I enjoy tinkering and utilizing different tools to create. This could be anything from a new pencil or pen to new paper to a new piece of hardware or software. I’m open to anything that will improve my work, or my processes. I also enjoy learning. So this is a good catalog of items I’ve found help me at this current time in my life.
Note: This list will change constantly, thus the strikethroughs. It’s good for tracking over time what I have used, what “improvements” I’ve made with my setup, and, possibly, where I will go
Art
I predominately draw analog, but I am building my digital skills through the SVS Learn Foundations Curriculum. Check them out if you are interested in leveling up your art skills.
As far as the maker tools, here is a break down of my analog and digital tools:
- Analog
- Sanford Turquiose Lead Holder // Never had one of these until last year, but I love it and is comfortable in the hand.
- Prismacolor Premier Turquoise Graphite Drawing Leads, Red, 2mm // I prefer the red lead over the blue photo lead.
- Staedtler Mars Rotary Action Lead Pointer and Tub // Sharpens the lead of the leads in the Sanford pretty well. ‘Nuff said.
- X-ACTO Ranger 1031 Wall Mount Manual Pencil Sharpener // It’s the one you used in elementary school. I mounted one in my studio and this thing gives you a very nice tip. Don’t mess with what works.
- Pentel Arts Pocket Brush Pen // A really juicy pen and takes has a learning curve. It’s refillable so that is the advantage over the Zebra
- Zebra Fude Brush Pen // Double Sided (Real & Hard Type) brush pen that allows for great control of the ink with multiple tips.
- Sakura Gelly Roll Pen // Great for manipulating the ink and create highlights.
- Moleskine Cahier Journal, Blank, Cranberry Red (7.5 x 10) // Unlined sketchbooks that are durable, friendly to ink, and great for notes, ideating, and sketching.
- Digital
- iPad Pro and Apple Pencil // These two are new to me, and I feel like I’m learning how to draw all over again. The screen is covered in a Paperlike Screen Protector because I found the pencil glided over the screen too freely. I need some friction on the pencil tip so it feels analog.
Writing
This website, and blog, is run on a self-hosted version of WordPress. I switched to the Herschel theme, and am restructuring the site. I write my scripts in Pages so it’s accessible on all my devices. Most of my work is typed on a 13″ MacBook Air running OS X Yosemite macOS Sierra with 1.3GHz Intel Core i5 and 8GB of memory. Sometimes I write on the iPad with my logitech Slim Folio Pro.
I also keep notes in the previously mentioned Moleskine Cahier Journals. I use Field Notes for capturing story ideas. I find things are lost in my Notes app. I try to Bullet Journal but it’s a task to get into the habit of that structure.
Podcasting/Vlogging
My brother and I have a parenting podcast, Amateur Dads, about the joys and stresses of being a parent, and everything in between. Check it out some time. We’ve discussed a range of topics, including 2019 World Series post-game shows during the Nationals first championship run!
We utilize the Anchor.fm platform for recording and hosting the podcast. It’s easy to use the Anchor app on my iPhone XR (Product)Red with a Spigen Ultra Hybrid Crystal Clear Case (to show off that lovely (Product)Red color) for recording. When we get serious, I use a Blue Yeti USB Microphone with a Monoprice Microphone Isolation Shield.
I tried vlogging for a little while using a iPhone 7 Plus Gold in a Spigen Hybrid Armor iPhone 7 Plus Case. It didn’t stick. Damn that editing process! I would use iMovie. I do see the value in video though. Maybe I revisit in a different way next year.
Other Tools I Enjoy
Jaybird Freedom wireless buds // Bluetooth ear buds with amazing soundApple AirPods, which I lose all the time.