Going Indie with Antoine van der Lee

The Power of Consistency: a Path to Indie Development - Pol Piella

In this episode of the Going Indie Podcast, host Antoine chats with Pol Piella, an indie developer known for his apps like NowPlaying and Helm, and his iOS CI newsletter. They discuss Pol's transition to indie development, balancing multiple projects, and the dynamics of working with a partner. Pol shares insights on splitting revenue, handling App Store releases, and the importance of consistency. The conversation also delves into Pol's personal journey, including his move from the UK to Spain and how personal events influenced his decision to go indie. Pol emphasizes the importance of building a public profile, taking time off, and setting clear priorities. This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration for aspiring indie developers.

This episode is sponsored by https://www.revenuecat.com: Build and grow your subscription business

Ready to turn your passion into independence? Follow Antoine's course, "From Side Project to Going Indie", at going-indie.com. By purchasing the course through the following link, 20% of the price will go directly to Pol Piella, supporting his indie journey: https://courses.avanderlee.com/p/from-side-project-to-going-indie?affcode=2082304_qvgl8xvo

TIMESTAMPS

• (00:00) - Introduction and Personal Reflections
• (00:05) - Welcome to the Going Indie Podcast
• (00:44) - Meet Pol Piella: Journey to Indie Development
• (02:06) - Balancing Projects and Moving Countries
• (03:08) - Early Career and Learning Experiences
• (04:50) - Challenges and Personal Growth
• (08:16) - The Decision to Go Indie
• (12:27) - Creating and Publishing Content
• (18:36) - Developing the QR Code App
• (28:39) - Sponsor: www.revenuecat.com
• (29:20) - Managing Time and Preparing for Independence
• (37:52) - Leveraging Full-Time Job Experience
• (38:32) - Negotiating Work-Life Balance
• (39:43) - Managing Side Projects and Full-Time Jobs
• (41:49) - Transitioning to Indie Work
• (55:04) - Collaborating with a Partner
• (01:03:16) - Future Plans and AI Exploration
• (01:05:53) - Advice for Aspiring Indie Developers
• (01:09:15) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

ABOUT OUR GUEST
X: https://x.com/polpielladev
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/polpielladev.bsky.social
Website: https://www.polpiella.dev
Newsletter: https://www.ioscinewsletter.com
NowPlaying: https://nowplaying.page
Helm: https://helm-app.com

ABOUT OUR PODCAST
Join Antoine van der Lee on Going Indie, the podcast that explores the journeys of independent creators and developers. Each month, Antoine chats with indie creators from around the world, uncovering the strategies, challenges, and habits that helped them turn side projects into thriving businesses. Whether you dream of going indie or want to refine your journey, this podcast delivers real-world insights and practical advice. Ready to take the leap? Follow Antoine’s course, From Side Project to Going Indie, at https://www.going-indie.com.

Check out the full podcast here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg4qABgFp_nR8uTWuI9EoUa2TFma4ifFv
Don’t forget to subscribe!

Check out my course if you're ready to start your indie journey:
https://www.going-indie.com

THIS PODCAST IS MADE POSSIBLE BY SWIFTLEE
https://www.avanderlee.com

AND ROCKETSIM
The "Essential Developer Tool for App Developers" as recommended by Apple:
https://www.rocketsim.app

GET IN TOUCH
Contact us on [email protected]

SPONSOR THE NEXT EPISODE
You can find all the details here: https://podcast.going-indie.com/sponsor

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
Get updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/twannl
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/avanderlee.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/41dH1bzaTZ2ZZsZ9g6UD2a

From Apple Design Award to Indie Success: Ryan McLeod’s Journey

In this episode of the Going Indie Podcast, host Antoine chats with Ryan McLeod, the indie developer behind the award-winning game Blackbox. Ryan, a two-time Apple Design Award winner, shares his journey from indie beginnings to expanding Blackbox for Apple Vision Pro. They discuss the challenges of balancing development with marketing, the impact of Apple’s recognition, and the creative process behind his unique puzzle game. Ryan also reflects on working solo versus building a team, the long-term mindset needed for indie success, and the power of community among indie developers. Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with lessons and inspiration!

