The ultimate desk setup that every creative needs | FROM THE FIELD E06

As creatives, we spend a lot of time at our desks. Combine that with Covid-19, and the ongoing shift to remote working, and most of us are sitting in one spot for more hours than ever before.

With that in mind, it’s important that your desk setup is the best place to create, inspire, focus, plan and deliver.

We’ve been in the biz for a while now, so here are our top tips to optimise your workspace.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics are the most important aspect of any desk setup; you need to be comfortable to work effectively. This all starts with your chair.

We heard stories from lockdown of people working perched on kitchen stools, outdoor furniture, exercise balls… and inevitably realising that it’s impossible to do your best work when you’re uncomfortable.

Most of us spend more time sitting in a chair than lying on a mattress, but we often spend far more money on a mattress than a chair. Trust us when we say, invest in a solid office chair, your back will thank you in the future. In our opinion, the ultimate is Herman Miller, but there are plenty less boujee options that are still ergonomically-designed.

Once you’ve got your chair sorted, think about your desk. Remember when Apple CEO Tim Cook told us that “sitting is the new smoking” during the Apple Watch reveal? Well, it turns out the NHS kind of agrees. With that in mind it might be worth considering a standing desk – the best ones are two-in-one designs that you can raise or lower throughout the day.

Lighting, mood and aesthetics

We’ve visual people, so aesthetics matter. Improving lighting should be a huge priority. Good lighting has the potential to change your mood, and maximise your energy, concentration and memory function. Consider moving your setup closer to a window if you can, or invest in some decent lights.

In terms of pure aesthetics, try adding a splash of colour to your environment. In our team the jury was out on house plants, but if you can keep them alive then go for it – particularly if you live in a city or built up area. Nature is good for the mind.

All the tools you need, none of the ones you don’t

Rather than getting loads of gear, do your research, and invest in the things you really need. The essentials in our opinion are: a decent webcam for calls; decent lighting; and a good screen setup. Fynn has a dual monitor, Martin has an ultrawide screen and editing keyboard. You’re never going to be able to do your best work from a 13” laptop.

An efficient desk setup is one where all the tools are at your fingertips. Whether it’s a stream deck or a stress ball, keep essentials in reach and maintain your flow without having to stop every 10 minutes.

Keeping mobile / keeping sane

We’re not getting any younger. You can only produce your best work if you’re looking after yourself along the way. Take short breaks. The NHS says, at the very least, we should stand up every 30 mins and walk for a couple of minutes every hour. Sounds reasonable, but genuinely hard to stick to when deadlines are looming.

We’ve also found relaxing your eyes makes a big difference. Raise your head from looking at the screen and look into the distance. Looking at a distant green field would be lovely, but concrete will do. You can also adjust your monitor for your eyesight – turning on the blue light filter makes a big difference, especially if you have trouble sleeping after a long day.

Do more with less

There’s a Scandi saying that goes along the lines of “minimalism is about intentionality, not deprivation”. Everything that’s around you either adds or takes away energy and attention. So remove distractions and clear the clutter, keeping your canvas blank for another day on the creative grind.

FoSho team setups