Introduction

> The journey to create photorealistic AI images can be challenging; I've found that many current models struggle with resolution and realism, particularly when it comes to anatomy. “You need to prompt out the naked stuff,” otherwise you risk running afoul of guidelines that can bring scrutiny and backlash.

> My approach in building startups has always been about speed and iteration. “I build and ship quickly and improve on the fly,” which means embracing both the wins and the losses openly. This raw honesty in documenting my process is something I believe resonates with many aspiring developers and entrepreneurs.

Startup philosophy

> My approach to startups is all about being scrappy and fast. “I don't really raise money. I don't use VC funding.” I build my prototypes quickly, launch them in a matter of weeks, and gauge demand based on real, paying customers. It’s a direct way to validate ideas without the bureaucratic delays that often hold big companies back.

> At the end of the day, it's about the joy of creating and solving problems. “It's really about fun,” and that’s what drives me. I enjoy the challenge of building something new and tangible, rather than chasing after the stress that comes with scaling or managing a large team. The freedom to work on my own terms keeps me motivated and happy.

Low points

> Reaching a low point at 27, feeling lost and alone, made me realize that "if you're depressed, you need to get sand, get a shovel, start shoveling," as my dad said. That's when I shifted my focus to building startups—starting with "12 Startups in 12 Months”—to pull myself out of that rut.

> Realizing I could create and launch projects online instead of comparing myself to my friends made all the difference. It was about transforming that feeling of being a "loser" into action, embracing the entrepreneurial spirit that sat beneath all those doubts.

12 startups in 12 months

> Starting the journey of creating “12 startups in 12 months” was a defining experience for me as it pushed me to learn and adapt quickly; “it was still very scrappy,” and I had to focus on building a product efficiently without getting lost in unnecessary features. The biggest challenge was deciding what *not* to include because “you need to focus on what you can build fast,” so I learned to keep things basic and manageable while still making it valuable for users.

> Reflecting on that time, the importance of community and accountability really struck me—by sharing my projects publicly, like on Hacker News, I felt a sense of responsibility to deliver. “I think I put it on Hacker News and people would check kinda like, oh, did you actually... I felt like accountability.” This openness turned out to be a powerful motivator that kept me pushing to fulfill my goals despite the constraints.

Traveling and depression

> Feeling like a loser is a common experience, especially in your 20s; it’s crucial to understand that if you find yourself alone and without an identity, it’s logical to feel down. "If you don't build a life for yourself, you'll be depressed." The importance lies in building connections and a sense of belonging.

> The freedom of being a digital nomad can be both exhilarating and isolating. I learned that, “Freedom is like the definition of no constraints; anything is possible,” but that lack of structure can lead to a profound sense of disconnection. The balance of constraints ultimately brings happiness and fulfillment.

> There's a beauty in the vagabond lifestyle that can spark anxiety but also excitement; “Waking up in a strange town and forgetting where you are” reveals the thrill of possibilities. Ultimately, while those memories are romantic, they don’t equate to long-term happiness—connecting with others does.

Indie hacking

> Spotting problems is the foundation of finding a good startup idea. I've learned that it’s crucial to notice the discomforts in our daily lives, whether it's something simple like a doorknob or more complex issues that arise when traveling. When you begin to acknowledge these annoyances, you can brainstorm viable solutions, leading to innovation.

> Living an interesting life and traveling expands your perspective and helps you see solutions that exist in other parts of the world. By experiencing different cultures, I discovered apps like WeChat that combine multiple functions into one — recognizing these opportunities prompts you to think about what could work back home. It's about blending curiosity with observation, rather than solely focusing on problem-solving.

Photo AI

> "Photo AI is like firing your photographer—create countless photos with AI that learns your style and expressions, effectively replacing traditional photography."

> "The evolution of AI models can be wild; in the early days, they struggled with realism, often producing bizarre results—but as technology advances, we're getting closer to perfection."

> “My coding philosophy leans towards simplicity—using PHP, jQuery, and SQLite allows me to build and launch quickly without getting bogged down by overly complex frameworks."

> "Understanding how you really look is crucial; many people have a distorted perception of themselves, which is why being open to AI-generated images can help reveal what's truly captivating about us."

