These 6 items are all I need to create
When it comes to creating and working in the digital age, we are fortunate to need so little. With the wonders of the internet, we can work from pretty much anywhere.
These are the 6 items I need to work from anywhere in the world.
I'm a big believer in using tools that do one thing, or at the very least, a few things. You might disagree and love that all you need is a laptop or a smartphone. There is a trade-off with having devices or tools that do more, and that trade-off is distraction.
When you have a smartphone on you, you don’t just have a phone, you have a computer, a camera, a video camera, social media, email, a calendar, news feed, games, entertainment, notifications—the list goes on. Sure, you could have self-discipline and not install those apps, or have the amazing willpower to not look at them when you're working. I don't have that ability. I use a phone, but what is on that phone is minimal, and sparse when it comes to functions and choices of apps.
So, I use tools that do one or two things. These 6 items are all I need to create.
Wallet I have a wallet because I need money and my ID. Sure, I could just tap pay on my phone, but I prefer having physical cash and a card on me at all times. You never know when you might need it or go somewhere where their card system is down. It happens. - Herschel Charlie Cardholder
Supernote I love to write, read, take notes, annotate, and journal. The Supernote Nomad does just that. I read ePub books on it, annotating directly into the digital books, and take notes.
The Supernote also has a bunch of other features, like email, calendar, drawing apps, Kindle, and more. But I prefer to use it just for reading and taking notes. It also has the added bonus that I love where you never need to access the internet and it has amazing privacy - Supernote Nomad
My phone We live in a modern world, and because of this, we kind of need a smartphone. I have only a few apps installed on my phone to limit distractions. These are the notable ones I use daily. I also have others that are hidden and I have to search to use them like Authenticator or Microsoft Teams but the main ones I use daily are just these two - iPhone 11; a) iA Writer. b) Bank app.
Earphones I love music, and I use music to write. I find that if I put an instrumental track on repeat, I get into an almost trance-like state, and it helps block out all noises and distractions around me. This helps me write in loud situations or if I want to get into the flow state. I take them with me everywhere, but I don’t use them all the time—only when I really need to. Better safe than sorry. - AirPods Pro (1st gen)
Bluetooth keyboard Since I like to write, I could just write with my thumbs on my phone, but I find that slow. Using a physical keyboard is great. I just connect it to my phone, open up the iA Writer app, and get to work, writing down whatever it is that I'm working on or thinking about. I have tried a number of different keyboards—larger, smaller—and I seem to like the full-size key layout, with the thinnest body works best for me. - Logitech Keys To Go 2
Camera Since I make a living as a photographer, I can’t seem to go anywhere without my camera slung around me when I travel. I love taking photos, and I love capturing moments using a minimal setup. The Leica only takes black and white photos, no video features or even HDR or time-lapse, just ISO, Aperture and Shutter speed. If I had to shoot for the rest of my life on one camera and one lens, it would be this setup. - Leica M10 Monochrom & 50mm Summilux
When I think about it, this is all I need—not only to work, but also to entertain myself. All these items are easily replaceable and easily accessible. Sure, they cost a bit of money, but I find that if it isn’t broken, then why fix it? All these items have the added bonus of being light, small and have long battery life.
It’s crazy how technology has come to fare that if I really needed I could do everything I have here on my phone. But there is something about using tools that do one thing and do it well. Call me a romantic, a minimalist, crazy, whatever you like. Just know that I happy and content whatever you label me as.
