The Tools I Use Every Day as a Freelance Illustrator (My Complete Studio Setup)
- Jun 30
- 7 min read
As a freelance illustrator, one of the questions I get asked most often is what tools I use to create my artwork.
The truth is, great illustrations don't come from having the most expensive equipment - they come from practice, curiosity, and drawing consistently. But over the years, I've gradually built a workspace that makes creating artwork more enjoyable and fits the way I like to work.
Some of these are digital illustration tools, while others are surprisingly simple stationery items that have been part of my creative process for years.
This isn't a list of the "best" illustration tools. It's simply the setup I genuinely use almost every day to create greeting cards, surface pattern designs, coloring pages, and other illustrations for my portfolio and licensing work.
A quick note before we start
My workspace wasn't built overnight. I've slowly upgraded my setup as my freelance business has grown. If you're just starting out, please don't feel like you need everything on this list. A notebook, a pencil, and one reliable drawing device are enough to create beautiful artwork.
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend tools I personally use in my illustration work.
My Illustration Workspace
Every illustration starts long before I open Photoshop. I usually begin with rough sketches, notes or quick ideas on paper before moving to digital.
Sketching & Planning
Almost every project starts away from the screen.
Whether I'm planning a new greeting card collection, brainstorming ideas for a pattern collection, or simply writing down thoughts throughout the day, I always have a notebook and pencil nearby.
These are probably the simplest tools on my desk, but they're also the ones I've used the longest.
Faber-Castell Notebook with Refillable Cover
I've been using this notebook system for about three years now and I absolutely love it.
Instead of being a traditional notebook, it's a reusable cover that holds two separate notebooks in place with elastic bands. Once a notebook is full, you simply replace the insert while keeping the outer cover.
I especially like that I can keep two notebooks inside at once. One is usually my daily planner and to-do list, while the other is used for quick sketches, ideas, and notes.
Another reason I enjoy using it is the protective cover. Since I often take it with me when I work somewhere else or visit family, it keeps everything looking clean and tidy inside my bag.
Although I currently use notebook inserts from another brand, they fit perfectly inside the cover, making it very flexible.
Why it has earned a permanent place on my desk
Refillable notebook system
Keeps everything protected while travelling
Holds two notebooks at once
Great for planning and quick sketches
Faber-Castell GRIP 2001 2B Pencil
I've honestly been drawing with this exact type of pencil since I was a child.
Growing up in Germany, Faber-Castell pencils were everywhere, and over the years they've simply become what feels most natural in my hand.
I use the 2B version because it's soft enough for sketching while still producing clean lines.
One feature I particularly like is the small grip dots along the pencil. They make it comfortable to hold during longer sketching sessions, and I've always found the lead to be surprisingly durable without breaking easily.
Why I keep reaching for it
Comfortable grip
Durable lead
Perfect for quick sketches
A pencil I've trusted for years
Stick-On Pencil Eraser
This is probably the smallest tool on my desk, but it's one of my favourites.
I love having the eraser attached directly to my pencil because it means I never have to search for one.
It's especially useful whenever I'm sketching away from my desk. Whether I'm travelling or working somewhere else, I canhttps://amzn.to/4wh8k0K simply grab my pencil and know I already have everything I need.
The only thing worth mentioning is that attaching the eraser adds a little extra weight to the back of the pencil. It took me a few days to get used to, but now I don't even notice it anymore.
Why it's always in my pencil case
Never lose your eraser
Perfect for sketching on the go
Small but incredibly practical
Digital Illustration
Once I have an idea, almost all of my illustration work happens digitally.
I regularly move between my iPad and my computer depending on the project. My laptop and second monitor are simply my everyday workstation, but these are the digital tools that have made the biggest difference to my workflow.
iPad Pro 13"
Buying the 13-inch iPad Pro has probably been the best investment I've made for my illustration business.
Before switching to the iPad, I mainly used a traditional drawing tablet connected to my laptop. While it worked perfectly well at home, travelling meant packing my laptop, drawing tablet, mouse, cables, and everything else that came with it.
Now I simply take my iPad and Apple Pencil, and my mobile studio is ready.
I chose the 13-inch version because I wanted as much drawing space as possible. The larger screen feels much more natural for sketching and detailed illustration work.
