Ever since I’ve been a kid, my hands get covered with ink when I draw with marker pens. Now that I’m an adult, it still happens! When I graphic record, I always wear black, so any permanent marker stains don’t show. Maybe it’s my inner wanna-be-a-New-Yorker showing through, but I’ve found having a graphic recording uniform makes it easier to get ready for a very busy graphic recording day.
I must be in good company, because quite a few prolific professionals have resorted to uniforms so they could focus their decision-making efforts on their work. Steve Jobs was famous for his black mock turtlenecks and jeans, Karl Lagerfeld donned a black suit and white shirt, and President Obama only wore blue or grey suits to reduce decision fatigue. (Hmmm, notice there are never any women on uniform lists. Maybe, we like variety in our wardrobe too much.)
The Something Borrowed Shirt by ADay
This is by far the most I have spent on any blouse and it is completely worth it. It is made of a high-tech stretch fabric that is also very cool. I can just roll it up in my suitcase and it is ready to go. The notched collar ads a touch of laid-back executive class without being stuffy. I wear the shirt open like a jacket and it covers my butt nicely.
Luxe High-Neck Swing Tank Top for Women by Old Navy
I bought 5 of these on sale to stock up. The tank is a little longer than usual, so I can wear it under the longer Something Borrowed Shirt and be confident that everything is covered up, even when I am bending over or reaching my arms up. The material is a comfy 95% rayon and 5% spandex.
Mid-Rise Dark-Wash Rockstar Super Skinny Jeggings for Women
These jeggings have a big stretchy waistband like pregnancy jeans, so they are super comfortable. They keep their shape all day so they don’t bag out. (But I need another pair for a multi-day gig.) I wear black instead of blue denim so I look a little dressier.
I have had knee surgery twice and have also suffered from plantar fasciitis, so I always wear shoes with mega support. I wear black shoes so they look less like an athletic shoe. ABEO also makes some great boots with built-in orthotics, which I wear if I know I am not going to be standing all day. But if I am working at a conference or tradeshow booth, I go for the athletic shoe as it gives the most support. The next pair I get will probably be a bright color.
I like to keep the pens I use the most right within reach. The BaggyOne is sold to be worn with a belt. I lengthened the strap and wear it like a crossbody bag, as I find that more comfortable to work in.