With a mindful design approach and minimal taste, our workspaces have the ability to mold into sanctuaries in which we cultivate creativity and innovation. To inspire your daily workspace, we interviewed content creators, designers, and filmmakers to learn their day-to-day lives as working creatives, and to understand their approach to designing their desk spaces.

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@jakeweisler

Jake is a content creator that has been filming high end destination weddings all over the world for the last 3 years. He is an educator at the online Film School, Full Time Filmmaker, where he teaches over 12,000 students how to become successful videographers. 

“When I started to design my space, I had 2 requirements: clean and minimal. I needed a simple and clean desk to focus on creating. An organized mind is a successful mind and any desk should reflect that. I’m also a freaking gadget guy when it comes to items that make my life easier, simpler, and more organized. My workspace is my creative zone, it’s where I piece together stories, script new ideas, and color grade the scene.”

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@zoe.interiors

Zoe is an interior designer and content creator based in Hertfordshire, England. As a previous graphic designer for many years, she found her true calling when she was asked to design the interior of a restaurant. After her son was born, Zoe left the agency she was working for and began freelancing as an interior designer for her friends and family. By word of mouth recommendations and her Instagram page, Zoe connected to a global platform of like-minded people and opened up a whole new career path.

“My creative process is fairly simple. I have a minimal style and signature look that I don’t stray away from because I don’t enjoy excessive color or fuss. I keep the ‘trend’ pieces to things that are quickly removable like the soft furnishings and decorative pieces so that my clients don’t have to decorate every other year. I believe that the spaces we live in impact our mental headspace, and I want to help people make their homes their sanctuaries. The space I designed is an alternative to high wall cupboards, which have always been a pet peeve of mine. I find them difficult to use and wanted to design an alternative that made everything accessible. I also have some beautiful pieces that I wanted to display as they bring me and my family joy.”

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@allisajacobs

As a former special education high school teacher, Allisa found her creative outlet as a home designer. After leaving the teaching field, she joined her brother at Cascade Iron Co., where she developed hardware for the modern industrial home. This brought Allisa closer to her design path as she searched for ways to make her home more intentional and minimal.

“Moving into a smaller, outdated ranch-style home meant I was leaving my designated office space behind. Because I really need a space to think and call my own, I searched for ways to carve out a work spot in our new home. This little nook, though awkward and tiny, seemed like the best solution! By painting the back wall black, I started to embrace this quirky space. I added wall hooks, a small bookcase, and shelf to make it functional. Now, I get to see the mountain views from the window and have a space to work and call my own.”

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@holly.beechener

Holly is an architect-in-training that has a passion for interior design, a career she hopes to professionally pursue in the future. She is also learning pottery and loves to paint.

“As a freelance architect and interior designer, I needed a versatile workspace that could attend to all my needs. I used to spend a lot of time working from the dining room table or sofa. I find that I am not as productive when I work, eat, and relax in the same space. Having this new workspace means I can leave this room at the end of the day and feel like there is a clear separation between work and life. This little workspace is great when you want to hop on the computer for a few hours, whether it’s browsing the internet or doing some freelance work. It’s also a great space to sketch or paint, with consistent daylight and beautiful views from the window.”

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@ralchevd

Drago is a filmmaker and motion designer that works at a large enterprise software company, making product videos and animations. In his downtime, he is also a freelance designer and photographer and works with various brands to create content. As a working creative, Drago spends a lot of his time working from home, so it is essential to cultivate an office space that inspires creativity and productivity.

“I designed this space to be bright and open, without any distractions. I am constantly inspired by good design and aesthetics – I love natural colors and plants, which can also be seen on my screensaver. The Austin Kleon art on the wall reminds me to stay creative and get things done! The carpet was initially selected to blend with the cats, but it ended up completing the desk setup nicely.”

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Kars (@koiztra) is a men’s fashion creator based in the Netherlands. When COVID hits his hometown, Kars must find time and space to navigate the ‘new normal’ by building an office in his attic, juggling a full-time job with his creative pursuits, while also taking care of his family and 4-year old daughter. Here’s how Kars gets it done:

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On his work routine:

In the mornings I wake up 10 minutes to 6 as my daughter runs into the bathroom. I go down to walk the dog and prepare our breakfast. I take a quick shower, dress for the day and take my daughter to school. Then I get to work.

In my day-to-day I work in business development and sales at a global digital agency. Having worked with household brands including Levi’s and Chanel, my primary focus is to help our clients build loyalty with their customers and connect with them through digital channels.

At the end of my work day, if it’s my turn to cook dinner, I’ll go grocery shopping and get to cooking. I make sure to squeeze in some time to play with the little one too.

After I bring my daughter to bed in the evening, and I’ll either edit some photos or do some self-studying. Then I’m off to bed.

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On his everyday carry:

I’m really enjoying the ISM backpack, especially in combination with the bottle and the charger. I go into the office, roughly two to three times a week now and the bag fits everything I need for my work.

I always have my MacBook, work phone, bottle of water, and chewing gum. I also carry a notebook and a pen for the ideas I have on the go. Can’t forget the daily necessities too, including: my wallet, iPhone, keys and AirPods. That’s basically it, I try to keep my everyday bag minimal and low in weight—carrying only the essentials I need to get to work.

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On designing his workspace:

Prior to COVID, I actually never had my own workspace at home. So when lockdown began, I took some old cupboards from IKEA, picked up wood from a local hardware store and turned our attic into my very own office.

I wanted to cultivate a space where I could feel comfortable at home while also enjoy my work.

When it comes to my aesthetic eye, I’m drawn to a lot of neutral tones, white, black, and gray. I also love surrounding my space with things that inspire me. One photograph in my office is from an artist who creates stunning photos of surfing. To me, the image resembles the feeling of being totally free again. I appreciate having items that relax the mind but also minimal enough to maintain my productivity.

