Our Designer Home Office Setups & Products

 
Our Designer Home Office Setups & Products Blog Post Graphic
 
 

One of the best parts of starting a service-based business is the low startup investment. When we started our brand and web design studio, we had our laptops and Adobe subscriptions and not much else.

But as we’ve grown, we’ve slowly invested in more office products to make our home offices super cozy and streamlined.

This post compiles all of the office products and tools that we (Cass & Amanda) use on the daily in our design business.

If you’re looking for computers and office tool recommendations for freelance designers, our lists feature everything from the fundamentals like laptops and desks to more “for fun” products like phone stands and timers.

Disclaimer: This list includes affiliate links to some products that we may make a commission from.


Cassidy’s Web Design Office Products & Tools


 

Uplift standing desk

This is a great standing desk and has great depth for fitting multiple monitors. I have the 42”x30”.

Hyken Technical Mesh Task Chair

This chair isn’t exactly “aesthetic,” but is incredibly comfortable and supportive for the price. The headrest is removable.

Under Desk Walking Pad/Treadmill

Took a risk on a cheaper walking pad and it works well! It’s decently heavy and bulky but does have wheels that make moving it easier. It’s wide enough to feel comfortable on too.

2021 Apple 16.2" MacBook Pro with M1 Pro Chip

4 years into our business,I finally upgraded my 2015 MacBook to this powerhouse. It was a big investment, but well worth it for the 32 GB of RAM.

SAMSUNG T350 Monitor

I connect this monitor to my Macbook with an HDMI

HDMI Cable

You’ll need some HDMI’s to connect a monitors to your computer.

VIVO Single Monitor Desk Mount

Affordable and does the job.

Adjustable Laptop Stand

Holds a large laptop well. No complaints.

Hub, USB-C Laptop Docking Station

With a newer mac, you’ll likely want a multi-port adapter for all your HDMI’s and USB’s.

Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

Honestly shocked by how much I love this keyboard. It has a creamy clacking sound and can be set up to work as a mac keyboard or a different configuration. It is kind of loud, though, so keep that in mind.

Apple Magic Mouse

Mac here’s an article on how to force it to be faster.

Apple Magic Trackpad

Got this after switching to a laptop stand because I’m used to a track pad for website mockups and video editing. I currently switch between it and my mouse depending on what I’m doing.

Mouse Pad & Keyboard Wrist Rests

Can’t work without these now. I spilled coffee and they did clean up well with my carpet cleaner- I think a good scrub with soap and water would do the same.

Yellow Cats Desk Mat

Adorable and cheerful. Also cleans up well with a carpet cleaner or probably with just soap and water too.

Samsung External 1TB SS hard Drive

Where I keep client files. This guy is speedy and more drop-proof than a mechanical hard drive.

Yeti Blue Mic

A great entry-level mic for improving your video recording audio quality. A huge step up from using your headphones mic.

Microphone Arm Stand

Makes it super easy to pull your mic down or put it away when you don’t need it.

Computer Video Call Light

This is super helpful if your room has low lighting or is backlit like mine.

Apple Airpods Pro or Soundcore Anker Life P3 Earbuds

Honestly worth the money- unless you have ADHD problems and have washed them 3+ times like me. If that’s the case, maybe opt for a cheaper option like the soundcore earbuds. I also have them and the sound is fine but the mic sucks and there’s minimal noise cancelling.

Coffee Warmer

If you drink hot coffee or tea, you’ll love this.

Desk Cell Phone Stand Holder

Super random, but I actually would miss this if I didnt’ have it.

HP Smart Printer

This is a great investment printer that is small and looks super sleek.


Amanda’s Graphic Design Office Supplies

Logo Package - Adobe Illustrator Extension

An AMAZING and affordable extension every designer needs to help you package all your clients’ final logo files extremely fast, and in all the file types they’ll need in their deliverables!

Faux Leather Office Desk Chair

Super cute and affordable chair in brown- I have it in brown.

2019 Apple MacBook Pro 16”

A great laptop for running lots of design programs if you’re looking to invest, but not buy the newest Macbook.

Samsung 24" FHD Flat Monitor

The secondary screen I use in addition to my laptop.

Laptop stand/Computer Riser

A riser to keep my laptop and monitor at the same height. Really helps with posture when sitting at your desk!

USB-C to Lightening Adapter

An adapter to connect lightening cords to newer apple laptops.

Multiport USB-C Adapter

A really helpful dongle for newer Apple laptops.

Logitech Brio 4K Webcam

Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

Cloud Wrist Rest

Apple EarPods Headphones

TOZO Noise Cancelling Headphones

60-Minute Timer

Blue Desk Mat

Apple Ipad Air 4th Gen 64 Gb

Amanda loves her iPad for custom illustrations.

Apple Pencil (2nd Gen)

Pairs with the iPad for illustration.

Wacom Wireless Drawing Tablet

This is the tablet Amanda used before she got her iPad. You’ll really enjoy some type of drawing pad if you offer custom illustrations, and this one is pretty affordable!

Samsung External 1TB SS hard Drive

Yeti Blue Mic

A great entry-level mic for improving your video recording audio quality. A huge step up from using your headphones mic.

Under Desk Treadmill

A foldable walking pad with an optional handle bar.

HP DeskJet Wireless Printer

Wireless Lapel Microphone for iPhone

Perfect for content creation.

Ring Light with 62’’ Tripod


Investing in your business can feel scary, but it’s the only way to really grow! Keep up the great work, and join our email community for more design tips and resources from us.

Cassidy Phillips

Hi, I’m Cass, Lead Web Designer at Foxtrot Branding. I absolutely love getting to help passionate business owners create messaging and website designs that beautifully articulate how amazing their brand is.

I specialize in designing strategic Squarespace and Shopify websites with eye-catching designs and clear messaging.

https://foxtrotbranding.com
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