Design Is A Job (The Necessary Second Edition)

A Book Apart, $29.00

If you remember the first edition of this book, then you know just how much great information it contained with respect to selling design, working with clients, and navigating the business of design. But we are in MUCH different times now, so it’s time for some new rules. The second edition of this book gives you better information on persevering through today’s design industry, including some good pro-union talk. Remember how in 2020 we asked all our guests about how they’re helping to produce a more just and equitable world? I really feel like this book also helps all designers answer that question for themselves.

The Black Experience in Design: Identity, Expression & Reflection

Bookshop, $19.99

This book is hands down the quintessential tome for Black designers throughout the diaspora. 600 pages. Over 50 authors. And there’s powerful essays in there from several past guests from Revision Path. If you’re a Black designer, this is definitely required reading for you. It’s a real brick of a book.

Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World

Bookshop, $28.00

If you’re a design generalist, then this book will help answer a lot of questions for you with respect to your professional and personal life. This book was recommended to me a few months ago at the beginning of my job search, and I devoured the whole thing in two days. Has anyone ever called you a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to being a creative? Then this book is for you.

W. E. B. Du Bois’s Data Portraits: Visualizing Black America

Bookshop, $29.95

You’ve heard of W.E.B. Du Bois — the scholar, the sociologist, the writer, and the activist. But did you know he was a designer too? I didn’t until a few years ago, and this book displays his exhibition of data visualizations he created and exhibited at the 1900 Paris Exposition (similar to a World’s Fair). The book also includes contributions from former Revision Path guest Silas Munro.

Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto

Bookshop, $29.00

I’ve been looking forward to this book since I first heard of The Nap Ministry a couple of years ago. The premise is simple: connect to the liberating power of rest, daydreaming, and naps as a foundation for healing and justice. I’m a big proponent of taking naps, especially since the pandemic started, and Tricia lays the case for what it could be like if we were all more well-rested.

Conair Turbo Extreme Steam Hand Held Fabric Steamer

Conair, $64.99

I took a staycation a few months ago and stayed in a new hotel here in Atlanta. Usually when I stay in a hotel, there’s an iron, but this place had this steamer, and it was fantastic. First, the size — this thing is BIG, has a big water reservoir, and it outputs a ton of steam. The combination of these features make it super simple to use to get wrinkles out of your clothes. Just hang them up, run this baby over it a few times, and you’re all set. (I almost took it with me when I checked out.)

BlendJet 2 Portable Blender

BlendJet, $49.95

Blame TikTok for this late night purchase.

It’s nothing revolutionary — it’s just a small portable blender that charges via USB-C. I love it because I can make smoothies and mixed drinks without bringing out my bigger blender, and there’s just enough for one person. You can even lock the blending mechanism and drink directly from the blender itself. It’s even small enough to fit in a car’s cupholder slots. Cleaning it is really easy too. I use this WAY more than I should, but it does what it does well.

Askhole

Askhole, $18.00

Remember when everyone bought and played Cards Against Humanity before we all found out that the company behind it is sexist and racist? Well if you’re looking for an inappropriate card game to take its place, give Askhole a try. Filled with inappropriate, deeply controversial, philosophical, and vulnerable inquiries, this deck of unusual questions will keep your night full of nervous laughter and your relationships somewhat distressing. Just in time for the holidays too!

Squashed Pint Glass

Barkley, $25.00

It’s a ceramic pint glass that’s been squashed a bit. Sounds basic, but think about how you can use this in the kitchen. Maybe it can be a little vase for some fresh herbs. Maybe it can be your new favorite drinking glass. Or maybe you can put it on your desk and put pens in it. Hey, it’s a free country. But I couldn’t resist having something a little bit unique on this list.

Roamer Bag

Rovingwork, $170.00

Now that I have started back traveling again, I find that my luggage needs have changed. This Roamer bag looks perfect for everyday use as well as for travel. It can slip on the retractable handle of your carry-on or checked luggage, and then you can use the crossbody strap to make it part of your everyday carry. It’s lightweight, but it fits a 14″ laptop and has enough space for some cables and a notebook or two — just the essentials.

Camera Cover Sticker

MochiThings, $1.95

We’re all on camera these days, and sometimes, it’d be nice to have a little privacy. Now we haven’t gotten to the point where people are surveilling us via our webcams or phone cams — yet, that is — so give yourself a little peace of mind with these camera cover stickers. They’re thin, cheap, and make a great stocking stuffer.

GRD-01 Face Mask

RINO Ready, $29.00

By now, you probably have a preferred face mask that works for you based on your everyday life. For me, this is the GOAT of face masks. There’s a neck lanyard, so you can always keep your mask near you when you take it off. The ear loops are adjustable and reduce ear tension, there’s a pull tab at the chin to keep the mask positioned, and there’s a flexible wire and foam nose bridge for a perfect fit. There’s even an internal pocket for PM 2.5 filters, and the mask is comfortable enough to wear for hours.

A guided tour of where you live

prices may vary

I’ve lived in Atlanta now for well over 20 years, but I haven’t seen all that the city has to offer. And chances are that if you live in a big city, you’re probably the same way. Break out of the habit of going to your regular haunts, and try out a guided tour! You can find them on GroupOn or any site that does local deals, and it could be a fun way to spend an afternoon seeing your city from a different perspective. (Plus if it sucks, you’re already out of the house so you can just go to your favorite restaurant or bar.)

Custom Embroidered Mini Stocking

Oxford Pennant, $40.00

What’s the use of getting stocking stuffers without having a stocking to put them in? Get a stocking with your name on it so Santa knows where to stash the good stuff.