Things I like, use and recommend
This started as a list of my favourite design books that I wanted to share, but I realised a broader list might also make a good gift guide for those interested in design.
I hate the laziness inherent in poorly designed or subpar products, so everything here earns its place by being well-made, useful, and built to last. They’re not always the least expensive option, but I’d rather buy one good tool than two cheap ones.
Some of the links on this page are Amazon affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through them. Where possible, I’ve linked to the original products, rather than the copies found in the sponsored search results.
Books
A Smile in the Mind: Witty Thinking in Graphic Design
Beryl McAlhone and David Stuart
Mr Beck's Underground Map
Ken Garland
How to use graphic design to sell things...
Michael Bierut
How to be a graphic designer, without losing your soul
Adrian Shaughnessy
Thinking with Type
Ellen Lupton
Design is Storytelling
Ellen Lupton
Caffeine
Melitta Aroma Boy
Filter Coffee Machine, Beige
AeroPress Original
Espresso-style Coffee Maker
Square Mile Red Brick
Excellent coffee beans
KeepCup
The original reusable coffee cup
James Hoffman on YouTube
The coffee nerd's coffee nerd
On my desk
Klean Kanteen water bottle
Stainless Steel and indestructible
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Still the best earbud headphones
Leuchtturm notebooks
Better than Moleskines
Blackwing pencils
Such a pleasure to use
Mobius and Ruppert Brass Pencil Sharpener
Mine is older than my children
M90 Micro Blaster
Perfect for teeny tiny breakdancers
In the kitchen
Hackman/Iittala stainless steel pans
Stainless Steel and indestructible
Fiskars scissors
21cm: perfect for kitchen duties
Global G2 cook's knife
The only knife you'll need
Cuisipro locking tongs
Good tongs make a difference
Dough scraper
Great for clearing up
MSG
If you know, you know
Everyday things
Victorinox Swiss Card
Very handy and fits in the little pocket on your jeans
Leatherman Micra
Also very handy and also fits in the little pocket on your jeans
Secrid Wallet and card holder
Compact and well made RFID wallet
Casio G-Shock 'Square'
Modern version of the original G-Shock
Blundstones
Standard issue graphic designer footwear
About me
My bio
Information for recruiters
Things I like, use and recommend