This episode is sponsored by RocketSim: Build Apps Faster using 30+ features for Xcode's Simulator

Ready to turn your passion into independence? Follow Antoine's course, "From Side Project to Going Indie", at going-indie.com. By purchasing the course through this link, 20% of the price will go directly to Ryan McLeod, supporting his indie journey.

TIMESTAMPS

• (00:00) - Winning the Apple Design Award
• (00:11) - Introducing Ryan McLeod and Blackbox
• (01:20) - Ryan's Journey to Indie Development
• (02:16) - The Birth of Blackbox
• (03:10) - Challenges and Creativity in Game Development
• (06:14) - Monetization Strategies and Early Struggles
• (06:50) - The Launch and Initial Reception
• (09:18) - Adjusting Monetization and User Feedback
• (11:15) - The Reality of Indie Success
• (12:07) - Marketing and User Engagement
• (13:14) - Balancing Ethics and Business
• (17:54) - Sponsored by www.rocketsim.app
• (18:46) - The Importance of Analytics
• (33:50) - Maintaining and Updating Blackbox
• (37:06) - Navigating Keynote Reactions and Device Updates
• (37:38) - Balancing Perfection and Practicality in Development
• (38:14) - From Side Project to Going Indie with www.going-indie.com
• (38:37) - Strategies for Efficient Project Setup
• (41:03) - The Importance of Apple Features and Support
• (46:41) - Building Credibility and Maintaining Relationships
• (53:15) - Winning the Apple Design Award
• (56:13) - Venturing into Apple Vision Pro
• (01:01:42) - The Challenges and Rewards of Indie Development
• (01:10:41) - The Importance of Community and Support Networks
• (01:13:31) - Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Indie Developers

VIDEO
Click here to watch a video of this episode.

ABOUT OUR GUEST
X: x.com/warpling
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/warpling.bsky.social
Blackbox: blackboxpuzzles.com

ABOUT OUR PODCAST
Join Antoine van der Lee on Going Indie, the podcast that explores the journeys of independent creators and developers. Each month, Antoine chats with indie creators from around the world, uncovering the strategies, challenges, and habits that helped them turn side projects into thriving businesses. Whether you dream of going indie or want to refine your journey, this podcast delivers real-world insights and practical advice. Ready to take the leap? Follow Antoine’s course, From Side Project to Going Indie, at going-indie.com.

Check out the full podcast here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg4qABgFp_nR8uTWuI9EoUa2TFma4ifFv
Don’t forget to subscribe!

Check out my course if you're ready to start your indie journey:
https://www.going-indie.com

THIS PODCAST IS MADE POSSIBLE BY SWIFTLEE
https://www.avanderlee.com

AND ROCKETSIM
The "Essential Developer Tool for App Developers" as recommended by Apple:
https://www.rocketsim.app

GET IN TOUCH
Contact us at [email protected]

SPONSOR THE NEXT EPISODE
You can find all the details here: https://podcast.going-indie.com/sponsor

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
Get updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles!
Twitter: twitter.com/twannl
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/avanderlee.com
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/41dH1bzaTZ2ZZsZ9g6UD2a

From Apple Design Award to Indie Developer: Klemens Strasser’s Inspiring Journey

In this episode of the Going Indie Podcast, host Antoine delves into the fascinating journey of indie developer Klemens Strasser. Klemens, who transitioned from a student Apple Design Award winner to a full-time indie developer, shares his experiences and insights. They discuss his strategy for balancing multiple apps, the importance of accessibility, and lessons learned from his time working on the renowned app Fantastical. Klemens also provides valuable advice for aspiring indie developers, shedding light on marketing, paywall optimization, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Don’t miss this inspiring story filled with practical tips and honest reflections.

This episode is sponsored by Superwall: Quickly build & test paywalls without shipping updates.

Ready to turn your passion into independence? Follow Antoine's course, "From Side Project to Going Indie", at going-indie.com. By purchasing the course through this link, 20% of the price will go directly to Klemens, supporting his indie journey.