I bought the 128 GB model because I don't store finished artwork directly on the iPad. Instead, everything is synced through Adobe Cloud and Google Drive, so storage has never been an issue.
If I had to buy it again today, I wouldn't hesitate.
Why it's my favourite illustration tool
Large drawing surface
Perfect for travelling
Powerful enough for professional illustration
Easily my best creative investment
Apple Pencil Pro
The Apple Pencil Pro feels incredibly natural to draw with.
It has a nice weight, feels comfortable in my hand, and all of the pressure sensitivity makes drawing feel much closer to working traditionally.
One reason I chose the Pro version is that it supports the latest Apple Pencil features and charges magnetically while attached to the iPad, so it's always ready whenever inspiration strikes.
I've seen people add silicone grips to their Apple Pencil, but personally I've never felt the need. I already find it comfortable enough on its own.
Paper-Feel Screen Protector
If there is one accessory I wish I'd bought sooner, it's a paper-feel screen protector.
Drawing directly on glass never felt quite right to me. The slight texture of the paper-feel surface gives much more control and makes the experience feel surprisingly similar to drawing on paper.
For me, it completely changed how enjoyable the iPad is to use.
If you already own an iPad for drawing but haven't tried one yet, I highly recommend it.
ESR Protective Case
Finding the right case was more important than I expected.
I specifically wanted something lightweight with two different viewing angles that wouldn't make the iPad bulky.
One feature I really appreciate is that the edge of the case doesn't stick up above the screen. When I'm drawing, my hand can comfortably glide across the entire surface without catching on the case.
The magnetic attachment feels secure, and there's also a dedicated place for the Apple Pencil.
Metal Ruler (30 cm / 12")
This is probably the least exciting tool on my desk - but it's one I use surprisingly often.
When designing repeating patterns for Spoonflower, measurements are given in inches.
Since I naturally think in centimetres, I often use this metal ruler to quickly visualise how large individual motifs will actually appear once printed.
For example, if I want a small-scale floral pattern, I can instantly see whether each flower is staying under roughly two inches instead of trying to imagine the measurement on screen.
I chose a metal ruler because it feels sturdier than plastic and stays perfectly straight over time.
It's a simple tool, but one that saves me from making scaling mistakes.
Workspace Essentials
These aren't illustration tools in the traditional sense, but they make my workday much more comfortable.
iClever Bluetooth Keyboard
I originally bought this keyboard because I needed something lightweight for commuting to the office, and it has remained part of my setup ever since.
I use the German keyboard layout, which is important for me because some keys are arranged differently.
It's incredibly slim, connects via Bluetooth, and the battery lasts a long time between charges.
The keys also feel very similar to typing on a laptop, which makes switching between devices effortless.
Trust Ergonomic Mouse
➡️ Amazon affiliate link
I alternate between a regular mouse and this ergonomic one depending on how much computer work I'm doing.
Its vertical design puts my wrist into a more natural position, which helps reduce tension - especially during longer editing sessions or when I'm working while walking on my treadmill.
There is definitely a short adjustment period, but once you get used to it, it's surprisingly comfortable.
Foldable Laptop Stand
This was actually a gift from my dad and it's become one of those tools I never think about until I forget to bring it.
It's lightweight, folds completely flat, and makes it much easier to work comfortably whether I'm at home or somewhere else.
OnePlus Nord Buds
➡️ Amazon affiliate link
Music is almost always playing while I work.
Although I sometimes use a speaker, I reach for my earbuds whenever I really need to focus.
Simply wearing them helps block out distractions around me, making it much easier to concentrate while illustrating.
Final Thoughts
Every greeting card, pattern collection, colouring page, and illustration in my portfolio starts with some combination of the tools above.
Over the years, my workspace has evolved gradually alongside my freelance business.
Some tools have changed, while others - like my favourite Faber-Castell pencil - have been with me since childhood.
I'm sure my setup will continue to evolve, and whenever it does, I'll update this page so it always reflects the tools I'm genuinely using in my studio.
I hope this little look behind the scenes has been helpful - and maybe even inspired you to try a new tool in your own creative workspace.
.png)
Comments