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On the biggest challenge in COVID:

It was a normal day when lockdown was announced. I had meetings at the office. Clients visiting. Then suddenly from one day to the next, everything was work from home and fully digital. It was a total 180.

In addition to my own work, my partner was starting up a business. It became a challenge for my us because our 4-year old daughter came home as well (goodbye daycare, hello homeschooling). Suddenly two grown ups needed to work, school, and entertain all in one space.

The days felt like they were getting longer and longer, like I didn’t have time to breathe.

We knew we needed to find a balance.

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On new opportunities:

In many surprising ways, COVID introduced some interesting angles into my life. Designing my home office opened up a new avenue of interior photography for me. While my feed is usually focused on flat lays and product photography, I found myself experimenting with photos of my workspace and to my surprise, received a positive response from my audience. Fast forward to today, I now collaborate with interior brands too.

To add to that, it’s typically a struggle for parents to spend quality time with their kids when you have to be at work for most of the day. But as a young father, how often can you say that you’ve spent three whole months with your daughter every single day while also having a full-time job. That’s what I love about working from home, I can spend the extra minutes I take for commuting, for extra work breaks with my family.

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On what he’s looking forward to:

Luckily the Netherlands handled COVID pretty well and lockdown only lasted about a month or two. The first thing we did was go to the lake near our house where there are some great restaurants (gotta support the local businesses!).

I’m back on traveling as well, and the backpack has perfect for that. The luggage strap is handy and makes it easy when traveling in the airport. My first destination is the South of France. My family and I went there about two years ago and we’d love to see it again. Great food, great environment, lovely beaches— totally my vibe. So looking forward to going there again.

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Our environment shapes who we are and the work that we create — nowhere is this more apparent than the desk that we work at. While the argument for a clean desk void of clutter gives room to the idea behind orderliness in our work, there’s also research behind a disorderly room being advantageous for breaking through tradition and conventional thinking.

Here are the inspiring workspaces of 10 famously creative individuals and how they choose to cultivate their space:

Yves Saint Laurent

Fashion Designer

The iconic designer kept inspiration by his side in the form of paintings, sketches, and artifacts. His faithful dog, Moiujik was a companion that would be frequently be seen by his desk.

Jacqueline Kennedy

First Lady

Before she was Mrs. Kennedy, The First Lady, she was Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy of Georgetown. This is a famous personal desk of hers, inherited from her father John Vernou Bouvier III at her home in Georgetown.

Steve Jobs

Founder of Apple

Despite his minimalist design taste and the aesthetics that Apple products take, Steve’s desk was anything but minimal — often cluttered with books, papers, and other items for his daily work.

Ellsworth Kelly

Artist

The artist Ellsworth Kelly kept his workshop studio filled with the tools of his craft as a painter, sculptor, and printmaker.

Albert Einstein

Physicist

One of the most iconic stories of Einstein’s office is the picture that was taken by photographer Ralph Morse, just hours after his death in Princeton, April 1955.

Susan Sontag

Writer

Her desk would come to be characterized by the many books and ideas that Susan Sontag consumed — “intelligence is really a kind of taste: a taste in ideas”.

Ernest Hemingway

Writer

A standing desk user long before the concept became mainstream, Hemingway would spend hours with a typewriter perched upon stacks of cabinets and books.

 

Thomas Edison

Inventor

Edison’s desk featured shelving and cabinets for organizing all of his papers and inventions.

Vivienne Westwood

Fashion Designer

Vivienne Westwood, known for both her elegance, femininity, and punk aesthetic, brought a new form of culture and fashion styles into the mainstream.

Lisa Congdon

Illustrator

Known for her colorful abstract paintings, patterns, and line drawings, Lisa Congdon’s workspace has bright color palettes that reflect her point of view on design aesthetics.

Jeff Bezos

Founder, Amazon

Before he was the world’s richest man, Jeff Bezos’s first desk for Amazon.com was made out of a single piece of plywood that he used to create a makeshift desk himself.

Elon Musk

Founder, Tesla, SpaceX

As the CEO of two large companies, Elon opts for a U shaped desk to maximize efficiency and work space.

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If you’ve ever had the urge to examine a few zippers (preferably your own), you might have noticed something strange: nearly all are branded with the letters “YKK”. It’s almost surprising more people haven’t noticed – after all, a little research reveals they’re embossed onto half of the zippers on the planet.

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Don’t worry, it’s not a reference to the early 2000’s Y2K crisis. YKK, or Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha/Yoshida Industries Limited, is a Japanese company that has been crafting zippers since the 1930’s. YKK is the most prolific zipper maker in both the US and the world. Though cheaper zippers exist, most mid-to-high range clothing makers still prefer to use YKK. However, it hasn’t always been this way.

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How YKK became YKK

Though it’s strange to imagine life without them, zippers are actually a recent invention. The modern zipper was created in 1914 by a Swedish immigrant in Hoboken, New Jersey. Before this, people kept their clothes fastened with long rows of buttons or hook-and-eye closures, which were time consuming to open and close (you can still find some hook-and-eye closures on modern bras). Though the zipper was an innovative and time saving breakthrough, it took a while to catch on. Early handmade zippers often broke, popped open, or rusted, as metal was the only material available.

Most of these problems were solved when Talon, the first major zipper manufacturer, burst onto the scene in the 1920’s. The company grew steadily throughout the early 20th century, first putting zippers on boots and pouches, and later on pants and dresses. Little did they know, however, that a challenger was arising on the other side of the globe. Tadao Yoshida was a young apprentice at a bankrupt trading company in Japan. After it folded, the owner gifted him the business’ remains. Yoshida rebranded the company, changed its name from “San-es Shokai” to “YKK” (the Yoshida Manufacturing Company), and relocated his headquarters to Tokyo. It was only a matter of time before he set up a factory in New Zealand, and then headed for New York.

