Supply List + Kelsey Haver Designs Essentials
In this blog post, I’ve broken down my supply list and provided links to all of my favorite essentials. Included in this list are business tools, accessories, lettering tools, some procreate brushes, a list of the technology I love and use daily, and some of my personal essentials (from mascara to what helps me sleep all the way to things that can save you money!) I get asked frequently about my supplies and this post has pretty much all of it! If you’re looking for a more business focused list, check out this blog post.
*Please note that this blog post does include some affiliate links, meaning that I do make a small commission if you make a purchase. Thank you for helping to support my business.
Accessories
iPad Case: I love this case! It conveniently stores my Apple Pencil, protects my iPad, and is pink, so of course I love it. Here’s the link if you’re interested! Please note that I don’t have the newest iPad so you may need a different size case then the one linked here but check out this brand!
Thirty-One Pouch: I absolutely love this pouch! I carry it with me everyday in my purse to store my Apple Pencil, Magic Mouse, Phone Charger, AirPods, HDMI cord, and converters. It’s so helpful to have all of my tech accessories stored in this pouch so I know I have everything with me when going to class, coffee shops, client meetings and more. I own two of them and I did get one monogrammed! I’ve linked it here!
Bluelight Glasses: I purchased my bluelight glasses a little over a year ago and they are a lifesaver! I started getting headaches when I was working full time and freelancing. Here are the ones I currently wear!
I used to own another pair which I loved, until I broke them. The exact ones I have are not longer available but they have other colors still in stock! I’d recommend either of these styles. Click here for the brown tortoise shell ones! Click here for the pink ones!
Uppercase NimbleGrip: I was gifted this grip for my Apple Pencil back in August and I’ve been using it ever since! While I was gifted this tool, I can honestly say I enjoy lettering with it. It helps create stability while lettering with the Apple Pencil that is thin and can get uncomfortable to hold after a while. Here’s the link to the NimbleGrip and you can get a discount by using code KELSEY15.
Business
A-Z Directory: Cami + Elisabeth from Biz Birthday Bash (home of the Biz Bash Podcast) have created an incredible resource for product business owners, creatives, and stationers. There’s over 200 different vendors that can help bring your ideas to life- pretty much anything you want to create! The A-Z Directory includes access to this resource as well as membership to a private Facebook page where Cami + Elisabeth (as well as other members) share their knowledge. You can sign up for this amazing resource by clicking here!
Website Template: When I decided to redo my website, I knew I needed to invest in some help. I purchased a template that works with Squarespace which is the platform my website that houses my website. I bought the Sophia template from Big Cat Creative and it has been a total gamechanger! The biggest thing that I wanted when investing in a new site was the ability for me to easily make changes and design parts of it. I wanted it to be full of my design style and branding and these templates allow me to do just that! It’s honestly been so worth it and I’ve already seen better conversion rates because my website finally matches the quality and style of my work. If you’re interested in purchasing a template for your site, click here!
Flodesk: I recently switched email marketing platforms, from Mailchimp to Flodesk and I LOVE IT. I’d been using Mailchimp because it was free but Flodesk is a total gamechanger. Part of the reason for refreshing my website and emails was to put everything on the same level design-wise. I used to feel like my website and emails were not as well-designed as my actual design work. It caused inconsistencies in my brand and made it feel dis-jointed. Using Flodesk helps make everything beautiful and cohesive! Click here to try Flodesk for 50% off your subscription!
Lettering
Archer & Olive Notebook: These notebooks are the BEST. I love love love my bullet journals and I cannot express how amazing the quality on these is! I own four of them and I will continue purchasing them because I keep filling mine up! They are made of beautiful hard covers, the binding is incredible, the pages are thick and have a dot grid. I own a deep green floral one, a light blue bee, a green one with florals, and a dark pink one with more florals. The covers are decorated with a gold design on the front and some books have gold edges. They look beautiful and classy and I display them on my bookshelf after they are full. Here’s the link to the ones that I have!
Gelly Roll Pens: I love using these pens when lettering and bullet journaling. They aren’t too big and don’t run out very quickly. Here’s the link to the black ones. There’s also white gel pens that I use when addressing envelopes, those are linked here!
Prismacolor Art Markers: These were my first brush pens! They have such a strong pigmentation and I love the two sides- both brush pens and a monoweight side. The monoweight is rather thick so it isn’t great for fine detailed work but regardless, these are a great addition to your marker collection! They are more expensive because they come in larger packs but they are such a nice quality. Linked here!
Tombow Brush Pens: I love these brush pens! They come in such bright, fun colors and I love how they are available in smaller packs. Great for blending as they are water-based. The downside to these is that they are water-based which means that the ink will run if it gets wet. Click here for the Bright Pack! Click here for the Tombow brush stand- I have this in my workspace!
Pencil / Marker Organizer: If you’re like me, you probably have a million different markets, pens, pencils, etc. I love organizing them in this case! It’s huge but I keep it on my supply cart next to my desk. I’ve linked the marble one here!
For tips on lettering, purchase my guide in my shop! I’ve linked it here.
Wax Seal Kit: I had been wanting to purchase some wax seals for my happy mail and I love these! I had three different custom stamps made and I am so excited about them. Click here for the pack (number 6) that I purchased! Click here to shop the wax beads.
