Every week, we share the shortcuts, workspaces, and productivity tips of our favorite experts.

This week, were going behind the scenes at Lifehacker.

Im Heather Hass, and this is how I work.

I was also in marching band, because I was really cool.

After high school I studied animation and videography at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.

There I focused on experimental animation and video and creative ways to combine the two.

I freelanced on a wide variety of projects, from commercials to advertising to short films.

I was a DVD menu designer/animator for awhile.

If you have a DVD player you may actually have seen some of my workI made many of them!

But when DVDs started to become obsolete, it was time for a switch.

I decided to freelance again so I could be home with Theodor when he was a baby.

I went back to freelancing, even worked in Times Square (very exciting for a newbie).

I was asked to film the Deadspin Awards last year for Gizmodo Media.

Then I was asked back to help finish editing a project.

This is really my dream job, Ive never felt so happy and fulfilled with my career!

Take us through a recent workday.

Ill get up at 6 with Sawyer, make eggs or pancakes for breakfast.

Theodor and Sean get up and Ill make coffee.

I either do a stovetop percolator or pour over, and I always use cream.

Im very picky about my morning ritual.

Its calming for some reason; I dont know, I just go with it.

Then Ill hop in the showerI have to shower every day or I dont fully wake.

In the morning I either read my book or listen to a podcast on the way.

When I get out at Union Square I cue upWilliam Onyeaborand get to work!

Besides your phone, what apps, gadgets, or tools cant you live without?

I really like my pasta queen.

Work-wise, After Effects and Premiere are what Im looking at every day.

it’s possible for you to make all the magic you need with those two programs!

Also paper and pencil will always have my heart.

Whats your workspace setup like?

I have a couple of hard drives, pens and a notebook.

I like working from handwritten notes.

I am also always surrounded by snacks.

There is a tiny little troll who lives on one of my hard drives thatNickkindly let me have.

Whats your best shortcut or life hack?

People are always really nice to you, too.

And anything can be checked for free if its for a baby.

I work very closely withJoeland Adam from Lifehacker since they are the other video folks.

I get a lot out of our whole team when were brainstorming what hacks to shoot.

Also Santiago is great to film with.

He knows everything about the camera and is generous with his knowledge!

How do you keep track of what you have to do?

Old fashioned pen and paper.

How do you recharge or take a break?

Ill walk downstairs and see if there are any snacks I can raid in the office kitchen.

I especially like the little trail mixes with chocolate chips.

Whats your favorite side project?

Im usually working on a music video of some sorts.

Right now its forCollections of Colonies of Bees.

I love experimental video, I feel like it keeps me on my toes and keeps creative ideas flowing.

Music videos are a great tool to get those wild ideas out.

Im also starting my kids halloween costumes.

I have 5 weeks to finish this!

What are you currently reading, or what do you recommend?

Right now Im reading Michael ChabonsThe Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay.

I highly recommend it!

Who else would you like to see answer these questions?

Michel Gondryis my hero.

Whats the best advice youve ever received?

Fromtruth: Dont smoke.

He was right, it was time.

2 different formats.E.g., Dropbox+DVDs or Hard Drive+Memory Stick or CD+Crash Plan.

1 off-site backup.If the house burns down, how will you get your memories back?

Whats a problem youre still trying to solve?

Getting my iPhone to connect to my Prius.

Seriously, Ive done everything.

There are no hacks to fix this.

Have someone you want to see featured, or questions you think we should ask?