> "The power of lighting in photography is immense—it can transform emotions in an image, so playing around with how light interacts with a face is essential for capturing genuine beauty."

How to learn AI

> Experimenting with AI tools has been a game changer; I discovered that letting users help test and improve models is the most effective way to optimize performance. "I would measure if they favorite or like the photo," which allowed me to implement data-driven choices that truly enhance user experience.

> The subconscious plays a crucial role in the idea generation process. Sometimes, "the first idea emerges from your subconscious," reflecting thoughts that have been boiling in the background for a long time. Timing is everything; you might need to send that idea back to cook a bit longer until both you and the world are ready for it.

Robots

> Robotics and VR are fascinating, but right now they feel more like "a solution looking for a problem." Take Boston Dynamics, for instance. Their tech is amazing, but do we truly need a robotic dog? Similarly, the Apple Vision Pro is cool, yet it doesn’t solve any immediate needs for me. Just like personal computers eventually found their purpose, I believe these technologies will too, but we’re still in the exploratory phase.

> Life is like surfing; it’s less about rigid planning and more about going with the flow. "Most stress in life comes from trying to control," and that resonates deeply with me. Whether it’s through experiences with psychedelics or jiu-jitsu, I've learned to embrace uncertainty and let things unfold naturally. It’s a tranquil way to approach both life and building new projects.

Hoodmaps

> Hoodmaps was born from a desire for authenticity while traveling. I realized that everyone experiences a city differently based on where they stay. I wanted to build an app that would help travelers find the real, authentic culture in cities rather than the busy tourist traps, using a color-coded map to indicate areas like tourist-centric or hipster neighborhoods.

> The process of building Hoodmaps was filled with trial and error. Documenting my journey, I learned new tools like Canvas, realized the need for crowdsourced input, and embraced the humbling aspects of not knowing how to create things from scratch. I unapologetically admitted, "Dude, I feel embarrassed about myself," expressing the rawness of being a creator.

> Monetizing projects like Hoodmaps proved challenging, yet that's okay. Despite efforts to integrate ads and sponsorships, the nature of map apps makes revenue generation difficult; thus, I came to accept that not every project has to make money. Some ideas simply need to exist for the joy of it, like Hoodmaps, which so many people enjoy.

> Building Nomad List stemmed from a personal need. While working remotely as a digital nomad, I faced challenges finding reliable internet and cost-effective living situations. By crowd-sourcing data and creating a community, I discovered it wasn't just about providing information, but building a network where nomads could connect, share experiences, and help each other navigate the world.

Learning new programming languages

> Learning is a continuous journey; "you never stop learning." It's about diving into projects and figuring things out as you go, whether that’s through coding, 3D modeling, or any new skill. Taking action is paramount—just start building, and you'll naturally learn along the way.

> Set yourself challenges to grow. For example, when I learned 3D in 30 days, it was about focusing on a specific goal and pushing myself to achieve it. This approach cultivates discipline and helps you tackle the steep learning curves that come with coding or creating—all while keeping the process fun and engaging.

> Embrace feedback, even from haters. "Haters are actually good, 'cause a lot of haters have good points." Constructive criticism helps refine your projects. Additionally, leveraging platforms like TikTok for organic growth can lead to unexpected successes, as seen when one of my TikTok videos generated significant revenue. It reinforces that great content speaks for itself, regardless of your follower count.

Monetize your website

> Charging users from the start is crucial; many start with free users, but I’ve found it rarely converts well. A strong approach is to ask for $30 or more monthly upfront, which not only builds a committed community but also helps sustain your business. “If you charge them like $30, you have 30K a month, and it’s a lot of money. That’s enough to live a good life.”

> Negotiating expenses can dramatically improve your profit margins, and you don’t have to be shy about asking for discounts; many companies are willing to accommodate. I’ve discovered that simply emailing vendors to ask for a better rate often leads to surprising savings—sometimes 50%! “You can just email companies and say, 'Can you give me discount? It’s too expensive.' And they say, 'Sure!'”

Fighting SPAM

> Using GPT-4 has revolutionized how I handle spam and moderation in my chat community. It can identify and understand double meanings, humor, and context that even human moderators struggle with. "I have GPT-4 running on the chat community... and it’s really, really, really good." It makes the whole process infinitely smoother and more accurate.

