The Haul: Cartoonist Hiller Goodspeed Recommends Colourful Crewnecks and Industrial Tape Dispensers

It’s not really a surprise that Hiller Goodspeed’s favourite things include so many art supplies—he’s a working artist and illustrator, after all, whose most recent book, Double Buddy (available from Lucky’s Comics on Main Street), is a meditative collection of weird, sweet drawings contemplating productivity, feelings and TV dinner. You can’t put together all those collages, zines and mini comic books without a solid suite of tools (and, insists the Florida-born Goodspeed, a lot of coconut water).

Illustrator Hiller Goodspeed’s Favourite Things

1. Colorful Standard Crewneck Sweater

A few years ago I had the realization that I look good in a sweatshirt, and I like to throw something on. I keep a few in my closet for when I’d like to be wearing something comfortable. Black is classic; I have some colours in rotation as well. $95, gravitypope.com

2. Pegboard

My partner Erin sourced this pegboard for our home earlier this year and it has been in constant use since its installation. When you’re in the midst of creating, it’s important to have your most-used tools at the ready and this board does a great job of that. $395, klolab.com

3. Our Man in Paris Reissue by Dexter Gordon

If I’m listening to music I love, I will create great work. It’s always been this way. Recently I’ve been a fan of the Blue Note reissues: there are so many great records in their catalogue that can now be easily purchased, and the record store is the perfect destination when out enjoying a nice day. $43, audiopile.ca

4. Drawn and Quarterly’s Moomin Deluxe Vol. 1

If you’re going to make comics, you have to read comics, and my favourite activity is to lose myself among the stories that unfold in Moominvalley. These tales come in many forms, but the comics have always been my favourite. I picked up this volume at Lucky’s Comics, a Vancouver institution. $75, luckys.ca

5. Penco Tape Dispenser

I kept tape in my drawer for years until I determined that it was a tool that needs to be accessible at all times. I am particular when it comes to items displayed in my studio. This tape dispenser is a simple and elegant answer to the question “but what will hold the tape?” $38, assemblyoftext.com

6. Panasonic KP-110 Pencil Sharpener

I have a collection of handheld sharpeners for my pencils, though when I’m at home I have this plugged-in and by my side. It keeps pencils brilliantly sharp, and gets the job done with little fuss. $20, ebay.ca

7. Tombow Mono 2B Pencils

I would be remiss if I didn’t include at least one pencil in this list. Pencils have been my tool of choice for most of my life. I could talk about them for longer than most would care to listen. These 2Bs are an everyday carry and resilient classic. $2.50, opusartsupplies.com

8. Ellepi Klizia 97 Stapler

If you have experience in self-publishing, you know that a stapler you can trust is absolutely crucial. A standard desktop stapler is great but can become limited in its utility, especially once you begin to employ experimental methods. $35, sortdays.com

9. Rollbahn Notebook

I’ve used a lot of notebooks over the years. They are a great spur-of-the-moment pickup and their purchase is easily justified once you convince yourself that they are creative tools. Finding a notebook that works for one’s specific needs takes time, and once you find the right one you hang onto it forever. $28, sortdays.com