Being a minimalist, it’s important to make sure I don’t splash cash on tech and let it rot. Also being a graphic designer, I need to make sure my gear is compatible with the latest software. Five years ago, graphic tablets weren't even a thing. But now it’s become a must for every graphic designer.
This one example can help see how markets influence your purchase. I’m not saying they are useless. It’s a must for illustrators & Digital Artists. But not for a Brand Identity Designer like myself.
You’ve probably seen people constantly change phones and laptops once a year. I relate to them, because I was that guy who would constantly change phones every two or three months. I still feel guilty for spending on useless things. I wasn't even a tech YouTuber and just did it for fun or to brag about it.
But now post minimalism, yeah I’m dividing my life before and after minimalism. I have a simple rule towards tech. Change or Upgrade it when it becomes obsolete or cannot perform the task I want it to. Now I have a phone that’s 8 months old, I know I'm bragging about it but its a huge achievement for me.
Also, my Laptop is a year old. I have no plan to replace it until I drop it from the second floor. I still constantly learn about tech and watch the latest tech reviews but that doesn't make me wanna buy it. I would credit it to minimalism. If I didn't have this approach to tech I’d probably be using a ConceptD for no reason. (Ok I would definitely buy a ConceptD some day).
Have you seen Begin Again? It‘s an amazing example of how Mark Ruffalo decides to produce Keira Knightley’ song on the streets of New York in an open space and with some bang average tech. You know what happens next. Typical movie stuff. It hits the ceiling, sells 10,000 in a day. Pretty impressive right? I’m not telling you to start using a 2001 PC rather try to get the best out of what you have.
This kind of approach has benefited me a lot financially. I’m not asking you to live like a caveman. Tech is not very cheap today. Getting a bad phone or a bad computer can ruin your career for years. Make wise decisions when it comes to money and buy things that are necessary.
Apply the 30 day rule to tech too. If you feel like buying something, add it to the list and wait for 30 days to see if you really need them. I do this all the time. When I upgraded my graphic tablet to a bigger one, which is also double the cost I didn’t think it through. A bad decision, I regret even today. But a friend of mine uses it now. So, I guess, mehh....
So, should you stay away from the latest tech news? No, I follow and watch a lot of tech videos on YouTube. Make sure you don’t panic buy or you buy things just because it's on sale.
Remember, you don’t need expensive gear to do great things.
Yours,
Shasha