When it comes to life as a busy designer, there are a few things I can recommend for use. I have a small family of my own, so I know how crazy things can be. These are some things I think make life a little easier and make relaxing more fun. Because they have almost everything, my favorite place to shop online is Amazon
Trade Tools
This is one of the most expensive steps in graphic design. My only suggestion to deal with this is to justify your costs. Will you make enough to compensate? Can you use what you buy for more than just graphic design? Sure you can. Also, I never buy anything used or from unofficial places. Always buy straight from the source (or places they sell from like Amazon) and in new condition.
One of the best tools I can suggest is Adobe CS5.5
Books
Every now and then I will come across some book I think are worth the read, or will be. These are just a few recent ones I think you should pick up if you have not already done so.
Truly a visionary if there ever was one. Learn all about Steve jobs through hundreds of interviews from family, friends, co-workers and more. Order Today.
I love this book. I am all for doing things your own way, but part of figuring out what you want to do is learning from others. I felt like I was getting a good in-depth look at the process of design.
I am currently reading this. So far I really like the blunt honesty in it, and I hope to learn more form it in the coming chapters.
Phones
I really think phones make your day and life easier. I personally thought I never needed a smart phone because of cost, until I actually got one. In the end you can only chose what’s best for you.
HTC EVO 4G Android Phone (Sprint)
I have this phone myself, and I love it. It’s also my first smart phone. With an unlimited plan from Sprint, I don’t think you can beat it for the price.
HTC EVO 3D 4G Android Phone (Sprint)
I didn’t opt for the 3D format of the phone because I was nervous about going 3D since it’s fairly new, but I hear nothing but great things about it. I also read the battery power and graphics are better than the HTC EVO 4G.