As an entrepreneur and graphic designer, staying organized is key to my success. I’ll share the stationery and tools that have changed my workflow. These essentials help me manage my tasks better and use my time wisely.
From my desk setup to managing digital files, these are my go-to items. They keep me organized and help me stay productive every day.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the best stationery and organization tools to boost your productivity
- Learn strategies for setting up a functional and visually appealing workspace
- Explore digital file organization methods to keep your projects and assets in order
- Uncover the top productivity apps and tools that will transform your workflow
- Find your new favorite stationery stores, both online and in your local community
Principles of Organization
Organization has a few key principles that help me. One is order by proximity. I keep my most-used items, like cables and chargers, in my desk drawers. Less-used items, like my printer, are in a nearby cabinet.
My glues and other supplies are in cabinets above my desk. This way, everything is easy to find when I need it.
I also use drop zones to sort mail and documents. This helps me stay focused on my work. I sort items into different zones based on their purpose.
Decluttering regularly is key. I don’t keep everything from past projects. I decide what I’ll use again and get rid of the rest.
I donate, recycle, or repurpose items. When I need to get rid of, I find new uses for them. For example, I donate paper scraps and use misprinted envelopes as labels.
Physical Stationery Organization
I’ve created specific systems for organizing my physical stationery. My desk setup keeps my most-used tools and supplies close. I use moveable shelving units and document boxes for client materials, keeping my workspace tidy.
Desk Setup for Proximity
I’ve set up my desk for efficiency and easy access. My computer, monitor, and keyboard are in the center. Nearby, I have pens, scissors, and staplers. A small organizer tray holds smaller items like paper clips and binder clips.
Client and Sample Organization
When pieces arrive for a client’s project, I put them in labeled boxes or on shelves. This keeps each client’s items separate, avoiding clutter. I keep one sample of each invitation suite, organizing them by wedding date.
Inventory Management
To manage inventory, I keep only a few extra pieces from each suite. The rest are recycled or saved for samples. I track leftover envelopes and paper, aiming to use them in future projects.
Digital File Organization
Organizing my collection of digital design elements, like graphics and patterns, can be tricky. I keep the original file names and add keywords for easier search. I also collapse internal folders to reduce clicks.
Organizing my font library is key. I sort fonts by style, like cursive, script, or sans-serif. This makes picking the right font for projects easier.
Folder Structure for Client Files
Organizing digital files is as crucial as managing stationery. I have a “Wedding Items” folder with active projects and an “Done” archive by year. Each client folder has a “Print Ready” subfolder for final artwork.
Organizing Design Elements
- Use cloud storage like Google Drive for easy access to my design assets.
- Follow a clear naming system for folders and files, using keywords for quick finds.
- Move less-used files to archives to keep my main files tidy.
Font Organization
- Sort my fonts by style, such as cursive, script, or sans-serif, for easier selection.
- Use design software like Adobe Typekit or Google Fonts for font management.
- Regularly check and remove unused or duplicate fonts to keep my library neat.
Favorite Stationery, Organization Tools, Productivity
I use many tools and apps to stay organized and productive. Dubsado helps me manage my clients by keeping all their info in one spot. It also makes handling contracts and invoices easier and helps me collect important details with questionnaires.
Client Management Tools
Trello is a key app for my team’s brainstorming and managing projects. It lets us track tasks and projects easily. The visual layout of Trello fits my thinking style, and sharing boards with my teammate boosts our teamwork.
Task Management Apps
For managing money, QuickBooks is my top choice. It links to my bank accounts, credit cards, and payment methods, tracking every transaction automatically. Even though I have an accountant for the books, QuickBooks keeps me updated on my finances.
Financial Organization
These tools and apps are vital for my productivity. They help me manage clients, track tasks, and keep my finances in order. Using them lets me focus on my work while keeping everything else running smoothly.
Note-Taking Essentials
Effective note-taking is key for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to learn more. I use a special set of notebooks, planners, pens, pencils, highlighters, and sticky notes to help me. These tools keep me organized, focused, and productive all day.
Notebooks and Planners
A good notebook is a must for writing down lecture notes, ideas, and to-do lists. I look for notebooks with strong covers and paper that doesn’t bleed or smudge. This keeps my writing clear and neat. For planning, I use different planners to manage my schedule, tasks, and goals.
