I’m Russell Brown, Principal Designer at Adobe, and This Is How I Work.
If you work with any kind of digital media, be it video, photography, vector graphics, simple PDFs, or animation, there is almost certainly an Adobe product in your workflow. So what are the best apps to use for those who work at Adobe?
Russell Brown is a 30-year veteran of the company who joined the company in 1985 and has contributed to the development and design of every version of Photoshop ever released. He is also an Emmy Award winning instructor and teaches design with a theatrical accent. As you can imagine, after three decades at the company, Russell is no longer coding, but more like an evangelist for Adobe’s creative suite, when not leading software development. We spoke with Russell to find out a little about how he works.
Location: San Jose, California. Current position: Chief Designer. One word that best describes your job: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Current mobile device: iPhone 6s Plus Current computer: iPad Pro
First of all, tell us a little about your role at Adobe.
My current title at work can be a little misleading. As the head designer, I have graphic design projects that spring up in my work, but I’m currently more of a Photoshop and mobile proponent. I do plan on special events for graphic designers, art directors, and photographers that introduce them to the wonders of everything Adobe has to offer.
What apps, software or tools can’t you live without?
Here’s my imaging toolbox: iPhone 6s, iPad Pro, DJI Phantom 3 Quadcopter, GoPro Camera.
Here are my software tools: Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Mobile, Adobe Photoshop Mix.
How is your workplace arranged? Coffee shop with laptop and headphones? Home office with a standing desk?
Currently, I love to sit on the couch with my iPad Pro and have a nice cup of green tea. This is the only way to work.
What’s your best time-saver or life hack?
Forget about all the trendy cameras in the world. Walking with an iPhone is a creative approach.
What’s your favorite to-do list manager?
Every morning I jot down my to-do list on a simple notepad. It’s great to cross out every item with a real pen.
What device, besides a phone and a computer, can you not live without and why?
I guess this should be my drone drone for aerial photography.
What are some of the things you do best in everyday life?
I am the best party organizer in the world. I can put on a killer event that everyone wants to attend.
What do you listen to while you work? Have a favorite playlist? Maybe we can talk on the radio? Or do you prefer silence?
I am not listening to ANYTHING. Silence is critical during my creative thinking.
What are you reading now? A novel, a comic strip, a website, a magazine?
If I had time to read, it would be a truly awesome science fiction novel that takes you into deep space.
How do you replenish?
It’s simple. I go for a very long walk alone.
What is your sleep pattern? Are you a night owl or get up early?
I definitely get up early. I am posting the answers to these questions at 4 am. The only time to work.
Fill in the blank: I would like _________ to answer these same questions.
I would very much like the Cosmic Universe to answer the same questions.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
1. Never complain, explain, or apologize. If you do any of these things, then you are doing your job wrong.
2. Never buy a boat!
What else would you like to add that might be of interest to readers and fans?
Happiness is the secret of life. Everything else will fall into place if you achieve this simple state of mind. Oh yeah, travel, travel, travel and travel.