5 Must-Have Creative Tools

Streamline your workflow and boost your creativity, today, with these 5 creative tools!

Let’s be real, being creative isn’t just about ideas. It’s about systems that support those ideas.

Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of tools in my work as a writer, filmmaker and creative consultant. But these five? They’ve become my daily essentials. From digital dashboards to simple daily rituals, these tools help me show up with clarity and intention, even on chaotic days.

Let’s dive into the 5 must-have tools you need, starting today!

Notion: Digital Creative Brain Hub

Notion is where my entire creative world lives: podcast episodes, project planning, affirmation trackers, content calendars, blog content, script notes, and more.

Why it works:
It’s flexible, visual, and totally customizable to how you think.

Try this: Create a “Creative HQ” page and build from there. Don’t overthink it, just start. And we’ve helped you out by giving you a free Notion template to get started! Grab yours, at the end of this post!

Flodesk: Emails that Feel Like YOU

I used to dread email marketing, until I found Flodesk. It’s clean, intuitive, and stunning right out of the gate.

How I use it:
Weekly ‘joy notes’ and creative check-ins, product launches, automation workflow, all without feeling like a tech robot.

Try Flodesk, free for 30 days and 50% off your first year!

Canva: Everyday Design Magic

Canva is my go-to for all things design! I use it for branded graphics, digital products, social content, and launch visuals. I even use it to create pitch decks! Everything!

Canva has a free version that has a lot of great templates! Canva Pro is the best for brands and if you’re making consistent content.

Why creatives love it:
You don’t need to be a pro designer, just use your brand kit, plug into templates, and get creating.

Pro tip: Batch-design once a week using branded templates to save tons of time!

Google Calendar + iCal + Notes App: Your Time + Idea Ecosystem

This trio is my everyday backbone. I plan and time-block my days in Google Cal and iCal (color-coded by task type), then capture content ideas, voice notes, and brainstorms in the Notes app.

Try this:

• Theme your days (e.g. Creative Mondays, Admin Thursdays)
• Block deep work hours
• Use Notes for on-the-go inspiration and task captures

Simple but gold: Title Notes clearly so you can find them fast!

Creative Ritual: Your Internal Tool

Not all tools are apps. One of the most powerful systems I have? My creative ritual. Whether it’s journaling, making an iced coffee, lighting a candle, or walking before I write — these rituals and built in habits, shift me from reactive to creative mode.

Why it works:
It signals to your brain that it’s time to create! It gets you relaxed and in the creative zone.

Create your own: Choose 2–3 small actions that feel grounding. Repeat them before each creative session.

Reflect on What’s Working

Before you add new tools, take stock of what’s already helping you and what’s just creating clutter.

Journal Prompts:

• What’s one system or habit that currently supports your creativity?
• What tools or processes are draining your energy or getting ignored?
• Where in your day do you feel most overwhelmed or scattered?

Personalize Your Creative Ritual

Make it intentional.

Build Your Ritual:

• Time of day: __________________
• Ritual elements (pick 2–3):
  ☐ Light a candle
  ☐ Play a specific song/playlist
  ☐ Make coffee or tea
  ☐ Journal or brain dump
  ☐ Go on a short walk
  ☐ Read a quote or affirmation
  ☐ Other: _____________________

FREE Notion Template! Try out Notion with our free template to get you started with gathering the tools that support YOU!

Wrap Up

These tools don’t make the work, you do. But when you gather the right tools that align with your energy and intention, you create a flow that feels sustainable and joyful.

Start with one. Let it support you.
And begin again, each day. You got this!

See you next week!

Listen to Episode 5, wherever you get your podcasts!

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_{Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. That means, I get a small commission if you purchase through this link. However I make it a point to only share tools and resources I truly love and use.}