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At first, the idea of unseating Talon seemed ludicrous. After all, they were making 70% of all zippers in the United States. However, YKK’s willingness to innovate and establish factories outside of Europe and the US (where zippers were cheaper to manufacture) propelled them forward. Talon, the former zipper god that ruled the US zipper industry for over forty years, was now left with a paltry 7% of the market by the early 2000’s. Their descendants can blame YKK, which by contrast, now operates in 60 countries worldwide and makes over 7 billion zippers annually. YKK was even featured in OutKast’s song “So Fresh, So Clean”, with the lyrics “YKK on yo’ zipper, lick you like a lizard when I’m slizzerd.”

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What makes YKK zippers the best of the best?

Like any business, clothing companies aim to cut costs, so it’s surprising that they still prefer YKK. After all, with a recent surge of cheaper zippers made by newer companies in China, why not switch? 

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It comes down to quality. YKK has thrived due to founder Tadao Yoshida’s philosophy known as “The Cycle of Goodness.” Yoshida frequently told employees that “no one prospers unless he renders benefit to others.” YKK trademarked this philosophy with the US government, and it can still be found on their website today. It explains the reasoning behind YKK’s drive to keep their standards high and their prices low.

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YKK has always thought outside of the box. Their legendary quality originates from their custom-made zipper machines. When he started YKK, Tadao Yoshida wasn’t able to find a machine that met his standards, so he set out to build his own. Today, the details of how YKK’s machines work are still a closely guarded company secret and machines aren’t their only customized innovation. When his thread began to develop knots and his supplier could not create a knot-free version, Yoshida decided, yet again, to break from conventional wisdom and craft his own. 

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Today, YKK makes everything onsite, down to the boxes that their zippers are shipped in. This is unusual in manufacturing. A 1998 Los Angeles Times story on YKK reported it “smelts its own brass, concocts its own polyester, spins and twists its own thread, weaves and color-dyes cloth for its zipper tapes, forges and molds its scooped zipper teeth …” Complete ownership of every aspect ensures that each ingredient is well made, and allows retailers to sell the zipper for less. 

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Cheaper options exist for clothing makers who want to cut corners, but higher-end brands tend to stick with YKK for their track record of reliability. In an interview with Slate Magazine, fashion designer Trina Turk, whose clothes are sold at high-end retailers like Neiman Marcus, explained, “There have been quality problems in the past when we’ve used cheaper zippers… Now we just stick with YKK.”

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What are the different kinds of zipper options?

Not every YKK zipper says “YKK”. The company is willing to customize zippers to meet the needs of manufacturers, so many YKK zippers only feature the name of the clothing company that makes the item. Many manufacturers mix zipper types. For example, the ISM backpack features a plastic waterproof zipper for the laptop compartment, but a metal zipper with a custom pull tab for the main compartment.

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Another way the YKK zipper may seem like it’s not a YKK zipper is their slider: The typical slider often used by YKK is a flat piece of metal with a circular cut out near the bottom, but in reality there are many different varieties. For instance, the ISM bag has a more 3-dimensional shape, as well as a less commonly seen metallic gold or silver finish. We also include a leather pull tab for additional ease of use.

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Though clothing like jackets and jeans usually only include one zipper, bags and backpacks will often use two. A head to head zipper means that you have two sliders, giving you the freedom to create smaller openings (useful if you just want to slide a hand inside and grab a wallet). It also means that the sliders are easier to access, so you can sling a backpack off one shoulder while you pull one of the sliders with your right hand.

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One out of every two zippers in the world is a YKK zipper. However, they’re not evenly distributed. You’re more likely to find YKK on a high end handbag from Chanel than a coin purse at Old Navy. Companies that value quality over quick savings still reach for YKK, despite cheaper zippers being available. YKK makes over 7 million zippers a day in over 1500 different styles and 427 standard colors. Superior quality at an affordable price point means that YKK is the go-to zipper for mid to higher end brands, including luxury fashion houses like Prada and Gucci. You can also find YKK zippers on bags from ISM.

From supermarket cashier to full-time travel blogger, Christine (@christineabroad) calls the world her “office” after having visited over 55 countries and counting. With a passion for responsible travel and paradise beaches, the Swedish content creator aims to inspire people to explore the world by sharing her hidden gems, practical tips, and destination guides. This is her take on the perfect travel pack.

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Since I started traveling the world, I’ve been searching for a bag that’s lightweight, organized, and stylish. A while ago I found the perfect one — the ISM backpack. Without a doubt, it is one of the best backpacks I’ve ever used during my travels.

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THE ISM BACKPACK

ISM is a brand that offers comfortable and stylish backpacks. They are made of high-quality materials that are durable and water-resistant. The bag itself has a padded back with adjustable straps (that don’t dangle), and a leather flap on the side to easily charge my phone on the go.

The front of the backpack is made of full-grain leather and nylon, while the inside comes in a beautiful royal blue or burgundy fabric. The zippers and hardware are offered in a gold or black accent color.

There are several pockets that help me stay organized: a separate laptop compartment with two padded sleeves, a zippered pocket in the main area, a zippered pocket in the front, and two square pockets on the inside.

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THE ISM ACCESSORIES

In addition to the bags, ISM also sells a matching power bank and water bottle that fit perfectly inside. Designed with vegan leather and an aluminum case, the power bank can charge my phone up to 3 times and iPad up to 2 times (6,000 mAh).

The slim and minimally designed water bottle is made of stainless steel and can hold up to 60 cl (20 oz). Both accessories come in either navy or black and are always in my backpack.

