I approach creating and managing a creative business like I approach gardening:
I want to maximize my productivity, while also making it seamless and enjoyable.
Every tool I use does double duty: form and function. If it’s not beautiful or useful (preferably both), it doesn’t belong.
This kit is a behind-the-scenes look at the systems, tools, and mindsets that help me run Gumption Design Co. with clarity.
A heads up: Some links below are affiliate links. If you decide to try a tool through them, I may earn a small commission or slight discount at no extra cost to you. Every tool listed here is something I actually use and recommend with full gumption.
Core Business Tools
Tools that keep the financial and operational engine running clean.
QuickBooks
Used for invoicing, proposals, contracts, and reporting. Clean interface, easy client estimates, and pairs well with time tracking.
Novo
My business banking tool of choice. Helps me separate out funds by purpose (tech, team, taxes) using smart budgeting buckets.
Design & Creative Stack
Where the visual magic (and precision) happens.
Figma
Flexible for web and UI design. Collaborative and fast, also great for client feedback and iteration.
Adobe Illustrator
Still the standard for logo design, merch, and anything vector-based. Clean precision when you need it.
Adobe Photoshop
I only use it when I need to: texture overlays, photo cleanups, and mockups mostly. It’s a great raster based program (thinking painting in layers).
Procreate
Perfect for illustration and sketching on the go. Expressive and intuitive for early ideation or final flourishes. Also, a great raster program.
Client Process & Ops
The tools that keep communication clear and projects flowing.
Notion
The central brain of Gumption. Project dashboards, SOPs, client tracking, and meeting notes all live here
Google Drive
Easy file sharing, archiving, and collaborative docs. It’s the client-friendly way to store deliverables.
Communication & Scheduling
Keep it simple, clear, and responsive.
Gmail
Clean and synced. I use email for most client comms.
Notion Calendar
Lightweight and embedded into my dashboard for scheduling meetings, reminders, and content drops.
Slack
Used only for retainer clients or ongoing collaborators where async chat makes sense.
Personal Systems & Mindsets
The invisible tools that fuel the visible work.
Morning Walks
Rhythm and reflection. Movement helps ideas surface and gives my nervous system a chance to settle.
Meditation
5–10 minutes daily to recalibrate. Focus starts with stillness.
Working Out / Strength Training
Physical strength supports emotional stamina. Lifting clears my head and grounds my week.
Sunshine & Nature
Nature resets my internal clock and gets me back in tune with the kind of work I want to do.
Influences & Anchors
Ideas that shaped how I think about work, creativity, and impact.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Philosophy meets craft. A meditation on care, quality, and process.
Show Your Work – Austin Kleon
A reminder to share generously, stay visible, and treat creativity as conversation.
Neil Gaiman: “Make Good Art”
The mantra I return to: “Make glorious and fantastic mistakes.”