Skills I have and tools I use

I get asked a lot about the things I use to build software, stay productive, or buy to fool myself into thinking I’m being productive when I’m really just procrastinating. Here’s a big list of all of my favorite stuff.

Programming Languages

  • Web

    HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Node.js, Next.js

  • Backend

    Python, Java, C++, Swift

  • Concepts

    Object-Oriented Programming, Functional Programming, Data Structures, Algorithms, Design Patterns, Testing, Debugging, Performance, Scalability, Git, App Design, Web Design, UX/UI Design, Responsive Design, Accessibility, User Experience, User Interface, Interaction Design, Visual Design, Typography, Color Theory, Grid Systems, Layout, Composition, Prototyping, Wireframing, Mockups, User Research, VR/AR, 3D Modeling, Animation, Rendering, Shaders, Projection Mapping, Generative Art, Real-Time Graphics,

Workstation

  • 13” MacBook Air, M2 , 8GB RAM (2023)

    I recently upgraded to the new MacBook Air with the M2 chip, and I must say, it is portable and fast. It is perfect for coding, writing, and designing, but any serious rendering or processing is done on my PC.

  • Custom PC

    This is my baby; I built this PC back in 2016 with a GTX 1050 and an Intel i7. After years of upgrades, it runs like a beast with an RTX 3080 Ultra and 64GB RAM. I just need to do some cable management.

Development tools

  • Visual Studio Code

    Ol reliable. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, just install plugins.

  • WebStorm

    I use WebStorm for my React and Node.js projects. It’s a bit heavy, but great for web development.

  • Blender

    When it comes to 3D modeling, rendering, or animation, Blender is my go-to. I have been experimenting with the Python API and the shader editor for most of my renders lately.

  • Unreal Engine

    My team and I used C++ scripting in Unreal Engine for our virtual grasping implementation. This research in human-computer interaction was spearheaded by Professor Donald Greenberg, and was an interesting dive into learning how to use Unreal Engine and C++.

Design

  • Figma

    Figma makes designing websites and applications so much easier, and allows me to visualize my ideas in a way that I can share with others. Lately I’ve been using it for making graphs and flow charts for my ideas and projects.

  • Adobe Illustrator

    I’ve been using Illustrator since I was a kid and it’s still the best tool for vector illustration.

  • Adobe Photoshop

    I use Photoshop for photo editing and digital painting. It’s a great tool for creating textures and working with photos.

  • TouchDesigner

    TouchDesigner is a node-based visual programming language for real-time interactive multimedia content. The projection mapping and generative art capabilities are endless, and it is python based which made it accessible for me initially.

Productivity

  • Notion

    I love structure and organization in my life. Notion helps me keep track of everything I need to get done, and stores it in one accessible place.

  • Google Calender

    I’m a visual person, I like to see when things need to get done and how much time I have to do them. Love it or hate it, Google Calender is the on top. Plus I can embed it into my Notion so I never have to leave.

  • My Notebook

    I have a notebook that I use to write down my thoughts, ideas, and tasks. I’m a big fan of writing things down by hand; it helps me remember things better, keeps me focused, and I just like to look at the writing on the page.