Design and Office Favorites: Working from Home
I have been extremely lucky to work from home for the last 7 years as a full time Graphic Designer and Photographer. I’ve received some questions lately about what items are essential to my business and office, especially during this Pandemic time. Working from home while home schooling has been harder since March, but we made it through and the two younger kids started back to school last week. One full time face to face and one on a hybrid of virtual and in-class.
So, here is a list of the items that I use daily in my home office and creative spaces (aka the couch, the bed, my car in the Starbucks parking lot haha). Also, see affiliate disclaimer at the bottom of this post. Links are in Yellow below.
I upgraded my MacBook Pro late last year. I always struggle with making the big purchases for my business… but let me tell you, the 16 inch new Pro is AMAZING! I am in love with the fingerprint thingy for passwords. I didn’t know if I would use the touch bar at all, but it really is handy.
I absolutely love my wet erase calendars from Lindsay Letters! I first bought the Typography Monthly in 30x24 with the Classic Black frame a few years ago. I opted for the Monday start because that’s just how my brain thinks. I loved it so much that I purchased the super large Perpetual with Fill-in Months Wall Cling. I purchased a piece of great quality plexiglass from Lowes and a pretty frame from Hobby Lobby to save a little bit of money since it was COVID and all on the second purchase.
The calendars come with awesome plexiglass that you write on, so your calendar always stays GORGEOUS! My absolute favorite pens are these awesome Vis-a-Vis Wet Erase Markers. These pens remind me of watching my teachers writing on the overhead projectors…. anyone else that old?? Haha. I use a paper towel and hand sanitizer to clean the Plexiglass.
I love using Lara Casey’s Cultivate What Matters Powersheets every year to plan out my goals… taking the time to search what has worked, what hasn’t and where my heart is. There are so many amazing goodies to choose from, go check it out. UPDATE: 2021 Powersheets are coming out on October 14th at 10am!! Click below to get yours!
These are my absolute favorite sketch and note pads. I’m quite the paper snob. I always have been since begging my Mom to take me to the local paper store in my hometown called If It’s Paper. It was the holy grail of amazing paper, pens and everything you could every want. I have this awesome smaller dot pad and this super large dot pad… It’s the best for sketching out social media content ideas or branding concepts.
5. Warby Parker Blue Blocker Glasses
I have been wearing Warby Parker Glasses for about 5 years… maybe more. I love them and the fact that I can try them on at home first if we are stationed away from a store. The customer service is amazing and there is a scratch and break warranty period that is so wonderful. My last pair were these below, the Welty… super cute!!
I love simple, useful, and great quality paper planners. I’ve used many different wonderful brands, but Golden Coil is my favorite by far. It is completely customizable and you pick the page layouts and different categories of pages. Mine currently has daily pages with meal planning and exercise all built in to the day. I also have budget pages, project planning pages and so many more. Ohh forgot to mention that you can import your calendar dates and they print them directly on your monthly and daily/weekly pages!!! I chose this gorgeous Strawberry cover and it’s so fun and full of life!
I love the versatility of my iPad Pro. I use it for taking notes during meetings with the Apple Pencil, editing photos in lightroom on the go and accessing everything that I need for my business when I don’t want to take my full laptop with me. I keep it safe in this gorgeous Apple Leather sleeve and have the attachable keyboard. Did you know that you can sign up for a business account at the Apple Store for free and get discounts and special events just for businesses?
I held on to my wired headphones forever and just caved for the AirPods. I love them. I run in them, attend Zoom calls and listen to audio books while I’m shopping in my mask at Target.
My daughter and I stumbled onto these pens at our downtown art supply store. They have replaced all of my other pigment marker type pens that I use. They come in the best color sets and handy holders. I’ve been using mine since March and haven’t used up any of them yet.
I’m still using my Pantone deck from 2014… I know, I know. I need to update them, but again budget and never wanting to spend money for my business. But these new ones are on my list for Christmas this year.
So I have to admit, I love technology, LOVE. I was hesitant about the Amazon devices through the house “listening” to us, but I’m hooked. Being able to sit at my desk and see what’s happening on my front porch on the Echo Show is so fun! There are so many other capabilities of the little video screen, but that is the coolest for me right now.
I have so many external hard drives full of photoshoots and designs from the last 12 years. My favorite brands are Seagate and WD. I also store all of mine in a fireproof safe, to be extra careful.
13. and most important…. Starbucks!
I hope that this list was helpful, or maybe some good ideas for Christmas wish lists. I plan on doing a few more roundups of favorites and of course always love to hear your feedback! Let me know what else you would like to see.
DISCLAIMER: This post may contain some affiliate links. Any purchases made through these links will result in a small commission for Michelle Lea Creative. Please note, all opinions are my own and Michelle Lea Creative only recommends products or services that will add value to you. Affiliate links will always be disclosed at the bottom of each blog post.