> I'm convinced there’s potential for advanced ranking systems for social media interactions. "You can ask in the prompt... to create like a ranking score," allowing for a more meaningful filtering of comments by quality rather than just chronology. It’s all about elevating the conversation and ensuring we focus on valuable insights.

Automation

> Automation is key; by automating processes, we can create systems that run with minimal effort. For instance, "why would you have somebody organize this?" when you can build a page that allows users to set up their own meetups and automatically notify the community.

> Modern automation tools, particularly AI, empower us to delegate subjective tasks that were previously tedious. Now, I can utilize tools like GPT to automate code logic and streamline operations, going from "if statements" to direct AI recommendations.

> It's crucial to curate our digital environments for mental clarity. I’ve implemented tools that "hide parts of different pages" to reduce distractions, allowing me to focus on meaningful content rather than getting lost in the digital noise.

When to sell startup

> Focusing on the potential sale of a company, I’ve learned that it often comes with manipulation and altered valuations; “they wanna see everything... and then in the end, they'll change the price to lower.” Since my companies yield 90% profit margins, waiting a few years for the right offer makes more financial sense than rushing to sell.

> Nomad List, my first project, holds a unique place in my heart; it’s more than just a business, it’s a mission to promote travel and cultural understanding. "It's like something you would be nice when you're old to just still work on." I truly believe in continuing to create and contribute until the day I die, because “retirement's bad probably.”

Coding solo

> It's fascinating how much I value working solo. I’ve found that I just "don’t trust other people" to deliver the quality I desire. Compromise leads to "average ideas" which isn't what I aim for. When I finally do collaborate, like with my best friend Andre, it works because we have this deep understanding and respect for each other’s skills—we each have our roles, and I take charge of the product strategy while he handles the coding. It’s all about maintaining that focus without diluting the vision with too many voices.

> Then there's this realization about the quality of developers out there; it's shocking how many are just average. I believe you need what I call "code empathy"—this understanding of different coding styles and a holistic view of a project. Working with someone who can truly grasp and respect the existing code is rare, and when you find that talent, it’s all about helping each other shine and building trust. Despite the challenges, I know there's immense potential to find great collaborators, but it takes energy and time, which I'm sometimes reluctant to invest.

Ship fast

> Building interfaces is my passion, and I believe in delivering a lot of useful information in a clean, fun, and stylish way. "Minimalist design is about when you want to convey no information whatsoever." My creations reflect how my brain works—there’s a lot going on, but done in a way that’s still readable and engaging. I genuinely think, "This is how my brain looks," and I strive to express that through thoughtful features like emojis that help simplify concepts instead of overwhelming users.

> I operate with a sense of urgency when it comes to problem-solving. I’m known for deploying to production directly—no staging servers for me. I want to be fast and fix issues immediately, which is why I've got "37,000 git commits in the last 12 months." It's about honing the ability to code carefully and efficiently. I find joy in quickly addressing bugs that others might languish over for months, and it’s this nimbleness that makes a difference for users.

Best IDE for programming

> Tools don't ultimately define your productivity; "whatever tool you know very well, you go very, very fast." I’ve jumped from Sublime Text to VS Code not because it’s the best, but because I wanted to learn and expand my skillset, despite peer pressure from others in the community.

> Continuous learning is crucial; it's about concepts, not just tools. "You need to keep learning stuff," and that exploration can feel uncomfortable initially, but it’s essential for growth. Diving into new frameworks, trying out different setups, and challenging myself leads to a more comprehensive understanding of technology.

> Benchmarking developer happiness is a fascinating idea; "nobody benchmarks developer happiness with frameworks." I’m going to challenge myself to build the same project across multiple frameworks. It’ll be interesting to see not only how long it takes but also how the experience feels.

Andrej Karpathy

> The beauty of simplicity is powerful; “I'm suspicious of like more.” I’ve found that having less—like working on a single MacBook instead of a multi-screen setup—allows me to focus better and enhances my productivity in ways I hadn't anticipated. Each tool I use should serve a clear purpose.

> Switching to Mac marked a pivotal moment for me; “All the great things started working out.” The hardware quality truly matters—it’s not just about the software. The experience of using well-built tools can unlock potential and create opportunities in surprising ways.

