From inspiration to execution these are always close at hand in my Exeter design studio.
Disclaimer: I’ve not included digital hardware or software as you can find those in pretty much any graphic design agency. This post is very much about some of the special things I use across all brand identity / logo design / graphic design projects.
Drawing Tools
Pretty basic I know, but in a world of digital assistants and AI logo design this part of my process feels more important than ever. Aside from the paper and pencils there are three key tools I use:
- Jakar Pencil Sharpener – sturdy and reliably purchased at The Design Museum.
- Maun Safety Ruler – good for scalpels and drawing, it’s no frills stuff for line work.
- Makers Cabinet Iris – the coolest of tools for when you’re getting serious with circles.
Swatches
Contrary to what many have been saying for too long, print is not dead.
How do I know? My Pantone books, and G.F. Smith paper swatch book are still in heavy rotation.
There are still many analogue aspects to life – menus, direct mail, posters, flyers. In fact I had a client reference a print piece in a brand design briefing session the other day.
Much like the drawing tools above – it’s more important than ever to embrace the sensory, human elements of the design experience. It helps produce graphic design solutions that stand out in an increasingly digital landscape.
My mini Exeter design studio library…
For a creative designer it’s really important to have hands on access to a wide range of references and information. And you don’t have to take my word for it, renowned international agency COLLINS has a library with over 5,572 books in it:
“Our work begins in the library because there are few, if any, problems that are truly novel. We look to history, science, fiction, news, math, mythology, music, plays, art, economics, finance, psychology, cosmology, archeology, education, children’s books—everything we can explore to understand better what others before us have done when confronted with similar challenges.” – Collins, Ginsburg 2023
All graphic design agencies have access to the internet and near infinite levels of digital content, which is why books and physical references are so important for finding more interesting, tactile design solutions.
…the much bigger library behind my Exeter design studio.
Okay it’s not in my work space but I see the Exeter Library as an extension of my work space, and I think more people should see their local library that way too. Having worked for a number of local authorities I know how important libraries are to communities, and I feel like businesses (and particularly marketing / creative businesses) should use them more.
Industry reports, archives, broad subject matters, the British Library Business and IP Centres – libraries house so much information and inspiration.
On a recent logo design project I found myself in the basement of the library – “The Stack” – sifting through annuals of Modern Publicity circa 1955-1965. Something I could never do in my studio – and not many others could too.
On a separate more strategic project I was using their online report archive to build a marketing research and strategy report.
Basically, whatever you’re doing, if you are looking for a bit of inspiration: close the ChatGPT window, get into a local library, and see what you can turn up. You might find something super unique that inspires you down a fresh route.
Enough about me.
Whether you have your own Exeter design studio, or work in Oxford, Birmingham, or anywhere as a graphic designer, marketeer, or anything else:
- What do you find essential in your work practice?
- What can’t you imagine using day to day?
- What’s the best thing you’ve found in your library?
