+1 for font grouping or categorisation, would save so much time.

+1 for ATMs. Such outdated interfaces. Wouldn't it be useful if they remembered your last transaction and offered you the same service on the home screen (I nearly always withdraw the same amount).

Also TV remote controls, which just grow increasingly less intuitive with more and more buttons. The clicker that has evolved is clearly not the best means of input for a digital TV that offers so much functionality.

Last for me is parking meters. Hilariously bad UI and user journey.

I've done two courses on digitising hand lettering and got a lot out of them. I've been using Illustrator for years but found watching another designers' process and way of working really insightful - some useful shortcuts and tips. All courses are put together by different people so I guess the experience varies - check the user rating. I thought they were well priced, would recommend.

I always wireframe, sort out all the user journeys before beginning a complex design. Paper, then paper stuck to the wall is my preferred method!

If I have to share wireframes with clients I use http://uxpin.com. I've found it really intuitive - lots of keyboard shortcuts the same as Photoshop.

Recommend David Kadavy's book: http://designforhackers.com/

My fave is Axel Scheffler in the Julia Donaldson books: Stick Man, The Gruffalo, Snail and the Whale, Tabby McTat.

Check out 'How To Live Forever' by Colin Thompson, magical illustrations.

The Winnie the Witch series by Valerie Thomas also worth a look - crazy detailed illustrations by Korky Paul.

I'm finding this plugin really useful. Quick way to specify fonts and colours, well worth $19. Agree not so relevant for widths, though some of the developers I work with like everything specced out to the pixel. Be super useful if it would output all variables to a text file.

I use UXPin: http://uxpin.com/ I'm finding it really quick, lots of the same keyboard shortcuts as Photoshop, everything clickable. Can send wireframes as a link to clients and they can leave comments.

Pentel Liquid Gel Ink 0.7mm ball Never use anything else, buy boxes of them.

I've been in this situation a couple of times, once for a big international charity. I couldn't believe how shabby their logos were!

Why not propose a project to get their digital assets in shape? Redraw the logos and graphics to look sharp - this will only cost your downtime. Propose some new stock images or source a photographer, cost the project and show where the company would get value from the new pics. If they're not that designy they probably don't realise how much better it could look until they see it.

Put together a style guide speccing out the improved brand, package everything up and make it available for staff download. Will make you look pro-active and motivated and serve your designs well long term.