Apple

Ports are back baby, and they’re plugged straight into the power of M1 Max. This computer is quite frankly my favorite (tech) thing in the world and runs my life. Every design, every page, every snarky comment, was made using this fantastic machine here. I love you, MacBook Pro.

Apple

People love to hate on the Studio Display. You can get an LG with almost the exact same panel for cheaper. But that monitor will still be plastic. Not this guy, all metal. The best part though is the one cable setup. Everything goes right into the back and then one magical thunderbolt cable goes to my MacBook… making it the perfect companion for when I’m late to class and need to unplug fast. One cable setup for life!

Keychron

Mechanical keyboards are an expensive hobby to get into. So for my first “real” build, I wanted to nail the fundamentals so that I wouldn’t have to think about a replacement keyboard any time soon. I went with Keychron as they had a fairly competitive well-built product. Pair this guy with layers of various foams, Gateron Silent Red switches, and AMAZING keycaps and you have the perfect board. Didn’t last long though as now I want to build a 65% layout using a board from Mode Designs.

Logitech

There’s a reason why everyone recommends this thing. It is a fucking powerhouse. Designing on a trackpad is the worst thing in the world after using this guy. Horizontal scroll to speed left and right through a Figma board? A thumb button to blast into mission control? An electromagnetic scroll wheel to get to the bottom of an extra-long college reading assignment? All great use cases for this perfect mouse.

Apple

So you’re wondering why I also have a trackpad on my desk when I have a mouse? Speed and efficiency, my friend. You haven’t experienced what a joy it is to design until you can whip around a document and zoom in and out all while your hand never leaves your mouse either. Opens up a world of wicked possibilities. Just try the setup - life-changing.

Studio Neat

For someone who loves branding, I hate seeing logos on my peripherals. That’s where the Mark One comes in. The Perfect Pen. It’s truly an unnecessary purchase - but boy does it inspire you to write things down. It’s machined, all-metal, with a ceramic-based exterior and a satisfying click. Almost makes you want the mechanical pencil version too…

Sweetzer & Orange

I’m not a big notebook guy when it comes to quick ideas and to-do lists. I love the tactility of having a Post-it note that’ll quickly show me what I need to do for the day or a quick sketch. So in comes the humble postcard in thick paper stock. These guys keep me organized and productive. Place this in a business card holder and you have your own little DIY Ugmonk Analog setup for much cheaper.

Funko Pop

You had to expect something Ted Lasso right? The 4-inch figure radiates positive energy when you see him holding up his Believe sign. Makes you wanna be the best version of yourself, both on and off the Zoom call.

Apple

A true essential. A phone. Not much else to it. With its surgical-grade stainless steel, my 14 Pro serves my needs as an amazing phone, a great tool for making quick mockups on the fly, a powerful camera, and everything else. One day maybe I’ll upgrade to the aerospace-grade titanium phone lol.

Apple

“What’s a computer?”
Iconic ad, but not there yet. Even with M1 inside this iPad Air, it still can’t replace my MacBook. But it serves as an important continuity piece in the setup thanks to features like Universal Control where I can just move from my Mac to iPad seamlessly. Plus it is the ultimate entertainment device thanks to how portable it is.

Apple

Surprise, another Apple device. Now, I don’t love participating in the Spotify vs Apple Music debate, but for UI and sound quality, AM is my personal pick. Thanks to a generous stimulus check, I snagged these puppies for college and they have been essential ever since. Best in class noise cancellation and the best transparency mode on any headphone ever. Yes, you can get away with similar features on Sonys but you can imagine how important the ecosystem is to me at this point.

Apple

So apparently my friend Jake was assigned a project in college analyzing why someone would buy this polishing cloth for $19. I guess I’m the target demographic. It is stupidly expensive for sure, but my biggest pet peeve is when someone… MOSTLY PROFESSORS, touch my screen and leave fingerprints. So if there is a magical way to help me ease my pet peeve annoyances, I’ll gladly pay $19 for it. Plus a MacBook and Studio Display are investments and I don’t trust some poorly made microfiber from the dollar store.

Logitech

“Are you a podcaster”, why yes I am. Did I start a podcast just so I could stop being annoyed every time someone asked me that in a Zoom call - we’ll never know. Great microphone. Super sleek. Best in class for the outrageous amount of FaceTime calls I make.

Audient

Can’t use an XLR microphone without an audio interface. I wish I was a musician so I could plug an instrument into this thing and jam out. But for now, it’ll be used to record my voice that I hate hearing.

Loupedeck

Not to be confused with a Streamdeck, the Loupedeck is a graphic designer’s dream. It has an infinite amount of customization - you can make your own symbols and icons for a consistent look (I use modified SF symbols). And with 6 rotary knobs, you can do unlimited actions like zoom, adjust volume, change brush size, and my favorite, undo and redo quickly.

Hoto

Didn’t expect this one did you? I just have an affinity for well-designed products. After all, wonderful tools allow people to do wonderful things. This box cutter is minimal but perfectly engineered. With a large push mechanism and a small slit for cutting tags, it is an elevated version of a simple tool. Check out Hoto’s other products too - I love their flashlights.