I’m Heather Huss, Creative Producer for Lifehacker, and This Is How I Work

Every week, we share shortcuts, workspaces, and productivity tips from our favorite experts. This week we take a look behind the scenes at Lifehacker. I’m Heather Huss and this is how I work.

Location: Ridgewood, Queens Current Job: Creative Producer Lifehacker Current Computer: iMac Current Mobile Device: iPhone

First of all, tell us a little about your past and how you got where you are now.

Well, against my current background, Abu is sitting at his computer. How I got here today: I started the day snuggling with my lovely family and making them apple cinnamon pancakes. After kissing my fiancé and 3-year-old Sawyer goodbye, I walked my 6-year-old Theodore to school. Went to L, switched to NQRW, and finally made my way through superheroes, CD vendors and a few Starbucks in Times Square to the G / O media office.

What are your job responsibilities?

I edit videos for Lifehacker, sometimes I can animate too!

What apps, gadgets or tools, besides your phone, can’t you live without?

I would be very sad without pencils and paper.

How is your workplace arranged?

Always looking at Dennis Nedry’s desk.

What’s your favorite shortcut or hack?

I have a great way to cut vegetables when I eat sandwiches.

Who are the people who help you achieve results, and how do you rely on them?

Everyone is great at LH, but I work very closely with Joel and Abu! We’re always swapping ideas, and it’s always helpful to show a video or brainstorm with them on the best way to do something.

For my passionate projects, I have a very talented team of friends who feel like family in Milwaukee. They are full of great ideas and are always ready to try my crazy ones. I’m lucky!

How to recharge or relax?

Sometimes I wander around the office and talk to people from other verticals, see if someone is working on something cool or if something is having fun. Or grab the snacks that are nearby.

What’s your favorite side project?

I am always working on a music video, I hope to finish it very soon! Lots of traffic stops and spfx. It was great to work on something so creative when I have the energy!

What are you reading now or what do you recommend?

You should probably read this from my very talented fiancé, Sean Williamson.

Can you share the music playlist you’ve created for work or somewhere else?

Everyone should go listen to this album, which has just been released by some of my favorite people.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Work smart, not hard.

What problem are you still trying to solve?

You have more time, energy, money and space. And drink coffee in the morning before it gets too cold.