The Tools I Use as a Designer for Product, Brand, and Marketing
At my creative studio, Mod Musings, I've been developing a collection of products, including the Encore Series 3 keyboard and a collaboration of pens with Inventery. Creating these products involves numerous steps from initial concept to final launch, and I rely on specific tools and apps at each stage. Here's a breakdown of what I use in my workflow.
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Sketching & Conceptualization
Every project begins with sketching ideas. My preferred tools are:
Papermate Flair pens on a Canson Marker pad - I've switched from pencils to felt tip pens to create bold, deliberate lines that can't be erased.
Pantone markers in light shades (warm, cool, and neutral tones) to distinguish between parts or materials.
Felt Right wall pads* with magnetic pins to display and organize sketches without puncturing the paper. *Save 15% off by using code: MODMUSINGS15
3D Design & Prototyping
Once I have a concept I like, I move to digital design:
Fusion 360 - My primary 3D CAD modeling software for creating manufacturing-ready models.
Bambu Lab 3D Printers - Bambulabs A1 (home) and X1C (studio), both with AMS for multi-material printing to create physical prototypes.
Mitutoyo digital caliper - For taking precise measurements and making micro-adjustments.
Cinema 4D with Redshift - For creating realistic 3D renders to visualize final materials and finishes.
Greyscale Gorilla - Their 3D asset library helps me quickly build scenes, add lighting, and apply realistic materials.
File Management & Collaboration
Working with teams across time zones requires robust collaboration tools:
Dropbox - For storing and syncing files securely, with features like shared folders, annotations, and version control.
Project Management
To track progress and organize my thoughts:
Notion - For general project management and note-taking.
Figma / FigJam - A collaborative whiteboard for strategy sessions, mood boards, timelines, and design logs.
Packaging Design
For creating product packaging:
Adobe Illustrator - Vector tool for precise, scalable artwork within die line templates.
Fusion 360 - For modeling complex packaging elements like molded pulp trays.
Pantone color system - Ensures color consistency across different materials and processes.
Photography & Marketing
For creating visual assets:
Fujifilm X-E4 with 35mm and 80mm lenses - For product photography with minimal post-processing, thanks to its film simulations. The next generation, X-E5, is releasing in Aug 2025.
Adobe Lightroom - For minor adjustments to product photos.
Adobe Bridge - For sorting and sequencing photos, especially for Instagram carousels.
Canon C70 and R6 Mark II - Cinema cameras for video content. Since these are both older cameras, you can usually find a good deal on them used.
Canon L series zoom lenses - 15-35mm, 24-70mm, and 70-200mm for a full range of shots.
RODE NTG5 shotgun mic - For capturing directional audio.
Adobe Premiere - For editing all video content.
These tools help me take products from initial concept sketches through to final marketing materials. Each tool serves a specific purpose in my workflow, allowing me to design effectively, prototype, collaborate, and finalize product designs that align with my vision.