Pens and Pencils
I have a variety of colored pens for highlighting and underlining in my notes. Pens that write smoothly make taking notes more fun. Pencils are great for drawing diagrams, making outlines, and revising without mistakes.
Highlighters and Sticky Notes
Highlighters help me mark important points in my notes and books. I use colors to quickly find important info. Sticky notes are great for setting reminders, marking pages, and adding to my notes.
| Tool | Use Case | Favorite Options |
|---|---|---|
| Notebooks | Jotting down notes, ideas, and to-do lists | Leuchtturm1917, Moleskine, Rhodia |
| Planners | Organizing schedules, tasks, and goals | Erin Condren, Panda Planner, Bloom Daily Planners |
| Pens | Writing, highlighting, and annotating | Pilot FriXion, Uni-ball Signo, Zebra Sarasa |
| Pencils | Sketching, drafting, and making revisions | Prismacolor, Faber-Castell, Palomino Blackwing |
| Highlighters | Emphasizing key information | Sharpie, Zebra Mildliner, FriXion |
| Sticky Notes | Adding reminders and supplemental notes | Post-it, Canary, Redi-Tag |
Desk Accessories
I keep a selection of desk accessories to make my work easier. These items help me stay organized and efficient. They make my day more productive.
Rulers and Erasers
Rulers are key for drawing straight lines and measuring. They’re perfect for lab reports and other tasks. Erasers let me correct mistakes without messing up the paper.
Staplers and Paperclips
A portable stapler makes stapling papers easy. Paperclips help me keep my notes and materials in order.
Storage Solutions
I use desk drawers, filing cabinets, and desktop organizers to stay organized. These tools keep my workspace tidy. They help me find what I need quickly.
| Accessory | Purpose | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Rulers | Drawing straight lines, measuring, and creating neat diagrams | Durable, clear markings, and easy to use |
| Erasers | Correcting mistakes without damaging the paper | High-quality, smudge-free, and versatile |
| Staplers | Quickly and neatly assembling documents | Portable, easy to use, and reliable |
| Paperclips | Organizing and grouping notes, handouts, and other materials | Available in various sizes to accommodate different needs |
| Storage Solutions | Maintaining a tidy workspace and ensuring easy access to supplies | Variety of options, such as desk drawers, filing cabinets, and desktop organizers |
Planner and Journaling Supplies
I love using planner and journaling accessories to make my work more fun and pretty. Washi tapes come in many patterns and colors, letting me decorate my pages. Stickers are great for marking important dates and tasks. I also have stamps and ink pads for a personal touch.
Washi Tapes and Stickers
Washi tapes and stickers let me add cool designs to my planners and journals. They make my work fun and let me show my creativity.
Stamps and Ink Pads
Decorative stamps and ink pads help me add special touches to my pages. They let me be creative and enjoy my planning work more.
Coloring and Lettering Tools
Markers, colored pencils, and lettering pens add color and interest to my planners. They’re great for coloring or writing quotes. These tools help me make my stationery unique and planning fun.
Favorite Stationery Shops
I find my favorite stationery supplies in both online stores and local boutiques. Big online shops like Jetpens, Gouletpens, and Scribble Prints Co. have lots of quality pens, notebooks, and special items. I also like to support small, independent stores for unique and hard-to-find items.
Online Stationery Stores
Online shopping lets me easily look at and buy a wide variety of stationery. These stores have a huge selection, making it simple to find what I need. I can check out new brands, compare products, and get my orders delivered to me.
Local Stationery Boutiques
I always try to visit local stationery stores when I can. These shops have a carefully chosen selection of paper goods, writing tools, and organizers. This lets me find new brands and products I might not see online. Shopping in person also means I can touch the stationery and talk to the knowledgeable staff.
Conclusion
Being organized as a stationery designer and entrepreneur means using many different methods. This includes setting up your desk, managing digital files, and using productivity tools. By using the principles of being close to what you need and organizing by use, I’ve made my work flow better.
I’ve also set up specific systems for organizing clients and inventory. Using various stationery tools has helped me work more efficiently. I hope these tips will help you make your workspace better and increase your productivity.
There are many ways to make your workspace more organized. From managing cables to using apps for tracking receipts, and from A5 notebooks to a wide range of office supplies, there are many options. The key is to find the right tools and methods that fit your needs and likes.
Try out different systems and keep improving them to match your work style. With the right strategies and a good selection of stationery, you can become more efficient and happy in your daily tasks.