A designer's best weapons; What are they?

[AceCordellis]

I've got a scanner who's pretty decent, though there's some stuff on the scan glass which is very irritating at times. Good thing at the moment my work involves mostly just small images.  

[Dakid223]

Paint and Photoshop are the best!
Look what i made on paint:

 

[AceCordellis]

xd

Wonderfuk.  

[Synthroxide]

I'd suggested Photoshop CS2, and if you're looking for art software, download OpenCanvas or buy Corel Painter.
You may also want to get a tablet.
If you're looking for vector programs, get Adobe Illustrator.

 

[chibi_darkstar]

Adobe software (photoshop, illustrator etc.), the pen tool is a gift from god! Tablets are fun but take some getting used to (still getting used to mine).
Some skill never hurts or practice, you don't have to be a great artist.
A lot of ram and stuff, even an external 1 T might be very helpful.
Of course the classics, pretty decent computer, scanner, pen, paper, digital camera, etc etc.  

[DarkSakura]

I think an understanding of good typography is essential to good design, especially in logotype and publishing. Knowing how to do proper kerning and leading with fonts, especially in Illustrator or Photoshop, can go a long way. If you want to see how exacting some people can be about type, just go back and look at Jan Tschichold's manual he made for Penguin Books.

I also think having a good grasp of where design has been will help one see where it's going and how to be innovative and keep up. Just going back and reading about the Bauhaus school gives me inspiration. =)