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A BAG THAT CARRIES IT ALL

When I was searching for a new backpack, there were some things on my list that needed to be met. First, staying organized is a must while traveling. I love that the ISM backpack has several pockets to keep me organized, including the pocket in the front, main area, and laptop compartment.

Another feature I needed was the separate laptop compartment. This external case makes it so easy to go through airport security because I no longer have to fuss through my stuff just to get to my laptop out.

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Last but not least I wanted a durable, comfortable, minimalistic, and stylish bag to travel with. This backpack exceeded my expectations – it’s simply beautiful and goes with every outfit. I’ve used both backpacks for the last couple of months and they still look brand new – the quality is amazing!

THE PROS AND CONS

Pros: It’s stylish, comfortable, and durable. It keeps me organized with its various pockets, especially the separate laptop compartment. It is a good size, lightweight, and backed by ISM’s lifetime warranty.

Cons: I don’t really have any complaints about the ISM backpack. The only thing is that the smaller size isn’t wide enough to carry a big DSLR camera, BUT the larger one solves for this!

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The ISM backpack may not be the cheapest bag in the market, but you absolutely get what you paid for. I’ve purchased backpacks in the past that were much cheaper but did not last as long as this one. Also, I think it’s awesome that the large bag costs the same as the small one (235 USD) and fits up to a 15” laptop. You can see how much thought and effort they’ve put into this backpack — it’s a combination that’s hard to beat.

DO I RECOMMEND IT?

Yes, I highly recommend the ISM bundle to anyone that is looking for a comfortable, organized, durable, and stylish backpack to travel with. From traveling, hiking, to day-to-day trips — the ISM bag works for every occasion.

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How do you stand out from the crowd with a classic backpack design? Create something to a high standard, executing a premium experience that delivers on your mission. That’s exactly what the ISM Classic Backpack has done, a productivity tool for the creative. With a strong aesthetic and obsession for details inside and out, it’s hard not to fall in love with a carry that empowers you to create

Designer Aesthetics, Premium allure

A recap on the ISM Classic backpack, it measures 30cm wide, 43cm long and 13cm deep. Full-grain leather are used for the bottom half of the bag, shoulder straps and rear trims. The rest are built of waterproof nylon, with mesh padding and ventilation on the rear and under-strap.

If you’re hesitating between different styles of bags, the ISM Classic backpack is a versatile day carry. Dress up or dress down, it’ll always compliment your style of wear thanks to the simple, modern aesthetics and materials. It’s lightweight, yet feels premium all-round. The structure holds itself with a stiffened frame so it doesn’t cave in on small loads. It intentionally relaxes on the main zipper opening for brighter access and visibility of the main space and two compartments towards the bottom. A bag-wide pocket stores small items with reasonable flex to fit in a few flat items.

There are two accent colours for the ISM Classic Backpack – gunmetal black or gold zipper and matching logo trim. I really like the gold trim as it comes across as sophisticated and premium, matching well with the build quality of the Classic. The gunmetal black is also a great option for an anonymous and subtle visual. Both bags look great on men and women, complimenting any outfit.

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Diving into the ISM details

I’m methodical when it comes to understanding the flow of a backpack. That is my workflow, access, storage, carry and function. The 17.2L of space is good for a day backpack for your tech and productive essentials. The separate laptop compartment offers 2 dividers to slot in up to a 15″ laptop, a tablet and another item in front of it if you choose to. Bear in mind this eats into the ISM Classic Backpack main space to keep its slimline exterior profile.

You do have the flexibility which is nice and I found sometimes flat items fit better in the main space or laptop compartment for a secured and protected fit. I like the fact the latter space is separate for organised access too. If the outside feels premium, the inside feels like luxury. ISM left no detail unattended to. Every pocket or divider edge is polished and stitched with a leather trim. The inside lined with svelte, navy polyester is smooth to the touch and classy.

Each zipper has their own personality – the front with a long leather zip-pull and detailed leather trim bordering the gold zipper, the main compartment with black zippers hidden underneath the nylon material for a cleaner look, and the laptop compartment with an aqua-guard sealant to weatherproof and protect the tech devices inside. ISM’s attention to detail is what really uplifts the premium experience of the Classic backpack.

What can it fit?

What do I carry with me? My setup neatly organises my essentials, fitting perfectly inside. I can bring my full laptop suite which includes my 13.5” Surface Book, Laptop Stand, Microsoft Designer Keyboard and FODI origami flat stand. I can literally bring my full setup to the café in this slimline day backpack. Sweet. My Arc Touch mouse slides nicely into the main compartment pocket on the top, together with my wallet. The bottom pockets take my ISM Limited Edition Power Bank and portable hard drive.

The USB pass-through built into the left side of the bag lets me charge my phone on while keeping the power bank inside. A great touch. Any books will need to be in the main space or laptop compartment, as well as any documents. My Nintendo Switch case, travel organiser and flask set me up for the day. If it’s a sunny day, then I also bring a spare shirt and sunglasses. You can carry a mirrorless camera and lens if you have a slim camera cube but I don’t see the ISM backpack as one designed for it.

Wearing the ISM Classic backpack is a pleasant and comfortable experience. The leather shoulder straps are comfortable by material, so when you add extra mesh padding, it absorbs more weight, making it easier on my shoulders for the whole day. The webbed seatbelt-like material and metal links let you adjust the shoulder strap length for a tight and looser fit. It’s not really made for something you can do on the fly, but once it’s set, you’re set.

I use the carry handle on the top of the ISM Classic backpack a lot if I’m picking it up. It feels solid in the hand, well-built and balanced. Essentially, it works as you’d expect. Reinforced leather stitching secures the shoulder straps and I imagine this bag will last for many years to come.

