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It’s All In The (Designer’s) Bag

The estimated time to read this article is 7 minutes

We all know that designers are cool. They generally dress well, and have a good sense of style. I’ve also noticed that they tend to have cool bags – but what is inside of those bags? I know you are dying to know!! I asked several designers to snag a pic of what they carry around with them on a daily basis.

Chris CSS-Tricks.com

  1. Keys. Featuring: screwdriver-based multitool, gym membership keycard, and random decorative loop thingy.
  2. Pocket utility blade. I recommend carrying a blade with you at all times. You don’t even realize how useful it is until you start doing it.
  3. Wallet. Featuring a zipper. I fear losing stuff out of my wallet due to loose pockets.
  4. iPhone. Bonus geek points! :)
  5. Notepad. Ideas are much easier to get out when you can jot them down quick rather than have to type them. Plus you can sketch!
  6. Gel pen. I like me gel pens. Smoooth.
  7. Capo. That’s how us banjo players change key.
  8. Headphones. My ears must be deformed or something, because those earbuds just do not work for me. The next best thing for me are these sport wrap things that hold them into place.
  9. Wrist brace. I have pain in my right hand no doubt caused from sitting at the computer FAR too much. RSI probably. This helps a little.

Liz http://www.cmdshiftdesign.com

Adelle Charles http://www.fuelyourcreativity.com

Mat  http://www.matmarquis.com/blog

Kaydee http://www.blinnks.com

Curtis Mchale http://www.curtismchale.ca/

Entirely weatherproof and essential as I do live in BC. 20010 cu. in of super comfy load carrying coolness. You can’t see the cool seatbelt release buckle from this angle but I get stopped on the road and asked about just this feature. Then I nerd out about the rest of the bag. I should be sponsored. Seriously I have convinced 10 or 15 people this summer to go get one.  They are even greatly improved since I got mine. I want a new one just for the new rear light clip. http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/messenger/

My communication with the world. Can check my email on the road and tweet when it strikes me. keeps all my appointments and contacts.

love music and need it to work by. Will probably be getting a new iPod touch soon but this does the job.

I love to take pictures so carry a camera where ever I go. This little guy is a few years old but takes pictures at 314ppi (an arbitrary number I know) and keeps on rocking. I actually have a second one with no battery for the day this gives up the goat. It’s weather proof as well so I use it in the rain and on the side of the river. I also have a Cannon 10D but it’s too big to carry all the time.

carries my moleskins and all of my important cards. A bit big but when I don’t take my big bag it holds my ipod and headphones and cell phone and change… so it’s like my second bag. 9. Old Pair of Smith Slide sunglasses – I hate not having sunglasses so I just keep an extra old pair in my bag. These are also great when I’m riding because they have yellow lenses for low light levels.

If I could only count the times that I have used this. Re-attached a canopy to a truck way out in the bush. Fixed bikes for random strangers cause I used to be a bike mechanic and I’m nice. Pulled slivers, unjammed stuff when I shouldn’t have pushed that hard and I’m just that kind of guy. I actually have another small knife not in the picture hidden in the bag.

Didi

  1. my brown bag.
  2. black wallet.
  3. green wallet.
  4. brown wallet.
  5. my comb.
  6. black beaded necklace.
  7. headbands, double-banded.
  8. a socket.
  9. hairband, rubberband and pins.
  10. a pen and an eraser.
  11. location tag and my usb drive.
  12. my gsm and cdma cell phones.
  13. some receipts.
  14. patricia highsmith’s ripley’s game
  15. lipbalm.
  16. my face cream.
  17. some change.
  18. my watch.
  19. my sketch/notebook.
  20. LOLOL WHERE IS MY NUMBER 20???
  21. fyodor dostoevsky’s crime and punishment
  22. a button.

ME! http://bananasandcoffee.com

  1. Timbuk2 Slant bag
  2. Handy Dandy notebook!
  3. Emergency quarters….just in case i need to spontaneously do laundry or something.
  4. iPod nano (soon to be replaced with a touch!)
  5. Mini moo cards for tiny mouse design
  6. writing utensils
  7. re-useable grocery bag thing
  8. wallet
  9. kitty wanted to be in the pic (i call him cheddar!)

[21] Comments
Posted in All Things Apple, design, funny, Graphic Design, Package Design, technology, toys, Web 2.OH

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21 Responses to “It’s All In The (Designer’s) Bag”

  1. Craig Farrall says:

    Wow, this is fantastic, its really good to see what everyone carries around with them, nice post.


  2. Now as long as someone doesn’t start stalking us to swipe our loot, we’ll be great!

    Just because I’m not paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get me.


  3. Oh just in case I brainfarted and forgot to send you my link, Niki, here it was:

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/robswork/2839691247/


  4. Thanks for doing this post and letting me be a part of it! :) It is really interesting to see what others carry with them & to see some of them carry the same things!


  5. I’m amazed at how organized you all are. I don’t even want to start at my backpack…


  6. thanks for featuring me in yr post! I think the idea is awesome, im such a voyeur – i love it.


  7. Thanks for letting me participate. Looking at the pic now I should have taken some more time to get a better one.


  8. My monochromania is showing.


  9. What an awesome post! I love “looking in” other people’s bags! lol seriously cool post, thanks :)


  10. interesting! it’s always good to see what others are carrying around with them.


  11. Interesting. All but one had Apple products in their bags. My bag usually consists of:
    1. Graph Paper
    2. Moleskine
    3. iPhone
    4. PowerBook
    5. Various Chargers
    6. Wallet
    7. Business Cards
    8. Gum
    9. Pack a smokes and a lighter (I know… I gotta quit)
    10. Pens, pencils, and erasers


  12. What a great post and great idea, loved it – interesting stuff! You missed one point out of the last image #10 Toes!


  13. Wow–such CLEAN bags. Good thing you didn’t peek my way ;)


  14. Wow! Great post!

    Uhmmm…Niki, #2 says that you watch too much Blues Clues…or is that just me being a dad?!? :)


  15. seems like we ladies carry a lot of things. while mens keep it more clean and organized. One thing i loved is that it is true, designers we always keep books with us.




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