Time sure flies when youre hacking fun, doesnt it?
Im Andy, and this is how I work.
Last yearI told you about my secret: that Im a disorganized mess.
And by the waysome of you have been asking if our normalHow I Workspots will return.
They will be back!
Ive just been taking some time for research and development.
Ideally Im trying to make it last until iPhone 7, but the battery is starting to fade.
What apps, software, or tools cant you live without?
A lot of work happens in Gmail.
I dont use any add-ons or any fancy Labs stuffexcept Undo Send!
I keep a twenty second window to un-send messages, which I use all the time.
We use Google Docs internally.
Whenever I write something myself (as opposed to editing other peoples work) I often start in Evernote.
It feels less intimidating than the blank page of a Google documentmore like of a sandbox for ideas.
Though I usually keepAdiumorPidginrunning in the background for IMs, a lot of that has been replaced bySlack.
Silly might be a generous euphemism.
TweetDeckis a necessary appendage that I stare at all day long.
I also spend a ton of time reading withInstapaper.
Subway time is reading time.
Whats your workspace setup like?
I like to keep things pretty simple.
I use a thin aluminum Apple keyboard.
I got so accustomed to it at work that I got one for personal use too.
Im not a mechanical keyboard kind of guyI prefer typing on laptop-style Chiclets.
And aLogitech M705 mouse.
Whats your best time-saving shortcut or life hack?
I make a run at think as little as possible.
About most of reality!
I try not to think about it.
Broad strokes, you know.
Im not great at not thinking but I try.
Whats your favorite to-do list manager?
Seeing a lot of unsent drafts makes me anxious, so thats my motivation, really.
A fight against anxiety could describe most of my life.
Thats why I try not to think about it!
Besides your phone and computer, what gadget cant you live without and why?
Ive mentioned theAeroPressbefore, which I still use everyday.
I drink a decent amount of coffee.
By the wayI dont particularly enjoy high-end single origin coffee.
Taste the subtle notes of soil from which the beans were carefully grown?
No thanks, pal!
As far as headphones I really likeKoss Porta Pros.
Im super stingy so $40 for headphones is about the maximum Im willing to spend but theyre great.
I like the Walkman aesthetic too.
Oh, you know what, Ive been pretty intoBlackwing Palomino pencilslately.
I have a unique sense of humor I guess.
Did you see we made some videos?
I have the screen charisma of a potato but I think theyre pretty fun.
That show happens in the editing.)
Perhaps Im pretty good at humility if you consider that a skill.
What do you listen to while you work?
Lately Ive been listening to John Coltranes Giant Steps on repeat, over and over.
Ive never really listened to Coltrane before a couple weeks ago, but I cant get over it.
Its crazy to me that a person could be so good at a thing.
It helps me throw in without thinking about it.
Not that Im a big jazz guy.
I was also deeply intoChvrchesthis year.
The first four tracks ofYeezusare good for work too.
SufjansCarrie and Lowell(is it weird to listen to something so sad while I work?
).Hop Alongis wonderful.
Have I ever told you about myGregorian Christmas music?
Thats good too for feeling relaxed when work is slow.
What are you currently reading?
How do you recharge?
Gosh, I watch a lot of TV.
I watch all the big HBO shows and all the big Netflix shows.
What else was on the tube last year?
Better Call Saul, the end of Mad Men, Mr.
I love Mythbusters (RIP) and stupid Top Gear (RIP).
Survivor is still a good show too!
Ive never left my apartment.
Listening to jazz while trolling Slack is my other main hobby.
Whats your sleep routine like?
Im often up later than I should be, as I really hate skimping on sleep.
Fill in the blank: Id love to see _________ answer these same questions.
I also love Conan.
Im fascinated by late night talk shows.
I watch DVDs of Johnny Carson.
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
I still think about that, particularly about how cynicism can be poisonous.
How does one avoid cynicism?
Not sure, but watching Pixar movies helps.
Is there anything else youd like to add that might be interesting to readers and fans?
Just give a shot to be kind, pal.
Have someone you want to see featured, or questions you think we should ask?