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Built for the creatives of the world

This kind of backpack is not built for free-flowing access to your backpack at will like other functional backpacks. What the ISM Classic backpack is built-for however, is readily available access to your creative tools and be productive once you’ve arrived. And for that, they achieve it with thoughtful storage options, well-organised tech compartment and great visibility into the bag to take out with ease.

There are a lot of backpacks that either sacrifice design for functionality, functionality for design but nothing really hitting both. The ISM Classic Backpack is a great example of something that strives for both with great execution. This is a day backpack that offers a lot of storage options in a compact, small footprint. It offers depth that you don’t need to hold back on what to bring, though it’s minimal, contemporary and modern aesthetics encourages that way of thinking to keep you lightweight and agile.

The mix of nylon and leather give both durability and luxury at the same time. And although the compartments get tight as you pack items inside the ISM Classic Backpack, I always felt my items were comfortably accessible and protected with the premium feeling materials. If there is something I take away from using the ISM Classic Backpack as my everyday carry, it’s that even simple designs can be exciting and sophisticated.

View the original article, published by Russell on his blog.

This article was originally featured in the NY Times Wirecutter.

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If you take your laptop with you to work or school, a backpack is the best way to carry it. A backpack is more ergonomic than a messenger bag, capable of holding more than a briefcase, and more stylish than a rolling bag. Seven Wirecutter staffers took 53 backpacks on buses, trains, cars, and planes (and through TSA lines) to find the best laptop backpacks for commuting.

Although each person has their own criteria for what makes a perfect backpack, every bag we recommend holds a laptop and its power supply, remains comfortable to wear for an entire commute, and looks stylish (though tastes vary, of course). We have backpacks that are great for riding on tightly crowded buses and train cars or for biking in downpours. For ultra-organized tech wranglers and for people who want a black hole. For the fashion-forward and those who want something small and super-stylish or leather and luxe. For road warriors who fly regularly and for fitness-minded folks who bring their gym gear to work.

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WHO THIS IS FOR:

‍Someone who values a comfortable, attractive bag with lots of storage but wants one that looks more stylish, subtle, and refined than most other backpacks.

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WHY IT’S GREAT:

ISM’s The Backpack is a great choice if you want a stylish, sophisticated backpack that’s comfortable to wear for a long time and has enough storage for a full day of work (notably more storage than you’d find in small fashionable bags like the Rains). It fits a variety of body sizes and, in my opinion, appears a cut above everything my co-workers tested, thanks to its full-grain leather bottom.

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Shop The Backpack in Black

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The ISM (pronounced -ism) bag is a sleek, demure-looking backpack, with understated leather flourishes that provide a subtle contrast to its primarily nylon construction. Its leather bottom and trim details make it suitable for attending important meetings at the office or for impressing your date so thoroughly that they forget you were late to dinner because of said meetings.

The ISM bag is comfortable to wear on your back for long periods of time. The mesh padding on its arms and back is plush, and I had no issue wearing this bag for a cumulative 10 hours while testing. Riding on public transit, waiting for coffee, shopping at a vintage vinyl record outpost in SoHo—we’ve done it all together, the ISM and I. And I never felt like it was overheating my back.

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ISM’s The Backpack has enough storage space to cover you in most situations. I counted six pockets and two main compartment areas, including a laptop sleeve for a 16-inch laptop. Most other backpacks I tested didn’t provide as much room as this one for storing notebooks and folders. The ISM pack provides a teeny leather flap on the right side, where you can pass through a phone charger from the inside of the bag.

ISM offers a lifetime warranty that applies to manufacturing defects in the bag’s materials. I couldn’t find a warranty this long for any of the other stylish backpacks I tested; some, like the AllSaints Ridge Rucksack, offer only a farcical 14-day return window.

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Shop The Backpack in Gold

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FLAWS BUT NOT DEALBREAKERS:

‍At its usual price of $235, ISM’s The Backpack is expensive, so I recommend this bag only to those who care deeply about appearances. The lifetime warranty makes this pricey pill a touch easier to swallow compared with other fashionable bags like those from AllSaints and Saturdays, both of which have a paltry two-week return policy. The ISM pack also lacks side pockets, but if you’re carrying a bag for style, it’s better to avoid stashing a plastic water bottle on the outside.

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Dimensions: 18 by 13½ by 5 inches
Weight: 1.8 pounds
Water-bottle holders: none
Warranty: lifetime (manufacturing defects only)
Maximum laptop size: 16 inches
Colors: black with black accents, black with gold accents

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They say that the best way to understand a person is to look inside her bag. The items we choose to carry can reveal who we are to the rest of the world. When it comes to packing your work bag, it’s all about maximizing utility. Bag space is limited, and you can’t carry everything.

That’s why we polled over one thousand of our customers to discover the most common objects that people keep in their work bag. They range from the sort of stuff you would expect (chargers) to less common items (favorite chocolate bars). If you’re having trouble deciding what to keep (laptop) and what to toss (assorted coins that don’t fit in your wallet) this insight into the psychology of the average professional might help. From the least commonly to most commonly carried items in a work bag, can you guess what’s in the top 5?

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15. Others – 5.1%

For all the objects that aren’t big enough to have their own label and not small enough to be left out entirely. Here’s to the ‘Others,’ from the Nintendo Switch to a Lucky Rabbit’s Foot.

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14. Shoes – 27%

Over one quarter of all respondents carry a pair of shoes in their work bag. Life hack for saving space (and time) – consider storing an extra pair of sneakers at your office or at the gym. You’ll thank yourself when you forget them that one time.

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13. Tablet – 30.8%

Tablets are an incredibly common and convenient alternative to the heavier laptop. If you’re looking to carry light, a professional tablet can provide you similar functionality at a fraction of the weight. Many of the respondents carry both a laptop and tablet in their bag as well.

