Tools of the trade

When it comes to driving tools like the Wacom Cintiq, you’ll need a powerful computer for all the heavy workloads I do along the way. With proper software to run everything. My top number one app would have to be Photoshop using Adobe’s Creative Cloud. I use this app almost every day of the week. From drawing, graphic design or some silly edits, opening a blank canvas then finally looking at your finished work, can be quite satisfying.

Contrary to the casually used phase “just photoshop it.” Let’s be real; Photoshop is not that magic wand that does everything for you as some may believe. Although there are some powerful tools that can automate things for you (like the Magic Wand tool, but that’s just for making imperfect selections). So, Photoshop can allow you to create magical things, however… you must work for it. It's a vast program with many avenues to approach things. It's a great and powerful tool worth learning! Check out my Resources section down below If you wish to get started learning photoshop.

**iPad Pro with Apple Pencil 2 & Procreate**

The iPad Pro with the Apple pencil 2 is a great alternative drawing device! It can make for a great mobile drawing solution. Although I wouldn't go as far as to say that it is a laptop replacement. For me, it's primarily a supplementary mobile device for when I need to draw on the go. Two of the best apps that you can get for the iPad Pro is Procreate & Astropad for iPad. Procreate has become quite an impressive and powerful app. Unfortunately, my artwork is so large and vast, Procreate just isn't powerful enough to handle most of my work. So for me, it's a great starting point for artwork when I'm on the go. But if you want to use your iPad Pro in a mobile desktop solution, That's where Astropad comes in. With Astropad and its companion app for MacOS, it turns your iPad Pro into a mobile-like Cintiq using your MacBook Pro. Now you can use all your powerful apps like Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator (Astropad for Windows may become available sometime in the future).

**iFixit’s Pro Tech Toolkit & Megapro Ratcheting Automotive Driver**

I repair and fix most of my own equipment. (unfortunately, manufacturers are making that harder with how they make things these days.) A good bit driver set is a must-have for any technician. I always use the iFixit’s Pro Tech Toolkit and the Megapro Ratcheting Automotive Driver for my everyday needs. Whether I’m building a computer, repairing a laptop, or working on or putting together furniture, these are hands down my most favorite tools to use.

Of course, I have a lot more tools than that. If you are planning on setting up your own workshop, be sure to also invest in safety protection gear. A little PSA and personal pet-peeve of mine. Alway's consider proper safety procedures! Whether its handling sharp scissors or a soldering iron exposing yourself to flux vapors, be sure to read-up and follow ALL RESPECTIVE SAFETY PROTOCOLS APPLICABLE TO THE JOB!