For many designers, even those who create works digitally, there is nothing that beats the feel of pen to paper. Somehow, sketching ideas by hand feels like an extension of the brain, making it a fluid process to bring one’s ideas to life.
To make that process all the more enjoyable, we have compiled a list of products which are perfect to inspire young designers to take their work to the next level – and enjoy doing it.
Graf von Faber-Castell Perfect Pencil Magnum (€370)
For those who enjoy the tactile act of writing by pencil, nothing beats the Perfect Pencil Magnum by Graf von Faber-Castell. A writing instrument that isn’t just beautiful, but totally functional with a built-in sharpener and eraser. It’s a pencil that will last for years.
Montblanc Meisterstück 149 Calligraphy Curved Nib Fountain Pen (€975)
The calligraphy curved nib on the 149 gives both form and function to your writing and sketching. The calligraphy nib applies all the beauty of Montblanc’s commitment to excellence and goes one step further in providing an unparalleled writing experience as the curved nib allows a variety of writing styles and line widths, depending on the angle and the orientation at which the writing instrument is held.
Graf von Faber-Castell Round Eraser (€190)
Graf von Faber-Castell shows us that beautiful engineering can be applied to even the smallest desk accessory. Take, for instance, the platinum-plated eraser round. Fitting two pieces of metal around a circular eraser, one gets a beautiful – and functional – addition to their desk that reminds us that life is full of mistakes, but to always keep trying again.
Smythson Panama Paper Tray (€375)
Smythson’s leather goods make for excellent additions to any desk and the paper tray is one item that blends the design aesthetics of the brand with a necessity for any designer. The A4 size is large enough for most notepages, watercolor paper, and more to keep safe and secure when your desk gets a little messy.
El Casco Pencil Sharpener (€544)
Undeniably the most gorgeous pencil sharpener on the market, El Casco shows us that beauty can come in any shape and that details matter – an important lesson for any aspiring designer. With its solid metal frame and hand-polished chrome finish, it’s a piece of art as much as it is a simple tool.
Ralph Lauren Brennan Desk Blotter (€800)
To protect your desk and keep everything tidy, a desk blotter is a great accessory for any designer. The Brennan by Ralph Lauren uses high-quality leather to provide a touch class. And what’s more, a special groove is built in for a pencil catch.
Montblanc StarWalker BlackCosmos Metal Ballpoint Pen (€780)
While other ballpoints may get the job done, if you really want to set the mood for your design career, including a Montblanc pen in your line-up can make all the difference. Enhanced to be not just a writing utensil, but an objet d’arte, the StarWalker can inspire others with its elevated design and heritage engineering.
Otto Hutt design08 Rollerball (€875)
Built by industry designers for designers, the design08 has massive appeal among the creative community for its sleek appearance and unparalleled functionality. The rollerball modality works well with the weight of this metal pen, making writing a breeze and gliding easily along the page for notes, sketches, and detailed drawing.
Yard-O-Led Diplomat Barley Pencil (£295)
If you’d prefer to use a mechanical pencil for your sketching and notetaking, Yard-O-Led has created a brilliant option that marries old world charm and heritage into one. The design for this pencil hasn’t changed since 1934, making it a great relic of the golden age of writing, while also being engineered with all of the contemporary features that make this a special tool for anyone who prefers lead to ink.