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12. Clothes – 31.5%

Whether it’s an extra jacket for those windy days or a set of gym clothes, packing some extra clothes is popular with over 31% of our customers. The only downside? They can eat up space and add unnecessary weight. Consider limiting yourself to lighter clothing made of materials like jersey, or renting a locker at your gym.

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11. Books – 39.5%

Reading a physical book can be a gem in this age where we’re constantly addicted to screens. If you want to save space, also consider a kindle or e-reader. You can download a kindle app to your phone and it will sync with your desktop or tablet apps.

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10. Papers – 46.5%

This is a work backpack, after all. Luckily, the workplace is becoming more and more digital, so a paperless future is entirely possible!

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9. Pouches – 47.2%

Pouches are a great way to stay organized, especially when you’re on the go. From your tech pouch to your coin purse to your makeup pouch. Make organizing work for you and prevent clawing around your bag when you need to find that one thing.

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8. Food/Snacks – 56.4%

Lunch in the city can be expensive. Just ask anyone who’s paid $15 for a sandwich on top of their $4 coffee. Packing lunch can be a great way to cut down some costs and some snacks throughout the day help satisfy those cravings too! Apples and oranges usually cost less than a dollar each, and they’re far lower in calories than the pseudo-healthy granola bars you might buy from a vending machine.

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7. Notebooks – 62.5%

One of the best way to remember things is to write it down. You can save space by switching to an app like Notion, the “notes” function on some phones, or by using a Google Doc to jot down your thoughts. 

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6. Headphones – 63%

Listening to music is a great way to make your commute more enjoyable. Airpods are the obvious space saver, but if you don’t want to skimp on sound, over the ear headphones might be worth their weight. Some people also carry a set of wireless and over the ear headphones for different use cases.

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5. Phone Charger – 67.1%

You can’t listen to music without a charged phone. That’s probably why the majority of people carry their charger with them in their bag, like the ISM Leather Charger.‍

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4. Computer Charger – 71.9% 

When you bring your own laptop, a charger is essential. If space in your bag is tight, consider purchasing an additional charger and leaving it at work. Labeling it is a simple move that saves the headache of finding your charger later.

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3. Water Bottles – 73.8%

We’re all probably dehydrated so it’s important to drink enough water throughout the day. Not only are reusable water bottles convenient, but they are better for the environment. You can fit more into your bag with a compact model, like ISM’s flat water bottle.

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2. Keys – 78.4%

The real question is – how is it possible that nearly one quarter of respondents don’t carry keys? How are they getting into their house?

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1. Laptop – 90%

The vast majority of people carry a laptop in their workbag. After all, this is the early 21st century and these are the working tools of the trade.

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As authorities continue to promote social distancing and shelter in place, our online community is finding a way to make time at home both productive and enriching. One activity the CDC recommends to reduce secondary traumatic stress, is to spend time reading a good book.  

As the community shares their bookshelves and reading lists online, we pulled over 20 tweets and threads of book suggestions from writers, entrepreneurs, authors, designers, and everyday people.

Here is a master list of 100 books to read in quarantine:

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NON-FICTION

Biography

1. Shoe Dog by. Phil Knight

2. Elon Musk by. Ashlee Vance

3. The Everything Store by. Brad Stone

4. Fighting for Space by. Amy Shira Teitel

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5. The Right Stuff by. Tom Wolfe

6. Becoming by. Michelle Obama

7. Mamba Mentality by. Kobe Bryant

8. Born a Crime by. Trevor Noah

9. Rise of the Rocket Girls by. Nathalia Holt

10. The Glass Universe by. Dava Sobel

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Business

11. The Success Equation by. Michael J. Mauboussin

12. Driving Digital Strategy by. Sunil Gupta

13. Perspective on McKinsey & Company by. Marvin Bower

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14. How to Win Friends and Influence People by. Dale Carnegie

15. Start with Why by. Simon Sinek

16. Emotional Intelligence by. Daniel Goleman

17. The Intelligent Investor by. Benjamin Graham

18. Zero to One by. Peter Thiel

19. The Lean Startup by. Eric Ries

20. Superforecasting by. Philip E. Tetlock

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Science & Technology

21. Sapiens by. Yuval Noah Harari

22. The Fabric of Reality by. David Deutsch

23. The Inevitable by. Kevin Kelly

24. The Beginning of Infinity by. David Deutsch

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25. Dawn of the Code War by. John P. Carlin

26. Cult of the Dead Cow by. Joseph Menn

27. The Hacker and the State by. Ben Buchanan

28. A Short History of Nearly Everything by. Bill Bryson

29. Packing for Mars by. Mary Roach

30. The Grand Design by. Stephen Hawking and Leonard Mlodinow

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Self-help

31. The Power of Habit by. Charles Duhigg

32. The Art of Gathering by. Bernadette Dunne

33. Reboot by. Jerry Colonna

34. The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck by. Mark Manson

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35. Atomic Habits by. James Clear

36. 12 Rules for Life by. Jordan B. Peterson

37. Stillness Is the Key by. Ryan Holiday

38. The Obstacle Is the Way by. Ryan Holiday

39. GRIT by. Angela Duckworth

40. The Power of Now by. Eckhart Tolle

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Philosophy

41. Man’s Search For Meaning by. Viktor E. Frankl

42. The Consolations of Philosophy by. Alain De Botton

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43. The Essential Plato by. Plato

44. Tyranny of Virtue by. Robert Boyers

45. Striking Thoughts by. Bruce Lee

46. Letters From a Stoic by. Lucius Annaeus Seneca

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47. Beyond Good and Evil by. Friedrich Nietzsche

