266 - Brandon Herbel

Brandon Herbel is a self-taught multi-discipline creative based out of Omaha, Nebraska.

He runs a small creative studio called Bones Co. with his wife. They work with VC firms, startups, and like-minded creatives/business owners who think outside the box.

He is also building Art Department Club, where he will delve into the journeys of other creatives and discover the latest trends and innovations in the design and creative world.

All work no sleep was a name I came up with in my 20s when I would work a full-time job, come home, and work on my creative outlets at night. Though my thought process and views on that have changed a bit, the name has stuck.

Twitter → twitter.com/allworknosleep

Inside Brandon's Workspace

Office Tools:

• Herman Miller Aeron Chair
• Macbook Pro 16” M1 2021
• Macbook Air 13” M2 2022
• iPad Pro (3rd Monitor and sketching)
• iPad Mini (Notes, Writing, and Reading)
• Macbook Air 13” M2 2022
• Keychron K3 Mechanical Keyboard
• Apple Wireless trackpad
• Airpod Max Headphones
• 2 4K LG Displays
• Grovemade Monitor Stand
• Custom built desk by my friend Kyle Petersen
• DJI Osmo Pocket
• Field Notes notebook
• 2 Sonos One Speakers
• 2 Opal Camera

Software:

• Figma
• Notion
• Things 3
• Cron
• Slack
• Superhuman
• Arc Browser
• Apple Music
• Loom
• MyMind
• Optimage
• Raycast
• Stoic

What is your favorite item in your workspace?

I try to keep things on my desk and around my workspace that inspires me. That includes tons of prints from my favorite artists. Friends or my kids have given me gifts and little nicknacks over the years that I keep on my desk. I’ve also started to collect books of artwork, album covers, and various things to flip through for inspiration. Even if it's just taking something like a color palette.

How do you spark creativity?

Lately, I've found my creativity through my children and their view of the world. Both are creative, with my son learning and playing the bass and playing in the School of Rock band. My daughter and I also collaborate on her clothing line, Eye Scream. It always reminds me that there isn't any right or wrong way to do something and to let your guard down and try new things.

How do you manage work-life balance?

Work-life balance was always a hard thing for me before the pandemic. I was constantly consuming myself with work and side projects that were all related to work and started to not be as fulfilling as it once was.

Over the last couple of years, I've tried to do my best to take care of my mental health and be more protective of my time with family.

I try and start my mornings meditating, walking our dog Cash, and taking the kids out to the lake to fish and kayak when the weather permits. Then, completely disconnect and go outside. My wife and I also built a tiki bar below our deck and found ourselves out there most nights enjoying conversation, music, and a few sake bombs (our house drink).