247 - Tom Hitchins

Tom Hitchins is a content creator who is probably most known for his creation of Byte Review. Byte Review is a tech and productivity focused Instagram and YouTube Channel that was started in 2015.

He also runs a digital lifestyle brand with a friend called Kiroku Studio. They just released a set of lofi music to relax or work to.

Twitter → twitter.com/ByteReview

Equipment:

• Logitech MX Master
• Dell UltraSharp U2720Q 4K
• Ruark Audio MR1 MK2 Speakers

What is your favorite item in your workspace?

Ugh, I can't pick just one! But if you made me pick, I think it would have to be the Mac Studio. I picked this up pretty much the second Apple announced it and it felt like the computer from Apple I had been waiting for. A powerhouse in a small footstep, with all the ports you could ever want - perfect for a Content Creator like me! I do love my iPad stand though, and my Nintendo Switch - ahh there's too many!

How do you spark creativity?

For me, creating content is a constant creative flow, so I never normally stop - at least not for long. However, I find that creativity usually comes from being excited about something or imposing a strict deadline on yourself. For example, when I make shortform content I'll set a 1 hour timer, and if I can't get it done in that time then I'll move onto something else, it also makes me work quicker which is useful. Scrolling other content creator feeds and watching loads of YouTube helps when I'm stuck in a rut, too.

How do you manage work-life balance?

Honestly - I'm still trying to find that balance, but I do tend to keep weekends clear and I try not to work after 5-6pm. I work for myself and luckily I really enjoy it, but that does mean it's very easy to never stop - I guess that's a perk of the job! But it's also a curse because some days my partner will pull me away from the computer and say come on, that's enough.

What do you think is the main benefit of remote work?

It's got to be building your own working space! I've always wanted a desk setup I can be proud of and be happy to work in, so spending time making it something that inspires me has been a huge benefit of working from home / remote work. Also remote work gives you the chance to work on something you might not normally do at the office, so taking a break to learn something new and explore a new hobby or interest is an amazing freedom to have.