YouTube productivity nerd aiming to help 100 000 creators (Now: 21%)
🖥️🎙️💡 Building your desk setup as a content creator - Where do you start? If all you need is a laptop and phone, you don't necessarily need a dedicated desk setup. In that case, a phone tripod with a ring light and a laptop stand (to save yourself from neck pain) might be enough. But if that sounds a bit too minimalistic for you, here's where I would begin: 1. Take measurements Start by grabbing a pen, a measuring tape, and paper to take measurements and sketch ideas as you go through these steps. While it might seem boring to measure everything, it's essential if you want to build a functional and lasting setup. (It doesn't have to be expensive either just because you are precise and have high ambitions. We just need to set the right foundation first.) 2. Make a list Write down all the items you want and need. You don't have to be specific (like writing down the exact camera model you want), you just need to write down "camera" or "screen" or "plant". Then, think about what depth, width and height you need on your desk to fit everything. (Remember that some items can be on shelves above or around the desk as well.) 3. Plan storage Think about how much storage you need and how you want it to look. Do you want drawers, boxes on a shelf, open shelves without boxes, hooks or maybe a separate "storage room"? 4. Prioritize practicality Once you know your "wants" and "needs", you can start looking at items that fit this criteria. This helps you create a practical space that you can make cozy, which is way easier than creating a cozy space first and then trying to make it practical. With all the main items in place (because this might take a while to find, gather, and afford), I would focus on lights, ergonomics, and cable management. 📐 How do you match the height of your chair, desk, and screen? (You should be able to sit straight, look straight, and drop your shoulders when you work.) 💡 What lights do you need? (One/two for filming, one for writing, one for working.) 🔌 Do you have enough outlets for the gear you need? (I would highly recommend an extension cord with a switch, so that you can easily turn them all off at night, for safety.) ⛓️ How can you hide the cables so it doesn't look so messy? (You can use different methods/tools depending on how often you need to adjust the cables.) 🪫 Where is your charging station? (...and do you have enough outlets and power for that?) 🎨 What personal touch can you add? (It could be a plant, a certain mug, a poster, a frame, a toy, a tennis ball... Whatever sparks joy for you.) These are the things I would start with. From here, you can always upgrade your screen, buy a new microphone, repaint the wall, or add an extra light, but stressing through this phase can lead to frustration and unnecessary expenses later. (Speaking from experience.) 😊 (...Tomorrow I will share part 1 of a video series where I'm building my dream desk setup 🎞️)