The software and gadgets I use and recommend.

While there are many ways to get a job done, this is how I get the job done. Since the Pandemic, these staples follow me from setup to setup.

Productivity

  • Claude.ai

    Claude might as well be my mentor and business partner. He single-handedly taught me how to leverage AWS, provided options to guide my family's decision on where to move, and gifted endless inspiration for content. All for free.

  • Passion Planner

    My one tried and true journal that's been with me since the Pandemic. I have the version where it's year-agnostic, so I can use the next page for any date, no matter how long it's been since I made my last entry.

  • Pip Decks

    I consistantly use the tactics in the decks to build workshop curriculum, guide personal discovery, and generate business ideas.

  • Notion

    Yes, I am on the Notion train. Whether it's for project management for my daily life, saving my written musings, or launching an easy startup landing page, Notion truly is my favorite writing tool.

Development tools

  • Cursor

    AI has transformed the way I code. It makes me faster and more competant. Debugging is as easy as asking my Cursor Composer, "why isn't it doing _____?" It's seriously a game changer. Also, it's free.

  • Github

    This is where I keep all my cloud-based code repositories. I appreciate how easy it is to share my work with others using my Github profile.

  • AWS

    I'm learning this tool currently. I'm convinced the cheapest way to validate a business idea is by using SES, Route 53, and Amplify to spin up a simple landing page with email capture.

Design

  • Figma

    An industry standard but still important to note. Besides my sketchbook, this is the only tool I use for UI design.

  • Affinity suite

    Last year, I switched from Adobe to Affinity. All my logowork and print design are now done in Affinity. It has replaced my need for Illustrator, Photoshop, and Publisher.

Videography

  • Canon EOS M6 Mark II

    This is my second Canon camera. I love how the screen flips around, allowing me to see the video composition while being in front of the camera.

  • Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 Image Stabilization STM Zoom Lens

    My favorite lens for my favorite camera. I generally use this for shooting Youtube videos, but I also have taken it into the wild to capture animals at the zoo, architecture in our city, and small details in flowers.

  • OBS

    This powerful tool is free and open source. I use it to screen capture for Youtube videos. It's quite easy to superimpose my face over the screen capture, and unlike many online tools, it has unlimited video capture.

Workstation

  • Bose 700s Noise Cancellation Headphones

    My absolute favorite headphones. The new QC Ultras don't provide as much noise cancellation, nor do they block out as much background noise while on calls. I just purchased new ear cushions after having the same cushions for four years. I intend to use these headphones for a long time and was devastated when they were discontinued.

  • Logitec MX Anywhere 3 For Mac

    This wireless, pinktooth mouse can connect to up to three different devices. Which is perfect, because I have three laptops I use between my work and personal life. It switches devices with one click.

  • Keychron Q2 Pro

    My personal keyboard. I've made plans for gutting it and replacing the key switches and caps, but so far, its factory switches/caps are perfectly fine.

  • Dell Ultrasharp 27 4k Monitor

    In my current setup, I use two screens—one being this monitor. It's crisp and has great color vibrancy. It can keep up with my Apple laptop, which I love.

  • AK Racing Gaming Chair

    This is the only company that makes semi-affordable gaming chairs comfortable for people under 4'4. The back and headrest are perfectly sized. Maybe short people should complain more often.

  • 14” MacBook Pro, M1 Max, 64GB RAM (2021)

    For design, frontend engineering, and daily usage, there is no competitor for me. Apple is the only way to go.

  • Standing Desk

    I try to avoid sitting all day, but that's difficult when your job involves using a computer. I don't always stand, but when I do, it's with my L-shaped standing desk.