No. 53 · April 4, 2021

Mikael Cho

Co-founder and CEO of Unsplash

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.

Follow Mikael on Twitter.

What is your overall philosophy when it comes to work as the CEO of Unsplash?

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.

What were the key considerations that went into settling in this style of a workspace?

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.

Mikael’s gear

5 items.

On the desk5

Computer MacBook Pro On 64% of the desks we’ve published
Phone iPhone (for writing)
Headphones Apple AirPods
Software 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.

On the screen9 apps

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)