Vintage Postage: I love styling my flatlays using vintage postage! It’s so elegant and can add cute details to my photos. Click here for the butterfly ones! Here is the link for the lemon stamps! Click here for the roses and flowers. Here is the link for the adorable love ones!
Procreate Brushes:
Design Cuts: I partnered with Design Cuts a while back to put together this pack of digital lettering supplies. Check it out here! It’s full of dozens (even hundreds) of brushes, grids, and more!
Lynn Haven Designs Watercolor Brushes: This kit is so fun! I purchased it a while back and it’s so helpful for creating digital lettering that has a watercolor look to it. I’ve linked the kit here! Here’s another kit that I love from Lynn Haven Designs.
For more links and lists of my favorite brushes, take a look at my Procreate Guide in my shop! I’ve linked it here!
Everyday Essentials
Rakuten: This has been a lifesaver! One of my friends set me up on it a couple years ago and I’ve received over $195 cashback from shopping online. It’s super easy to use and if you want to sign up, use this link and you can receive $10 when you spend $25 using Rakuten (formerly Ebates!) Essentially what it does is you use the extension when you’re shopping online and it will let you know if there are any coupons and if you can get any cashback. The money goes into your Paypal on payout months! PS: it’s FREE!
Aromatherapy Essential Oils: This peppermint spray helps me relax and focus! It smells oh so good and I love spraying the peppermint after I make my bed in the mornings to help me wake up and get focused. I spray the lavender before bed to relax and calm down. Click here for the mint one! Here’s the link to the lavender one!
Lumbar Pillow: I cannot sleep without my Lumbar Pillow anymore! I got it several months ago and it has helped me sleep so much. It’s so soft but also a longer shaped pillow which is perfect for laying on it on your side (which is one of the ways I sleep!) I’ve linked the one I have here but there are so many amazing ones out there!
Comfy: My mom bought me my Comfy for Christmas and it is one of my favorite things ever. It’s so warm and helps me feel so cozy, especially during the winter months! Click here to see the grey Comfy I got!
Mascara: Even on the days I don’t wear a lot of makeup, I won’t leave the house without a little bit of mascara. I use two different kinds each day to make my lashes look so long! It honestly helps me feel so much more confident. I’ve linked the first one here! Click here for the second one!
Leggings: These leggings are a staple in my wardrobe- especially when working from home! I own them in like six different colors and I highly recommend them! They come in so many different colors and have pockets!! So comfy and not see through at all. I’ve linked them here!
Honey: This is another trick that I’ve used for a couple years to save some cash! It is an extension, like Rakuten, but this one automatically scans for coupons on sites. It’s super easy to use and has helped me save so much money. Additionally, you can earn giftcards from using it! To sign up, click here! PS: it’s FREE!
Redbubble Stickers: I love expressing myself through Redbubble stickers! They are such a good quality and I might be bias, but they have some really cute designs! Here’s the link to my shop!
Hydroflask: It sounds so basic but this is the only thing that can make sure I’m drinking enough water throughout the day! My brother gave me the navy one for Christmas and I absolutely love it. Here’s the link to the one with the straw. Click here for the one without the straw!
Technology
iPad Pro 12.9” 2017: I purchased my iPad a couple years ago and it was the best decision! I use my iPad almost daily and would recommend them to anyone who is wanting to pursue digital design. Additionally, I love the size of my screen- it is very big but it’s so nice for working or watching Netflix. I did increase the storage amount on my iPad so that I wouldn’t ever have to worry about running out of storage space!
MacBook Pro 15” 2017: I upgraded my MacBook a couple years ago and absolutely love it. I have the larger size as well as an increased amount of storage. I do have the touchbar on mine and it’s so nice. This is my second MacBook and I will continue to purchase them as long as I’m designing!
Apple Pencil 2017: If you’re getting an iPad Pro with the intent of using the Procreate App to create artwork, the Apple Pencil is a no brainer. I’ve never tried knock off versions but I am an Apple person through and through so I purchased the Apple Pencil right away. Its pressure sensitivity is absolutely mind blowing!
Procreate App: This is the app where I do all of my lettering and illustration! It’s around $10 in the app store and has completely changed my workflow.
Adobe Creative Cloud: I have the Creative Cloud and I could not do anything without it! The main programs I use are Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Lightroom, and Acrobat.
Apple Magic Mouse: I purchased my magic mouse a little over a year ago and it has really sped up my workflow. I still use my trackpad whenever I’m working on the couch or doing something quick on my MacBook. However, for days when I’m working on branding suites or designing for long periods of time in coffee shops, I love using my magic mouse.
AirPods: I just got my AirPods and I wish I had purchased them sooner! So unbelievably convenient while I’m working, taking client calls, filming stories or laying in bed and watching TikTok late at night.
Apple iPhone 11 Pro: I upgraded my phone a couple months ago and the camera quality on this phone is insane! I love taking photos and am always pulling my phone out to capture moments, shoot content or film videos. I upgraded from an iPhone 7 so I’m totally amazed by the Face ID, lack of home button, and incredible cameras.
Nikon DSLR: I love my Nikon camera! While having an upgraded phone is nice, I still use my camera for all shoots including flatlays, brand shoots, product shots, and more.
