Arek Kajda

The most recent addition to my workspace is my custom-built keyboard. For me the most important thing was the sound. I wanted a thocky-sounding keyboard, so I dove deep into the rabbit hole of research and learned everything I could about this fascinating craft. I decided on the KBDfans Tofu60 case, Matcha switches, and PBT Industrial keycaps by @biipmk. The process of building it felt almost like a form of meditation, and I’ve been enjoying it just as much in daily use.

“Appetite comes with eating”

Creativity, for me, is less about waiting for a spark and more about engaging with the process. It’s in the act of doing—immersing myself in a problem, sketching ideas, or testing concepts. It sparks new thoughts and pushes me to find fresh solutions. The process itself brings out creativity.

Outside of work, I find creativity in fun or everyday moments. Watching a movie, reading a comic, or playing a game often gives me new ideas or helps me see things differently. These moments aren’t just for relaxing—they’re part of how I keep my imagination active.

After my wife and I moved to a more rural area, I like to start my day early, usually around 7 AM, by enjoying 1-2 cups of coffee in bed while checking emails and catching up on news.

If possible, afterwards, I like to go for a run or bike ride. I find that getting some exercise in the morning helps me stay focused and energized throughout the day.

Once I finish my workout, I begin my workday. I typically work until around 5-6 PM, taking breaks for lunch and coffee as needed. During this time, I focus on various design projects for my clients, mostly creating 3D visuals for websites or apps.

After I finish work, I like to unwind by spending time outdoors, perhaps going for a walk or, in the summer, enjoying the garden, or in the winter, watching movies in the evening to relax and recharge for the next day.

Overall, my typical day is a balance between work, exercise, and leisure time, which helps me stay productive, healthy, and happy.

The freedom. I get to decide when and how I work, taking on the roles of creative director, project manager, and personal assistant all at once. While it can feel overwhelming when multiple projects overlap, I still prefer it over any office job.

Another big plus is being able to choose my own gear. I don’t have to deal with preinstalled corporate time-tracking apps or face limitations because the company doesn’t support a specific tool I need. It’s empowering to have full control over how I work.