Interview: Andrew Peacock

Hey there!

You're reading Isla — a newsletter about creators and their evolving journeys. Every issue explores the paths of makers, designers, and entrepreneurs as they transform from inception to present day. Our intentionally broad scope celebrates the continuous evolution in design and creativity, inviting you to explore alongside us. Let's dive in.
___________________________________________

I was never into computer science, computers, or anything technical. I grew up a sports lover, an artist, and someone who thought he'd go to school for Archeology or Architecture.

Then I broke the growth plate in my ankle the FIRST day I had heelies (The shoes with the 1 wheel in the back). I couldn't play sports, crutched around for months on end, and sat in a red recliner for MONTHS.

Then I found runescape (oldschool runescape in today's terms). This changed me forever.. I found a love for computers.. I found a love for tech. Then I discovered HTML in a notepad... the rest is pretty much history - I found that what I'm really passionate about is the fact I can still (to this day) take a notepad and make something we can see. I can take code and architect beautiful creations. Like artist paint pictures, I am the same - code is simply my medium!

I've always found myself as a design-lover. I appreciate the hell out of artists who can take their thoughts into canvas and produce something. In today's age, I lean heavily on V0 for design work. Sure, it's all ShadCN, and for complex 3d/vector/graphic art, V0 will not cut the bill, but for layouts, user flows, and the sheer ability to click through buttons V0 has been an absolute blessing.

Taproot! This product is so special to me - As a content creator, as someone who truly believes in journaling, I've been desperately been searching for a space I can call home.

Apple notes sucked because it was quite limited in writing-surface functionality. Notion sucked because it was so overwhelming - like walking into a messy room to 'create'. It just didn't work. Day one was even worse - an underwhelming space to create beautiful things.

I tried all of the digital tools, but I couldn't find one I truly loved and stuck with, I missed the 'gamification' of these digital tools, but I didn't want yet another 'grow another garden' application.

Thus taproot was born, a place where markdown AND blocks are supported & can be used interchangeably. A place where I could organize my content however I saw fit, and a place where I could track my writing sessions and back it with data. A place where I could feel productive and not overwhelmed. I'm so excited about this platform

as someone who truly believes in journaling, I've been desperately been searching for a space I can call home

START. No other advice matters... just starting. Often, this is the hardest part, but this is where 99.999% of the effort and focus needs to happen. Once you start, the rest is just one foot in front of the other!

Go touch some f'in grass. Seriously, get away from screens and go see the world. All patterns start in nature!.

That it's 150% okay to do hard things. SO many of us ridicule our peers for working hard, and its' so discouraging. I used to be like this too - thinking everyone needed work life balance, etc.

I was dead wrong - everyone needs exactly what they need..and it's VERY okay for hard work to be one of those things.

Everything! As a software engineer, I spend most of my time working R&D projects on my 9-5. Discovering 'what's next' is what drives me!

I was once told I was a better leader than coder. Initially, I hated that feedback - Now I think it's my superpower.

Stop using LLMs. If you can't understand the foundations, LLMs (at least in May 2025) will lead you down DEEP rabbit holes. Learn the foundations, learn the basics, then learn when/where you can break the rules (by using LLMs)

I was once told I was a better leader than coder. Initially, I hated that feedback - Now I think it's my superpower.

I still find myself in the top 10% of companies frequently as a developer... but I find I love the leadership and pushing OTHERS forward even more. The 'legacy' I hope to leave behind is when others say "Damn, he was a great leader and really helped shape my career'.

Neither!

I think what's important is being 150% authentically you. WTF does "sticking to your niche" mean anymore - YOU are the niche. If you love tech, and running, and cycling, and hunting, and journaling do ALL of those things and let things shine through you.

People fucking love when others are passionate and authentic. Be you.

I'm really looking to kick off more Taproot and get this product into the hands of the people!! I know others will love this, an I'm so hype to share it with the world.

Easy! Follow the trends but don't copy/paste. This is the same in content.. the audience knows what the audience wants - ride those waves but add in your new perspectives. Everyone in life is unique and can (and should) bring a new angle in

Success is different for everyone - for me success looks like I'm enjoying what I do (at least 80% of the time) and bringing my peers along with me!

Side products! Go build something you love - I'm learning SO MUCH working out on 'commercial products' that I can bring into the corporate world to move FASTER.

I personally believe that to become incredibly successful later in life you need the repetitions. I don't believe anyone is magically great at anything. Sure, natural talent exists... and that will carry you some way, but reps are what give you confidence.

My advice is that at a younger age, likely with less responsibilities, you have the ability to burn the midnight oil more frequently. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS Go do ALL of the hours early on. Go work your damn ass off.

I did this - 80+ hour weeks for the first few years of my career. I got promoted faster than all of my peers, I was recognized up leadership, and it's now put me in positions where I can work from home, and never miss a kid sporting event. I get full autonomy to make decisions. I'm so GLAD I did this, because while perhaps I missed a party or two when I was younger, I now get to spend my time with family.

Audio books. Full stop. I'm a BUSY individual. 9-5, content creator, side products, wife and kids. I love reading but quite frankly it's difficult to fit into my schedule AND do other things like fitness.

Audio books while running, mowing the lawn, driving, have been an absolute game changer. I closed out 40+ audio books in 2024.