053 - Mikael Cho
Mikael Cho is the co-founder and CEO of Unsplash (recently acquired by Getty Images)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/62dec9274f0a2ea2207a03a5/62e3b74abe67a848c970f566_https%253A%252F%252Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%252Fpublic%252Fimages%252Fb0a23eaf-4790-4064-9f65-3db6b739dc6a_4032x3024.jpeg)
Mikael Cho is the co-founder and CEO of Unsplash (recently acquired by Getty Images). Unsplash is the internet’s source of freely-usable images. To date, over 200,000 photographers have provided over 2,000,000 photographs that have been downloaded over 2 billion times.
Have you ever downloaded a photo from Unsplash for use on a personal project?
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/62dec9274f0a2ea2207a03a5/62e3b75f2419a476b3b966bf_https%253A%252F%252Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%252Fpublic%252Fimages%252Fc1f1c808-abf5-4210-bf60-494a00e83d82_4032x3024.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/62dec9274f0a2ea2207a03a5/62e3b75fdf1399e664f86b08_https%253A%252F%252Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%252Fpublic%252Fimages%252Fd2bc257e-2da2-47a0-a3c1-bdc425bd2a5e_4032x3024.jpeg)
Hardware:
- MacBook Pro
- iPhone (for writing)
- Airpods
- Pillow or book to prop up my MacBook. I had one of those floating desk things once but it never stuck. I found it more flexible to switch books if I wanted different heights.
- Decaf coffee: the taste of hot coffee helps signal to me it's time to focus.
Tools:
- Roam Research (switched a month ago)
- mymind for storing visual inspiration
- iPhone Notes (for documenting on-the-go thoughts)
- Superhuman
- Slack: we use it an Unsplash though I'm not a huge fan of the real-time nature of chat-based communication tools. It's a net positive but I see downsides.
- Spotify
- Foam roller + lacrosse ball for mobility and stretching when I break
- Audible (i prefer to read by text but I find more time to read while walking)
- Kindle (my preferred reading method)
Overall Philosophy
The work I do these days is much more about thought and communication than anything else. so I don't focus too much on the tools.
The fewer tools the better so I can focus on doing the work instead of the overhead of learning a new tool or the switching cost of figuring out a new tool.
Work Setup
Our home is an open concept so no blocked off room. I work from the couch most of the time.
I prefer to put my feet up while working. One, it feels more comfortable. Two, the angle is better for you, ergonomically speaking, than sitting at a 90 degree angle or hunched over. I tested a standing desk (link) but killed it. instead I try not to sit too long.
Workspace inspiration coming to your inbox soon!
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