> Ergonomics matter more than I once realized. After dealing with repetitive strain injuries, I shifted my approach to work and found that relaxing on a couch with a laptop is just as effective as an ergonomic setup, “I never have RSI anymore.” Listening to my body transformed my workflow and made working feel more enjoyable than ever.

Productivity

> I thrive on intense, focused work sprints, often coding through the night and relying heavily on strong coffee. It's like I'm in a flow state when I'm free from distractions; I even stay up late when excited about new projects, saying, "We need to stay awake. We need to make something now."

> Managing life disruptions has made me incredibly efficient in short bursts. When constantly interrupted, "I can lock in and lock out quite fast," which in turn makes me appreciate uninterrupted, solo work sessions even more. This balance helps in both maintaining and creating new things.

> It's essential to become "a student of your own body," understanding personal productivity, routine, and even diet. For instance, despite common beliefs about multiple small meals, I function better on fewer, larger meals and have personalized my approach to productivity through trial and error, from understanding my ideal sleep patterns to harnessing the benefits of background techno music for focus.

Minimalism

> Minimalism gave me this profound freedom that I had never experienced before. Pairing down to just the essentials—backpack, MacBook, a few clothes—showed me how little you really need to thrive. Selling nearly everything, even the beloved Canon 5D that marked the end of shared creative ventures with friends, was a sobering experience but one that paved the way for new beginnings. It forced me to rely on shared or temporary services like Uber and restaurants, reshaping my perspective on possessions and making me more adaptable.

> Travel has been an essential part of my journey—I'd recommend it to anyone coming out of high school. Explore the world, lean into its subcultures, meet bizarre and fascinating people, and build something online. Skip the immediate rush to university; instead, gain real-world experience that can later inform a more focused, rewarding academic pursuit if you choose to return. The freedom, the lessons, and the people you encounter on this path are invaluable.

Emails

> Being unreachable sometimes is necessary to maintain sanity and focus. With so many DMs and messages coming my way, I've had to close off some communication channels. It's not about being dismissive; it's about managing my time and energy. There's beauty in many of the stories people share, but responding to every message distracts from deep work and personal projects.

> The creative process involves imitation followed by self-discovery. When starting something new, it's perfectly fine to copy methods from others, but it's crucial to eventually put your own spin on things. This way, you find your own voice and build something unique. Procrastination often stems from over-seeking external advice instead of just diving in and learning through experience.

Coffee

> Building in the open and sharing real, authentic moments, like cleaning a clogged toilet or tweeting about the origins of Nvidia in a Denny's, is crucial. It cuts through the polished facade and showcases the human side behind entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of organic, serendipitous interactions in places like cafes which have historically been incubators for revolutionary ideas.

> The entrepreneurial culture in Europe has stagnated compared to the US due to regulatory burdens and the dominance of old companies. Europe's current anti-entrepreneurial mindset stifles innovation, making it difficult for new startups to emerge. There’s a need to foster a more dynamic, startup-friendly environment, similar to Silicon Valley, to rejuvenate Europe's economic landscape and allow dreamers to build impactful companies.

E/acc

> I think the e/acc movement is crucial for fostering a more positive outlook on the future. Instead of fixating on pessimism about climate change and societal issues, we should embrace technology and find ways to expend more energy on creating and innovating. The idea is to invest in building new technologies, exploring space, and ultimately improving society through fearless and unapologetic innovation.

> Observing China's rapid growth reminds me of the early 20th-century United States, which was also brimming with ambitious development despite its problems. Europe's current complacency is dangerous, and I advocate for a mindset shift towards proactive growth and innovation—similar to what I champion with my EU Acc initiative, promoting the idea of "Make Europe Great Again" with a fresh, constructive perspective.

Advice for young people

> "Man, I would listen to like nobody. Just do what you think is good and follow your heart. Everybody peer pressures you into doing stuff you don't wanna do... try your own thing, 'cause it might work out." It's about steering your own ship and understanding that success comes with trials, but if you're smart, you can create a fulfilling life by doing your own thing.

> "You gotta go all out... you cannot succeed if you half-ass it. Lean into being different and just doing whatever it is that you wanna do." The emphasis here is on fully committing to your passions and embracing your uniqueness to truly thrive.