Here at WordCamp Northeast Ohio, we are pretty big fans of the Lifehacker series “How I Work”. We asked our speakers to do a WordPress take on that idea, and thus was born “How I WordPress”- a series where some of the best minds in WordPress share a bit about their process with our readers/attendees.
Name
Brad Colbow
Location
Cleveland Area (Mentor to be exact)
Current Gig
Independent UX/UI designer
Career Summary
Lets see. I started out as a web designer, slowly became more of a UX designer and on the side I’ve dabbled in illustration and cartooning.
One word that best describes how you work?
Iteratively
Current Mobile Device/Why
iPhone. *shrug* I like it 🙂
Current Computer/Why
I have a Macbook for most of my work but I’m also rocking a Surface Pro for most of my illustration work.
What apps/software/tools can’t you live without?
I really like Sketch for interface design.
What’s your workspace setup like?
I have a little office in my house. I connect my laptop to an external monitor (it’s an old Dell 21″). I also have a standing desk off to my side where I can work and watch my crazy neighbor fight with his lawn mower/snow blower depending on the time of year.
What’s your best time/effort-saving life hack?
When I lose focus on a task I physically move to another location in my office or the house and keep working.
After your phone and computer, what gadget can’t you live without? Why?
I’m rather partial to my Logitech M705 mouse. I’m on my 3rd one.
What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else?
I can cook amazing meals over a camp fire. Last summer I made donuts and lasagna on our camping trip. I’m not sure I’m better than everyone else but I’m pretty darn good if I do say so.
What do you listen to while working?
Depends. If I have to think usually nothing. When I have to churn through tasks I’m a big NPR listener and I have an audible subscription so I’m usually listening to history books.
What do you do to stay inspired?
Running/walking. There are so many distractions inside. It’s good to unplug and have time with your own thoughts.
What are you currently reading?
Andrew Jackson by H.W Brands
What sort of work are you up to now?
Working with some local startups and learning a bit about video production.
What’s your sleep routine like?
Pretty standard. I have a daughter so I go to sleep at night and wake up in the morning.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t be afraid to say no.