I am going to cross-pollinate business with pleasure right now with this post. If you have been following my food blog for some time, you might have noticed a lull in posts these past few months. Or true confession since last Fall. While I love a good time in the kitchen and testing recipes and shooting, I also have a full-time job as a graphic designer, and thankfully work has been good this year. I find myself always trying to fit in many things in life, for example, family (first), cooking, gardening, and I know how tripped up we can get when things don’t go smoothly. I recently posted a question a few days ago on Linkedin, and it went like this:
They say that ‘necessity is the mother of invention.’ How do you make do with what’s available to you? Just curious. As an artist, we are trained to think outside the box, to endure failure to achieve the final result. How do you embrace not having it all right now?
#gettingitdone
So to address this question, I’ve compiled a list of my go-to apps that make this remote work life livable. Some you may already have in your arsenal, if so awesome, a few will be on my to-do list. It might become the recipe for success for you in your life. Let’s start with number one:
Todoist
To-do lists are the maven of productivity. Our plans can get long, and start strong till a fizzle mid-week says otherwise. Download this app and check this one off for getting it done efficiently.
KanbanFlow or Trello
I’m an avid kan banner. (It’s true.) I have one at home, work, the real deals with fun markers and colored post-its. But being a design techie, I can so appreciate the workflow team power at the push of a fingertip. Thank me later for this one.
Twist
Kind of like Slack, a communication app that separates channels into searchable threads, but Twist prioritizes clarity. Still hooked on Slack, but this one may twist my interest.
Discord
Going in full swing with a creative group from Slack to Discord, it might be smooth sailing, ask me in a week. We are all over the globe in this creative community. I am looking forward to reconnecting.
Zoom
Well, if you haven’t heard of Zoom by now, shame shame. Webinars, to meetings that can house 100 active participants and thousands of viewers, recorded for later viewing pleasure, Zoom is in the virtual app to have right now.
Indiggo
This AI-driven platform helps leaders do their stuff. By clarifying, prioritizing tasks to solving problems. Everyday tool for everyday people.
TeamViewer
Remote access to the rescue. If you have ever needed an IT or just that smart dude “Dan” from across the cubicle to give you the how-to, escape, alt, shift a snafu, this app is tried and true. I’ve had to share my screen with folks as far as India, and let me tell you; it’s pretty slick. This app is free for personal use; for a business, you can easily share screens, for tech support while hosting a video presentation or call. Just in case you need that backup “Dan” to take the wheel.
MarkUp
Where would a designer be without this visual commenting platform? MarkUp completes me, my projects, my clients’ workflow. This is how we get it done.
Timecamp
You might want to spend some time keeping track of your time efficiently. This platform gives you the ability to track your time on projects and reporting capabilities to show your clients or boss how hard you work around the clock for them.
PomoDone
Working remotely with two adult college kids also “home-working” the rest of the semester is quite challenging, no? Especially when you have to delegate dish duty and how that factors in between Zoom class meetings (How long does it take to do dishes, really?) This app will take your productivity in chunks, or sprints rather—giving you a break here and there too. Share the love with the college students who need this info desperately. And yes, everyone is ready for me to move back to my office.
G Suite, DropBox, OneDrive
It’s my DropBox seventh anniversary! What a difference it has been in security, and knowing I can grab my stuff anywhere and anytime. G Suite and OneDrive are no different. This one is a no brainer for any artist or folk who needs a lot of data storage or an easy method to transfer large files to others.
There are just a few to sink your teeth in. From a productivity standpoint, you need to stay in the know during these times. Technology changes every day and brings along a new and better way. It’s up to you to embrace and change– or not.
Stay tuned; if your hungry for more, I haven’t hung up the apron yet.
Peace and productivity to you,
Lisa Sprague
midwestandgrassfed.com
artistudio.co
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