48. Seeking Wisdom: From Darwin to Munger by. Peter Bevelin

49. Siddhartha by. Hermann Hesse

50. Awareness by. Anthony De Mello

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‍Design

51. The Creative Habit by. Twyla Tharp

52. Proust was a Neuroscientist by. Jonah Lehrer

53. The Reflective Practitioner by. Donald A. Schon

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54. Where Good Ideas Come From by. Steven Johnson

55. Metaphors We Live By by. George Lakoff

56. The Accidental Creative by. Todd Henry

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57. Creative Confidence by. Tom Kelley and David Kelley

58. Thinking Fast and Slow by. Daniel Kahneman

59. Design of Everyday Things by. Don Norman

60. Don’t Make Me Think by. Steve Krug

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FICTION

Science

61. The Fated Sky by. Mary Robinette Kowal

62. The Calculating Stars by. Mary Robinette Kowal

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63. Delta-V by. Daniel Suarez

64. 1984 by. George Orwell

65. Machines Like Me by. Ian McEwan

66. Red Moon by. Kim Stanley Robinson

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67. Light From Other Stars by. Erika Swyler

68. The City in the Middle of the Night by. Charlie Jane Anders

69. The Light Brigade by. Kameron Hurley

70. Recursion by. Blake Crouch

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Fantasy

71. The Alchemist by. Paulo Coelho

72. The Starless Sea by. Erin Morgenstern

73. Middle Game by. Seanan McGuire

74. Ninth House by. Leigh Bardugo

75. The Winter of the Witch by. Katherine Arden

76. Black Leopard, Red Wolf by. Marlon James

77. Magic for Liars by. Sarah Gailey

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78. Descent Into Madness by. Sean R. Frazier

79. The Call of Chaos by. Sean R. Frazier

80. The Coming Storm by. Sean R. Frazier

Thriller

81. My Dark Vanessa by. Kate Elizabeth Russell

82. The Silent Patient by. Alex Michaelides

83. My Lovely Wife by. Samantha Downing

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84. The Kill Club by. Wendy Heard

85. The Lost Man by. Jane Harper

86. The Whisper Man by. Alex North

87. An Anonymous Girl by. Greer Hendricks

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88. Curious Toys by. Elizabeth Hand

89. The Chain by. Adrian McKinty

90. My Sister, the Serial Killer by. Oyinkan Braithwaite

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Romance

91. Call Me By Your Name by. André Aciman

92. Love Her or Lose Her by. Tessa Bailey

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93. The Wedding Date by. Jasmine Guillory

94. Red, White, & Royal Blue by. Casey McQuiston

95. Get a Life, Chloe Brown by. Talia Hibbert

Historical 

96. The Night Tiger by. Yangsze Choo

97. The Mercies by. Kiran Millwood Hargrave

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98. All the Light We Cannot See by. Anthony Doerr

99. The Last Days of Pompeii by. Edward Bulwer Lytton

100. Daisy Jones and the Six by. Taylor Jenkins Reid

The world of practical-yet-stylish work bags. These are laptop backpacks that hold everything you need to make it through a day at the office, yet still, look stylish enough to take to dinner once you’re off the clock. What makes a backpack perfect for the commute is different from the characteristics of a regular rucksack, so here are some things to look for:

1. Materials to Consider

In a work environment, what you carry needs to look the part – neutral colorways and smart, low-key designs all contribute towards creating an air of dependable professionalism — whether it’s a tote bag or a backpack.

The materials play a large part in determining the overall look and function of a bag. With a work backpack, you want to look out for materials that are very wearable; meaning that the materials themselves are a reflection of your profession and how you go about your workday.

Depending on your profession, here are some common types of materials that go well with a backpack that looks professional:

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Leather

Leather is a classic material that gives any commuter backpack a premium and stylish feel. Tried and true in the business world, leather bags have been used by working professionals for years, so a leather backpack can help you fit right in with a history of elegance.

Because leather doesn’t come on a roll like other types of bag materials, it costs more to produce and make in a backpack. Bags made from leather also require more craftsmanship so if you’re looking at a leather laptop backpack, be prepared to spend more than a backpack made with knitted materials.

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Nylon & Polyester

Nylon and polyester are great materials because they’re simple and durable while still feeling a premium feel. Both are traditional materials found in early uses of backpacks and bags (Prada and Longchamp have iconic nylon bags) and they’ll last a while without ripping, tearing, or pilling. Tumi is well known for pioneering a type of nylon called ballistic nylon, known for its durability and deluxe strength.

Heathered & Variegated Materials

Wool and denim are both examples of this since they are both used in everyday worn items from Shirts to Pants. Going for a heathered or variegated material will fit a certain type of aesthetic and profession because it will match with the clothing that you’re already wearing, giving you a consistent head to toe look. Bag brands like Incase or Timbuk2 often feature very wearable materials.

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2. Materials to Avoid

Cotton Canvas

Cotton canvas is typically seen in many daypacks or school (like Jansport, Herschel) and the casual looking material can give off a seemingly unprofessional vibe. Canvas is also not very water-resistant (although some bags do add a layer of coating to the canvas), and it’s a fabric that is very fine and therefore is more susceptible to tears or rips.

Noisy, Thin Linings

If you’re at a meeting and getting something out of your bag, the last thing you want is to draw attention to you from the crunchy sound that a backpack’s lining can make. Lining that’s made with cheaper, thinner materials lend themselves to making sounds, whereas you won’t have that issue with a lining made from thicker materials.

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The ISM backpack lining is made from a polyester twill which gives it a soft hand feel, but durable exterior.

3. Features & Functionality To Look For

Padded Laptop Backpack

If you’re carrying your laptop or tablet sleeveto and from work, having a padded laptop compartment is a must-have. The best backpacks will have extra padding underneath the bottom of the laptop sleeve and plenty of room to keep your Macbook or iPad safe.

