Ever wondered what’s actually behind the scenes at a creative marketing agency?
At The House of Brands, founder Natalie Fogarty has built a studio setup designed for speed, precision, and great design, from the hardware that powers daily client work, to the software that keeps branding, content, and campaigns running smoothly, right through to the studio space itself. Whether you’re a fellow creative curious about the tools of the trade, or a client wanting a behind-the-scenes look at how your project comes to life, this is the full kit list, hardware, software, and studio fit-out, all in one place.
HARDWARE
The physical setup behind every brand, build, and design file.
Laptop: Apple MacBook Pro 16″ – My go-anywhere machine, fast enough for full design work between meetings or client sites.
Desktop: Mac mini with M4 Pro chip – 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, paired with an Apple Studio Display – The desk rig for the heavy lifting: multi-layer files, big artboards, zero lag.
Mouse: Logitech MX Master Mouse – Comfortable enough for full design days without the wrist fatigue.
Drawing Tablet: Wacom Intuos Pro – For the illustration, logo mockups and sketch work.
Printer: Konica Minolta A3 Device – Reliable workhorse for proofs and print-ready jobs without the running costs.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV – For brand photography and content shoots.
My Dream Desk: Fully Jarvis Electric Standing Desk – Sit, stand, or somewhere in between: built to keep up with long design sessions.
Pen: Artline 200 Fineliner 0.4mm – My pick for tight, clean sketching when an idea needs to start on paper first.
Phone: Apple iPhone – Runs the business from anywhere: client calls, content, and admin on the move.
iPad: Apple iPad – Handy for client sign-off on the spot and quick design tweaks away from the desk.
Watch: Apple Watch – Keeps me on schedule across back-to-back client days without checking my phone constantly.
SOFTWARE
The programs and platforms running the design, content, and client side of the business.
Design Software: Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription – The non-negotiable toolkit behind every brand identity and print job we produce.
Social Design: Canva – Quick, on-brand social content without opening the full Adobe suite.
Video Recording: Loom – My go-to for walkthroughs and client updates without needing to jump on a call.
Conferencing: Google Meet – Simple, fast, and works every time for client and team check-ins.
STUDIO
The fit-out and finishing touches that make the studio feel like The House of Brands.
Chandelier: Sheraton Lighting Melbourne – A statement piece that sets the tone the moment clients walk in.
Paint Colour Scheme: Bunnings – Vivid White & Monument – A crisp, contrast palette that keeps the space feeling light and airy, but strong in the architecture.
Air Conditioner: Mitsubishi Electric – Keeps the studio comfortable through every season, no matter the Toowoomba weather.
Fireplace: Cove White Mantel Electric Fireplace Suite with 30 Inch Primo Insert – Adds warmth and a homely feel to client meetings during the cooler months.
Store Room Shelving: Bunnings – Pinnacle Heavy Duty 4 Tier Shelving Unit – No-fuss storage that keeps stock and supplies properly organised behind the scenes.
Kitchen Island: Bunnings – Pinnacle 107cm 42″ Stainless Steel Tool Trolley – A clever, industrial-style stand-in for a kitchen bench that suits the studio look perfectly. (So practical everyone wants one, & copies this idea!)
From the gear on the desk to the details in the studio, every piece here has been chosen with the same intention that goes into the brand work itself: nothing for show, everything earning its place. That’s the philosophy behind The House of Brands, good tools, used well, in service of better outcomes for clients. If you’re curious about how any of this comes together behind the scenes, or want to chat about your own brand and marketing needs, get in touch with the team anytime.
The House of Brands · Studio Tool Kit · Highfields, QLD
