Day-to-Day Essentials Every Graphic Designer Needs to Survive (and Thrive!)
“ …what about the little things? The small, everyday essentials that keep us sane, inspired, and caffeinated while we push pixels and battle client feedback? “
We all know that a laptop, a tablet, and fancy design software are the big tools every graphic designer needs. But what about the little things? The small, everyday essentials that keep us sane, inspired, and caffeinated while we push pixels and battle client feedback?
Here’s a list of must-have goodies that make a designer’s life easier, more fun, and, let’s be real, more bearable when deadlines hit.
1. A Fancy Notebook
Yes, we live in the digital age, but a solid notebook is still a designer’s best friend. Random ideas hit at the worst times—in bed, on the bus, mid-coffee sip—so you need a place to scribble them down fast.
Whether you love Moleskine, Leuchtturm1917, or even a stack of sticky notes, having something to capture doodles, layouts, or to-do lists is essential. Bonus points if it’s grid or dotted paper—perfect for rough wireframes and sketches that don’t look like chaotic scribbles.
2. A Set of Good Pens
Nothing ruins a moment of genius like a cheap, scratchy pen that refuses to cooperate. Designers need pens that flow—pens that make your handwriting look effortlessly cool and your sketches crisp.
Here’s the essential pen lineup:
• Fine liners for sketching and outlining (Micron, Uni Pin, or Staedtler Pigment Liners)
• A smooth gel pen for notes and lists (Pilot G2, Muji, or Uni-ball Signo)
• Brush pens for fun lettering and artsy moments
Having a few great pens on hand means you’re always ready when inspiration strikes, or when you need to doodle during a boring Zoom call.
3. A Good Planner or Diary
Let’s be real, designers juggle a lot of projects at once. Between client deadlines, revision rounds, and creative brain dumps, things can get messy fast. A good planner keeps everything organized so you don’t wake up at 2 AM realizing you forgot an important deadline.
• Daily planners help with scheduling and to-do lists
• Undated planners for those who hate commitment but still need structure
• Bullet journals for when you want your organization system to look as aesthetic as your designs
Find a planner that works for you, and suddenly, life feels less chaotic. Well, slightly less.
4. The Perfect Coffee OR Tea Setup
No great design was ever created without a solid caffeine supply. Whether you’re a coffee lover or a tea enthusiast, having the right setup makes those long hours in front of your screen way more bearable.
• Coffee lovers: An espresso machine is a must. If you’re fancy, a milk frother for those barista-level lattes.
• Tea drinkers: A good loose-leaf selection + an infuser is a game-changer.
And of course, a ridiculously oversized mug because regular-sized cups just don’t cut it.
5. Decent Headphones OR Earphones
Designers need deep focus time, and nothing ruins it faster than construction noise, chatty roommates, or a client calling at the worst possible moment. A solid pair of noise-cancelling headphones can save your sanity and keep you in the zone.
Bose, Sony, or AirPods Max for complete silence, Lo-fi beats or film scores for peak productivity and good mic for when you actually need to take a call.
6. A Cool Desk Lamp
Designers are night owls, and that means good lighting is a must. No one wants to work under harsh, headache-inducing lights or strain their eyes in the dark.
A warm, adjustable desk lamp makes your workspace feel cozy and creative instead of cold and corporate. Bonus points if it’s aesthetic enough to make your workspace look straight out of Pinterest.
7. A Comfy Hoodie or Sweater
Why do designers always work at odd hours when the temperature mysteriously drops to Arctic levels?
Having a cosy hoodie, a soft blanket, or even a pair of fuzzy socks is a game-changer for those late-night editing marathons where you suddenly realize it’s 2 AM and you’re sitting in the dark.
8. Inspirational Desk Decor
Your workspace should feel like a creative sanctuary, not just a place where deadlines chase you down. A few small things can make a huge difference in keeping you inspired and motivated.
• Plants to make your desk feel alive
• Art prints or posters that remind you why you love design
• A quirky desk toy for those deep thinking moments
Because sometimes, staring at a rubber duck is the only way to process bad client feedback.
9. A Coffee or Tea Takeaway Mug
Designers are always on the move. Whether it's running to a client meeting, heading to a co-working space, or just stepping outside to escape a design block, a good travel mug is an absolute must.
The best ones are spill-proof, stylish, and keep your drink hot for hours—because nothing is worse than taking a sip mid-project and realizing your coffee is now sad and cold.
If you’re a tea lover, get one with a built-in infuser so you can steep on the go. If you’re a coffee fiend, get one that’s heat-locking and fits perfectly in your bag. Just never, ever settle for lukewarm disappointment.
10. A Massive Water Bottle
Caffeine is essential, but so is water. A giant, reusable water bottle reminds you to actually drink something other than coffee and helps you avoid the dreaded design dehydration headache.
Extra points if it has motivational time markers that guilt-trip you into drinking more like "Keep going, you dehydrated goblin!"
Final Thoughts: Small Things, Big Difference
The right tiny essentials can turn a stressful, caffeine-fueled design session into something way more enjoyable. From a good planner to the perfect playlist, it’s the little things that make your creative workflow smoother, cozier, and just a little more fun.
So stock up on the goodies, embrace your inner design gremlin, and make your workspace a place where the magic happens.
What’s your must-have design essential? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for new things to hoard! 😊
