Here at WordCamp Northeast Ohio, we are pretty big fans of the Lifehacker series “How I Work”. We asked our speakers to do a WordPress take on that idea, and thus was born “How I WordPress”- a series where some of the best minds in WordPress share a bit about their process with our readers/attendees.
Name
Joe Querin
Location
Lorain, OH
Current Gig
Full-Time: Web Development Coordinator | On-the-side: Web Design/Development Consultant
Career Summary
I work full-time for Lorain County Community College for the last 17+ years. I have also been doing freelance consulting for web design and development through my own company for the past 14 years.
One word that best describes how you work?
Creative
Current Mobile Device/Why
Devices: iPhone 6s+ and iPad | Why: While I’m a PC guy by budget, I liked the variety of apps available for in the Apple store. The intuitiveness of the iOS and devices attracted me as well. The others just don’t seem to be as polished as the Apple devices.
Current Computer/Why
Dell Desktop, Dell Laptop and OS X desktop (Full-time gig) | HP PC at home. At my full-time gig, we’re a Windows shop thru-and-thru. At home my PC is what I could afford, plus I grew up on PCs and can take them apart and fix them as well.
What apps/software/tools can’t you live without?
Photoshop, Illustrator, Brackets, Chrome, Gulp
What’s your workspace setup like?
PC Desktop (full-time gig and home) – Windows 7 Pro, twin widescreen 19″, corded keyboard and mouse. Laptop – 17″ (9-year old beast, soon to be replaced by a new 17″). Full-time gig Mac Desktop 24″ wide screen monitor
What’s your best time/effort-saving life hack?
Writing things down, whether digitally or on paper. I vary between my phone/iPad and a notebook to keep track of things.
What’s your favorite to-do list method?
Google Calendar, Iphone To-do list
After your phone and computer, what gadget can’t you live without? Why?
Any one of the number of power tools I’ve amassed for either maintaining my home or building things at home. After building digitally all day, I enjoy relaxing on my weekends by building/fixing things with my hands.
What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else?
My wife says I’m the master shaker, because I always shake everything up, including milk. Who doesn’t?
What do you listen to while working?
I listen to a range of music. Mostly either Spotify playlists of favorite/new music, or if I’m deep in coding or server setup, then it’s orchestra instrumentals either of video game soundtracks or from various artists. Mostly been rocking Halo soundtracks lately.
What do you do to stay inspired?
Keep an eye on twitter, as well as perusing Dribbble, Smashing Magazine, etc. I also try to take a break and look around me throughout the day. It’s amazing how a printed advertisement, sign, cloud formation or something in nature can inspire you.
What are you currently reading?
Anything and everything. Blog articles on Graphic/Web Design, Web Development, Server Architecture, Cookbooks, the Bible.
What sort of work are you up to now?
Massive overhaul all of our current web sites to WordPress at my full-time gig, as well architecting and building out new infrastructure for our new WordPress based websites. In my spare time I help local small businesses with their web presence. I also assist my wife with her photography business.
What’s your sleep routine like?
Sleep??? Chronic pain doesn’t allow much sleep, though being a parent doesn’t help either. Though most nights I end up falling asleep on the couch easier than going to bed.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Words from my Dad, “Consider the source and ignore it”. These 6 words have been repeated in my mind many times over the years.>