053 - Mikael Cho

Mikael Cho is the co-founder and CEO of Unsplash (recently acquired by Getty Images). Unsplash is the internet’s source of freely-usable images. To date, over 200,000 photographers have provided over 2,000,000 photographs that have been downloaded over 2 billion times.

Have you ever downloaded a photo from Unsplash for use on a personal project?

Hardware:

• MacBook Pro
• iPhone (for writing)
• Airpods
• Pillow or book to prop up my MacBook. I had one of those floating desk things once but it never stuck. I found it more flexible to switch books if I wanted different heights.
• Decaf coffee: the taste of hot coffee helps signal to me it's time to focus.

Tools:

• Roam Research (switched a month ago)
• mymind for storing visual inspiration
• iPhone Notes (for documenting on-the-go thoughts)
• Superhuman
• Slack: we use it an Unsplash though I'm not a huge fan of the real-time nature of chat-based communication tools. It's a net positive but I see downsides.
• Spotify
• Foam roller + lacrosse ball for mobility and stretching when I break
• Audible (i prefer to read by text but I find more time to read while walking)
• Kindle (my preferred reading method)

Overall Philosophy

The work I do these days is much more about thought and communication than anything else. so I don't focus too much on the tools.

The fewer tools the better so I can focus on doing the work instead of the overhead of learning a new tool or the switching cost of figuring out a new tool.

Work Setup

Our home is an open concept so no blocked off room. I work from the couch most of the time.

I prefer to put my feet up while working. One, it feels more comfortable. Two, the angle is better for you, ergonomically speaking, than sitting at a 90 degree angle or hunched over. I tested a standing desk (link) but killed it. instead I try not to sit too long.