Who are you, and what do you do? What do you like to do outside of work?

Howdy! I’m Summer Tomaseski, a native Texan living in the Dallas area. I’ve been a software developer professionally for 11 years now, though I actually started when I was 14! I learned the basics of HTML/CSS to make custom pet pages for my Neopets, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

I have two LLCs that I manage:

• Summertime Development, where I do my tech consulting. I’ve been freelance for about two years now and I absolutely love it! Being my own boss fits right into my character. I currently work on JavaScript-based projects—React and Vue, to be precise.

• DragonGlitch Games, where I am currently developing ‘Mercenary Leto’ as a side project! It’s on Steam now, with a release date of late 2021. My office has a canvas print and a plushie from it. They keep me inspired!

My two LLCs keep me very busy, which I like. In my free time, I help manage Society of Play, a nonprofit to help and enpower game developers.

When I’m not writing code or working on my game, I read fantasy novels or play one of the Dark Souls games with my husband. I usually have a cat on me during this, which is wonderful. Happiness is a purring cat, after all!

What hardware do you use?

I recently made the jump into macOS! It’s hooked up to a widescreen, curved Dell monitor. My mouse is an MX Master by Logitech. I have an IKEA standing desk, with a Herman Miller chair.

And what software?

• For code: Visual Studio Code! I use the LaserWave theme, with Ubuntu Monospace font for programming.
• For source control: SmartGit with my git alias file. I’ll never have to type in ‘git status’ again, MHWAHAHA (I just type ‘git s’ and it’s the same thing!)
• A blue-light filter of some sort: Currently using Iris and loving it!
• For game development: Unity, Aseprite.
• For personal communication: Discord and Twitter! I don’t have Facebook or Instagram or any other platforms…I try to keep my life private. My Twitter and LinkedIn are only used for professional purposes.

What’s your keyboard setup like? Do you use a custom layout or custom keycaps?

I have an ErgoDox Glow set up in the Colemak layout. Switching to ErgoDox only took me a few days before I was typing at the same speed as I used to. Learning Colemak took me about three months, and I was at a decent speed about six months in. After a year, I type the exact same speed as I did on QWERTY. :) I know that’s a big selling point for the ErgoDox, and just the split nature alone helped my wrists. Colemak was just a natural step for it. I could never go back to a regular keyboard after the relief I felt.

What would be your dream setup?

Unless I am missing something, just the ability for the ErgoDox Glow to play more color patterns. The rainbow is awesome, but I’ve seen other LED keyboards play a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns, and I wish my keyboard would do that too. I like my rainbows!

Honestly, I’d love a tad bit more room for my desk too—and a better view. We’ll be buying a house in the future, and I am hoping to secure a nice spot by an open window, with plenty of space to spread out. I could use another plant or two over here, as well… my cats would love the space, too!