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.