic visual strategies. With practical exam...
Flexible Visual Systems by Martin Lorenz
 
Kay Green profile picture
Elements of Graphic Design is an essential read for graphic designers looking to enhance their understanding of design principles. This book delves into the key elements of design, such as space, form, and color, providing valuable insights and pract...
The Elements of Graphic Design: Space & Type
 
Kay Green profile picture
Type Image Message by Nancy Skolos is a fantastic resource for graphic designers interested in the interplay between typography and imagery. This book explores innovative design techniques that combine type and visuals, offering inspiration and pract...
Type, Image, Message: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop|eBook
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Entertainment

 
Kay Green profile picture
If you like listening to podcasts, check this one out, especially if you are a reader!! It offers insightful conversations and engaging topics that keep you hooked from start to finish. Perfect for adding a dose of inspiration or entertainment to you...
The Novel Book Club Podcast
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Kay Green profile picture
These headphones are adorable and super comfortable! They deliver great sound quality without breaking the bank, making them a more affordable alternative to AirPod Max. Perfect for enjoying music or podcasts while designing, even great on work calls...
Beats Studio Pro Bluetooth Wireless Headphones - Sandstone
 
Kay Green profile picture
These headphones are a must-have for any graphic designer! With their stunning sound quality and luxurious comfort, they elevate your listening experience. The noise cancellation feature allows you to focus on your work without distractions. While th...
AirPods Max - Starlight
 
Kay Green profile picture
These AirPods are perfect for graphic designers on the go! They offer excellent sound quality and active noise cancellation, allowing you to immerse yourself in your work without distractions. The comfortable fit makes them ideal for long hours, and ...
AirPods Pro 2
 
Kay Green profile picture
a fun mug to drink your caffeine (or decaf) drink of choice!
Graphic Designer Gift, Gift for Designer, I'm Silently Judging Your Font Choice
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Kay Green profile picture
Print Magazine is an essential resource for graphic designers and creatives, featuring a wealth of articles on design trends, inspiration, and industry insights. With a focus on visual culture and storytelling, Print covers everything from typography...
PRINT Magazine

Software

 
Kay Green profile picture
This color calibration tool is perfect for keeping your screen colors accurate—ideal for any designer! It makes a thoughtful gift for a college student or anyone serious about graphic design.
Datacolor SpyderX Pro Colorimeter
 
Kay Green profile picture
Every graphic designer needs Adobe Creative Cloud! It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for design, illustration, and editing. With access to all the latest software, it’s essential for any creative professional. A subscription also makes a fanta...
Adobe Creative Cloud
 
Kay Green profile picture
Canva is a game-changer for graphic designers! This user-friendly design platform offers a wide range of templates, graphics, and tools that make creating stunning visuals a breeze. Perfect for everything from social media posts to presentations, it’...
Canva: Visual Suite for Everyone
 
Kay Green profile picture
Figma is a must-have design tool for graphic designers, perfect for real-time collaboration. This cloud-based platform allows you to create, prototype, and share designs effortlessly, making teamwork a breeze. With its intuitive interface and powerfu...
Login | Figma

Conferences

 
Kay Green profile picture
Adobe Max is an incredible annual conference for creatives and graphic designers! This event is packed with inspiring keynotes, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. You can attend in person for a fee or join virtual...
Adobe MAX 2024 - The Creativity Conference
 
Kay Green profile picture
The AIGA Conference is a fantastic opportunity for graphic designers to connect, learn, and grow! This annual event brings together creatives from all backgrounds for inspiring talks, insightful panels, and hands-on workshops. With industry leaders s...
AIGA Design Conference
 
Kay Green profile picture
Design Matters is a must-visit platform for anyone passionate about design! This resource features a wealth of insights, interviews, and articles from leading design professionals and thought leaders. Whether you're looking for inspiration, industry ...
Design Matters 24