Jim Raptis

Frontend Developer and Solo Founder

Issue #206 October 22, 2022

About

Jim Raptis is a solo founder building a portfolio of SaaS products in public. He's a frontend developer who designs (or the opposite, it's up to you) and occasionally works as a contractor for startups.

BrandBird is a tool that turns your images into beautiful social media posts.

MagicPattern is a toolbox with 10+ tools for creatives to generate stunning graphics like patterns, gradients, and many more.

Screenshots.so is a tool that provides powerful website screenshots via a simple API.

Photos

4 images

Gear

13 items

Computer Macbook 13' 2013

Monitor Samsung UJ590 Monitor 31.5" 4K

Keyboard Roccat Mechanical Keyboard

Mouse Logitech MX Master 3 Buy

Webcam Logitech C922 Pro Stream Buy

Tablet iPad Pro 2021

Accessories Amazon Kindle Buy

Accessories BOSE QuietComfort 35 ΙΙ Buy

Microphone Elgato Wave:3 Buy

Desk IKEA Standing Desk

Accessories IKEA SKÅDIS Pegboard Buy

Lamp Mi Led Desk Lamp Buy

Lamp Mi Yeelight Lightstrip Buy

Software

12 apps

MagicPattern — Design assets like patterns, gradients

BrandBird — Turn screenshots into beautiful posts

Notion — Documenting work & life

Gmail — Emails

Feedhive — For scheduling social media post

Figma — Where the magic happens!

Screenflow — Demo videos

Toggl — Tracking time for freelancing

VS Code (with Github Copilot)

Cleanshot

1Password

Spotify — Music buddy

Interview

3 questions

› What is your favorite item in your workspace?

I’d go with the standing desk!

I have always wanted one, and it’s a game-changer for boosting productivity. Perfect for long boring calls, and a quick coding session after lunch haha.

› How do you spark creativity?

For my job, it’s really important to keep up with trends and the best (and easier) way to do it is by paying close attention to all the digital and physical content that I consume daily. From Instagram ads and cool websites to physical billboards and interior designs. It helps me collect the best parts and then reproduce them in my own work. That’s more about the day-to-day inspiration.

When I want to force a creative flow (eg for a client project) I usually get inspired by searching Dribbble and similar websites to collect matching pieces for the specific project. Then, I adapt them to the current project.

› How do you manage work-life balance?

For me, the trick is to have dedicated hours for working - eg. from 10 AM to 6 PM. Outside these time slots, I try to limit work-related tasks & freelancing gigs. Plus, I have a hard rule of “no work” on weekends. It helps me clear my mind and start the week fresh.