Thanks to our smartphones, tablets and smartwatches, we’re always connected to the internet, each other and our jobs. These mobile devices are more than just distractions and social media — they can be useful tools to help boost productivity for creative employees.
We’ve compiled a list of eight unique apps to choose from to help both you and your employees be more productive during the workday.
1. Unstuck
As a creative, there’s nothing worse than hitting a block — writing, artistic or something else. Unstuck is an app designed specifically to help you break out of those mental blocks. The free app is available for both Android and iOS devices. It enables you to work through your block by asking you questions to figure out where the block originated.
2. Pomodoro Apps (Various)
Pomodoro timers are designed to help give you regular breaks in your work. Science has shown that taking frequent breaks during the day can help to increase your overall productivity by giving your brain a much-needed break. There are a variety of different pomodoro timer apps — check out a list of 12 here — that work on both Android and iOS devices, so it’s easy to find the one that works best for you.
3. Evernote
The Internet is full of fantastic resources — so many that it can be hard to keep track of them all. That’s where Evernote comes in. Evernote allows you take notes, capture entire web pages and share all the information you’ve gathered with your team. The app works on both iOS and Android devices, in addition to web-based and desktop-installed programs. One of the best things about Evernote is that you can sync your account between multiple devices, making it easy to work on the go.
4. Sketch
Sometimes typing a text memo doesn’t quite cut it — it can be hard to get your ideas across in text, especially when you’re working on a visual art project. Sketch is an excellent application for any and all creative applications, though it’s designed specifically for contractors and other professionals creating floor plans. Newest updates to the app add arrows, support for 3D rooms and measurements.
5. Freedom
Computers and smartphones are incredibly versatile tools, but they’re also filled with apps designed to distract and keep you from actually getting your work done. If you’re spending too much time on Instagram or Facebook at work, Freedom is the app for you. You can schedule blackout hours where you can’t access any of your distracting apps or programs and easily adjust the schedule to coincide with your work hours. This program is available on iOS devices, as well as Mac and Windows computers.
6. Hackpad
Wikipedia is most famous for its open-source editing — anyone can come in and change information on a wiki page, though the changes might not stick if the info is incorrect or uncredited. Hackpad calls itself a “real-time wiki,” where you can work together with colleagues and collaborate remotely, being able to see what changes they’re making in real time.
If you’re using this app for your personal reasons, it’s free. However, it does have a $2 charge if you choose to use the app in a professional setting. Hackpad recently collaborated with DropBox, so if you already have a DropBox account, you’re all set.
7. TED Talks
There’s nothing better than a good TED Talk to get your brain going. While you’re probably familiar with them on YouTube or the TED website, most people don’t know TED has an app, too. Take all your favorite TED talks with you on the go or sync them to your AirPlay or ChromeCast to watch them on a larger screen. The app is free on both iOS and Android devices.
8. Keezy
Having a good soundtrack for your project or presentation can mean the difference between a successful campaign and a ho-hum one. Keezy is a great app even if you’re not a musician because it gives you all the tools to edit, fidget and create fantastic original tracks — no need to worry about paying for music when you create your own! Keezy is currently available for iOS devices, with Android compatibility coming soon.
Your smartphone or computer doesn’t have to be an object of mass distraction. By installing a few focus-oriented apps on your devices, you can make a world of difference in your productivity. Take some time to try out a few of the apps and programs we’ve listed to see what works best for you.
*BONUS: ExpressVPN*
The creative process often involves a lot of research and referencing. Whether you’re a writer, a video producer or a content marketer, staying in touch with the latest news and trends is vital to your competitiveness. It can be very frustrating when you run into internet access blocks.
A VPN app comes in handy to unblock content unavailable to your region. Industry leader ExpressVPN is the fastest and most reliable service around. With a single subscription, you can download the app on multiple devices. Perfect for busy-bees always on the go!
Take some time to try out a few of the apps and programs we’ve listed to see what works best for you. If you’ve found a fantastic productivity app for creatives that we’ve missed, let us know!
*ANOTHER BONUS*
Interested in learning about more productivity apps? Read about the top 56 productivity tools, apps, and programs of 2019!
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