10 Christmas gifts for graphic designer 2012
by Mitchell Eismont
It isn’t really easy to please a graphic designer. Why? Because we look at the design of everything and critique it. Critiquing everything is part of who we are. What did I ask for Christmas? I asked for a heavy duty paper cutter and a Dremel. I plan on cutting and making my own cards. The Dremel is for engraving wood that will go into my letterpress. Ok these are pretty expensive presents. The list I am going to create is of affordable gifts for graphic designers.
1. Creative Suite Pillows by Craftsquatch on Etsy.
I have seen this on various websites. I am giving you the link to the etsy shop that is selling this. On Craftsquatch website they have pillows with the logos of other famous software and websites also.
2. Helvetica typography acrylic necklace by plastique
Personally I would like to see this necklace made in lead, but it is still cool. A perfect gift for your lady friend graphic designer.
3. Helvetica as a rock shirt on Zazzle.com
This is a really odd and strange shirt and since I am on a Helvetica kick I am going to add it. When I saw this shirt it made my inner typographer chuckle inside.
4. Wacom tablet Bamboo Connect
I am going to something a little more serious and practical on this list. If your graphic designer or web designer friend doesn’t have one of these yet, it’s a perfect gift. I use this very often for illustrating, design and believe it or not I grade my students work with it.
5. Postcards from Penguin: One Hundred Book Covers in One Box
6. Website design stencil kit from UI Stencils
I love sketching out ideas the old fashioned way, with a pencil and a piece of paper. The longer I can stay off the computer each day the more productive I am. This is a perfect gift for that web designer that sketches a lot.
If you have enough money to buy your designer a letterpress I would do so. If you don’t have enough money just buy then some wood type.
I am a big fan of wood and metal type. This piece of software will allow your designer friend to digital play with wood type. It can actually be used in client based projects.
9. Pantone 2012 color of the year coffee mug.
If you aren’t familiar with the Pantone color matching system, just trust me this will be a great gift for your designer friend.
This is a pretty awesome gift for that freelance graphic designer or art direct of your family. These magnets mimic the features in photoshop.
I hope every has a great 2012 Christmas.
Mitchell Eismont
Eismont Designs, A Library of Ideas
These are all awesome ideas! I’ll have to ask my wife to add the Website Design Stencil Kit to my list.