When evaluating a laptop bag, be sure to check if the padding in the laptop pocket extends all the way to the bottom of the bag or if there are a few inches of space between the laptop sleeve and the bottom of the bag.

Extra points here go to a padded laptop sleeve that lives in a separate compartment from the main compartment of the backpack, so you’ll be able to easily access your tech without having to rummage through all of your other belongings.

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A separate waterproof zippered laptop compartment is one of the main features in the ISM backpack. The large backpack fits up to a 15-inch laptop, while the small backpack fits up to a 13-inch laptop.

Lightweight & Portable

Whether you’re commuting to work or strapping a bag to your carry-on, it’s important to have a bag that is lightweight yet roomy. It’s one less thing to worry about having enough storage space for your gym clothes or your tote causing you back and shoulder pains.

A great daypack is ideally made with materials that are lightweight, so it’s something to keep in mind when looking for a backpack made with heavier materials, like an all-leather bag.

When you’re at the office, it’s great to have a backpack that is also easily portable, so in addition to the shoulder straps, having a secondary carry handle is a useful feature. Accessory handles on the top or side of the backpack allow you to carry your backpack like a briefcase when you’re walking into your office or in a crowded area like the subway. These bags can also double as a travel backpack, due to their versatility.

Structured Backpack

Work backpacks should have a structured look since it makes them feel more presentable and serious. This can be achieved with padding throughout the bag, and padding is also great for protecting your valuables.

Another benefit of having a structured backpack is that it will stand up straight when placed on the ground. You want to be able to put your bag down, open it, get your tablet, charger, or what you need out of your backpack so you can move on with your work. Having a bag next to you that doesn’t look all crumpled is an easy way to look more professional.

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Comfortable Back Straps

Comfort is another key feature in a work backpack. While it doesn’t need to have all the padding and functionality of a hiking backpack, there are a few must-have features to allow for a comfortable carry.

One of those is having a back panel that is padded. A comfortable backing will have some sort of memory foam (EVA/EVE) or mesh padding inside of it to give your back a nice soft surface to lean on. Having breathable materials on the back straps is great for those hot summer days when you’re trying to keep sweat marks to a minimal.

Padding on the shoulder straps is also a nice feature because it decreases the pressure on your shoulders and allows for an easier carry. Unlike a single shoulder bag or tote, backpacks distribute weight evenly between two straps. The equal weight distribution provides relief on your shoulders and back caused by toting or sitting at a desk for hours on end. Adjustable straps are another essential feature in the best work backpacks.

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Memory foam and mesh straps and back padding make the ISM classic backpack lightweight and comfortable to wear during any season.

Plenty of Internal Organization

For easy access, choosing a backpack that has a U shaped zipper opening is your best bet. This type of shape makes it easy to see where your stuff is while making getting things out simple. Types of backpacks to avoid if you value quick access are bag shapes like a roll top or top loader since these require you to untie a drawstring or unroll a part of the bag first before you’re able to get into the main compartment.

For staying organized and on top of your game, it’s convenient to have a bag that has at least two main compartments, with one of them being a dedicated laptop compartment for keeping your tech safe and secure. A convenient front pocket or side pocket also allows for quick access to your essentials.

In the other compartment, it can be convenient if the backpack has some dedicated space for organization, like a zippered pocket, water bottle pockets, or key rings and retractable cords. More is not always better in the case of an organized work backpack, so its best to find a bag that has all the necessary organization but not too many expandable pockets that will probably go unused and feel cluttered.

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Quick Access Pockets

When you’re commuting to and from work, having easily accessible pockets comes in handy. A quick access pocket can be typically found on the front, side, or back of a backpack. Whether it’s a subway card, phone, wallet, keys, headphones,  gum, or any small item that you carry, having an easy access pocket makes getting items out much easier, especially since you won’t have to take off your backpack. If you like to carry a water bottle to and from work, then using a backpack that has water bottle pockets is also convenient.

Durable & Weather Resistant

Having a work backpack that’s weather-resistant is a nice feature since it’ll give you peace of mind that your electronics are safe if you get caught in the rain. This could be a waterproof zipper that keeps your laptop compartment secure or choosing a backpack that has been coated with a water-resistant layer.

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4. What To Avoid

Heavy Branding

With a work backpack, you want the focus to be on you and not your bag so it’s best to avoid heavy branding and noisy graphics. Instead, go for a backpack with a subtle logo and clean, minimal aesthetic. When it comes to your outfit, by keeping your work backpack to a minimal aesthetic, you can highlight other accessories you might wear like a watch, socks, or jewelry.

Excessive Details

Keeping it simple and minimal is best for conveying a professional look, so try and avoid things like excessive buckles, pockets, or zippers. You want to find a backpack that has just enough detail, but not more than what’s required for a workday.

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5. Final Thoughts On Finding the Perfect Work Bag

There’s no black and white way of using a work bag, it comes down to preference, what kind of profession you’re in, and where you’re based (e.g. the difference in climate between San Francisco & New York.)

One thing we do recommend though is looking for a work backpack that has a sophisticated mix of materials. If you have a bag that uses all of the same material, then nothing really stands out as there is no contrast. But having a bag with a mix of two materials can give it some contrast and uniqueness that can take an all-black backpack and give it some subtle distinctiveness.

The perfect bag was something we had a hard time finding. Most functional bags were bulky. We wanted something that was both useful and sleek. To do this, we interviewed hundreds of professionals on what features they actually used every day and designed our backpack around them, while keeping a minimal and timeless aesthetic.

Meet the ISM Backpack. One bag for all-day in two sizes depending on your fit. We use premium materials and provide a lifetime warranty on the bag (it’s made at the same manufacturer as TUMI, Armani, and Longchamp).