Some people run their work zone like a tight ship, others like more like a ball pit at a Cheezy restaurant, but either way the studio is a vital space for the creative self. Whichever way you (or your favorite design nerd) work, the Hand-Eye studio picks list highlights both quality and durability. So whether you keep it clean and precise or wild and free, all of these finds can keep up and keep that work inspired.

For Japan's Claustrum, minimalism and functionality are both of critical importance. Along with rigorous development and testing, their emphasis on lasting quality has helped them produce one of the most fun and functional desk tools we've found. The Claustrum Magnetic Tape Dispenser is seriously stately and enjoyable to use. It's entirely made of thick stainless, with an interesting floating-tape shape, the ability to accept different tape sizes easily, and a super sharp cutting lip. Most notably, its base is a heavy magnet which lets you attach the upper in any kind of weird configuration you feel like. It also seems like it's referencing some kind of important architecture or industrial form, but we're not certain which. So you can make that up yourself.

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Fountain pens are excellent for people who enjoy the personal and tactile part of writing, and Kaweco's Brass Sport is an extra hearty handful. These pens have been made for generations, and the classic pocket-friendly Sport style was updated with a glinty and weighty solid brass body. Writes smoothly, warms to the hand nicely, and will develop a personalized patina with use. Like correspondence, they'll get better with age. 

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Hay thinks your straight lines should be having more fun. These wooden triangle rulers mark out measurement in 3D style with pops of contrasting color to keep it extra interesting. Wonderful for anyone who works in metric. Your grumpy ex-pat officemate, perhaps? 

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For more studio ideas check out the Hand-Eye Supply Design Under Duress guide!