The Tools I Use to Run My Creative Business (2026 Edition)

Running a creative business in 2026 looks different for everyone, but this is what keeps mine flowing. I like my systems simple, intuitive, and grounded. Between website designing, photography clients, branding work, my podcast, art collections, homeschooling, and the spiritual side of what I do, I rely on a handful of powerful tools that genuinely support my workflow instead of complicating it.

This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored mentions.

WordPress for My Website

My entire website runs on WordPress. I chose it because it gives me full creative control without locking me into a rigid platform. I can design freely, build custom layouts, and evolve my site as my work shifts.

The biggest practical reason I stick with it? There’s no monthly platform fee beyond my hosting. I just pay for hosting, and that’s it for the core setup.

It ends up being a very cost-effective system long-term, especially if you’re comfortable with design or development. In my case, it’s also helpful that I am a designer/developer, so I can customize things myself without needing extra plugins or outside support for every small change.

It’s not the most “plug and play” option out there, but for me it’s the most flexible and sustainable foundation for everything I build.

Riverside for Recording and Repurposing My Podcast

Riverside has been one of my favorite tools. I use it for every podcast episode because it keeps the entire process easy. The audio and video quality are excellent, the transcripts are automatic, and the social clips save so much time. Guests can join with a single link, and I publish straight to Spotify when I am done. It takes the pressure off the technical side so I can focus on the conversation.

If you’ve been curious about starting your own podcast, I put together this blog post you might find super helpful:
How to Start a Podcast

Adobe Creative Cloud for Editing and Design

Lightroom, Photoshop, and Illustrator are the tools I use most often in my creative work. I use them for client photography, Amazon listing images, branding projects, documenting my artwork, and simple design tasks. Lightroom is especially helpful for creating a consistent look and feel.

Speaking of a consistent look and feel, if you’re eager to find your own unique aesthetic and style when it comes to photography, I wrote this blog post just for you:
How to Find Your Photography Editing Style

My Lenovo Desktop for My Primary Workspace

I work best on a desktop setup, not on my phone. My Lenovo is my main hub for editing, writing, designing, and running my business. It is fast, reliable, and handles everything I throw at it. If you are a creator who prefers a stable workspace over mobile apps, this makes a big difference. I also kind of like that working on a desktop forces me to “put it away” once in a while. 😉

My Camera Gear for Photography and Art

My photography kit is simple but dependable. I use the Nikon Z6 II, with mostly my Sigma Art 35mm and 50mm prime lenses, a 24 to 70mm lens, and a 70-200mm lens. I’ve also got a handful of more one-off lenses I turn to for certain things like a 24mm, 105mm and a fun little Lensbaby I refuse to let go. I also work with a mix of Alien-Bee, Godox and Neewer lighting configurations, a tripod, and the usual card and backup setup. This covers client work, artwork documentation, and Amazon listing photography without being overly complicated.

If you’re gear shopping or just curious, I share some of my exact gear here in my Amazon Affiliate Storefront.

My Traditional Notebook for Planning and Ideas

I have tried every digital planning system, and I always return to a lined notebook. It is where I keep daily lists, creative ideas, client notes, art concepts, and anything that comes through intuitively. Pen and paper just works for me.

MailerLite for Email Marketing

MailerLite is where I create my email automations and newsletters. I use it for subscriber welcome sequences, broadcast emails, launch announcements, and simple landing pages. It is straightforward and flexible, which fits the way I like to communicate with my audience.

Zoom or Google Meet for Client Discovery Calls

I still use Zoom or Google Meet for quick discovery calls. The 40 minute Zoom limit keeps conversations focused, which I appreciate more than I expected. It is familiar, simple, and reliable for both me and my clients.

Woo, Square and PayPal for Payments

I keep payments simple. Square is what I use for in person events and art shows. PayPal is my choice for occasional invoices or one off client payments. Woo powers all of my online sales. I prefer tools that do not require complicated setup.

Spotify for Podcasters for Publishing My Podcast

Once an episode is recorded in Riverside, I publish through Spotify for Podcasters. It handles distribution to Spotify, feeds my episodes to Apple Podcasts through RSS, and keeps analytics organized in a way that makes sense to me.

Instagram as My Primary Social Space

Instagram is the only platform where I feel naturally present. I share artwork, behind the scenes moments, podcast clips, and pieces of my creative process. Everything else can auto post if needed, but Instagram is where I show up intentionally.

I do also run an Astrology, Soul Purpose & Creative Living Facebook group so I try to show up there some too but I must admit, as a one-woman show, it is impossible to be everywhere everyday.

What Helps Me Stay Grounded in My Workflow

At the end of the day, I keep my creative business as simple as possible. I choose to use tools that support my energy instead of overwhelming it. I care more about clarity, time freedom, and ease than chasing trends or building complicated systems. If you are a fellow creative, I hope this gives you a clear and approachable starting point for building your own setup.

If you want a deeper look at how I use any of these tools, feel free to reach out or let me know which one you want me to write about next.