TIMESTAMPS

• (00:00) - Introduction to the Apple Design Awards
• (00:13) - Welcome to the Going Indie Podcast
• (00:48) - Meet Klemens Strasser: Indie Developer
• (02:07) - Journey to Becoming an iOS Developer
• (03:10) - Working on Fantastical
• (10:21) - Winning the Apple Design Award
• (26:11) - The Importance of Accessibility
• (31:53) - Sponsored by www.superwall.com
• (32:35) - Joining the Indie House at WWDC
• (32:40) - The Indie Journey Begins
• (33:12) - Taking the Leap: Planning and Financial Security
• (35:38) - App Development and Paywall Strategies
• (37:14) - The Importance of Marketing and User Feedback
• (41:16) - Balancing Multiple Projects and Learning from Experience
• (01:04:41) - Work-Life Balance and Staying Creative
• (01:09:58) - Closing Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Indies

VIDEO
Click here to watch a video of this episode.

ABOUT OUR GUEST
X: x.com/klemensstrasser
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/strasser.bsky.social
Art of Fauna - Nature Puzzles: apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1630468596
Personal website: strasser.app

ABOUT OUR PODCAST
Join Antoine van der Lee on Going Indie, the podcast that explores the journeys of independent creators and developers. Each month, Antoine chats with indie creators from around the world, uncovering the strategies, challenges, and habits that helped them turn side projects into thriving businesses. Whether you dream of going indie or want to refine your journey, this podcast delivers real-world insights and practical advice. Ready to take the leap? Follow Antoine’s course, From Side Project to Going Indie, at going-indie.com.

Check out the full podcast here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg4qABgFp_nR8uTWuI9EoUa2TFma4ifFv
Don’t forget to subscribe!

Check out my course if you're ready to start your indie journey:
https://www.going-indie.com

THIS PODCAST IS MADE POSSIBLE BY SWIFTLEE
https://www.avanderlee.com

AND ROCKETSIM
The "Essential Developer Tool for App Developers" as recommended by Apple:
https://www.rocketsim.app

GET IN TOUCH
Contact us on [email protected]

SPONSOR THE NEXT EPISODE
You can find all the details here: https://podcast.going-indie.com/sponsor

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
Get updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles!
Twitter: twitter.com/twannl
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/avanderlee.com
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/41dH1bzaTZ2ZZsZ9g6UD2a

Exploring the Indie Journey: From Designer to Successful App Developer

In this episode of Going Indie Podcast, we sit down with Hidde van der Ploeg, an indie developer and designer. Hidde shares his journey from being a designer to teaching himself to code and building successful apps like Gola, NowPlaying, and Helm. He talks about starting with Objective-C, transitioning to Swift, and the challenges and triumphs along the way. Hidde also discusses the importance of design consistency, dealing with client projects, the role of inspiration, and why collaboration can be beneficial for indie developers. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for aspiring indie developers, designers, and anyone interested in the intersection of design and development.

This episode is sponsored by Adapty: Revenue manage­ment platform for mobile apps.

Ready to turn your passion into independence? Follow Antoine's course, "From Side Project to Going Indie", at going-indie.com.

TIMESTAMPS

• (00:00) - Introduction to the Golden Ratio
• (00:13) - Welcome to the Deep Podcast
• (00:21) - Interview with Hidde van der Ploeg
• (00:35) - Hidde's Journey from Designer to Developer
• (03:20) - Learning to Code: Hidde's Experience
• (05:20) - First App Development Challenges
• (06:03) - The Evolution of Hidde's Apps
• (06:54) - The Importance of WatchOS
• (10:51) - Transitioning to Full-Time Indie Development
• (19:29) - Adapty Sponsorship
• (20:19) - How you can go Indie
• (21:05) - Balancing Client Work and Indie Projects
• (23:03) - Design Inspiration and Style
• (29:53) - Understanding the Design Process
• (30:29) - Starting with a Problem
• (31:05) - Designing for Clarity and Personal Touch
• (33:09) - Balancing Functionality and Aesthetics
• (37:03) - Importance of Consistency in Design
• (38:39) - Hierarchy and Spacing in Design
• (42:29) - Learning Design Through Practice
• (52:49) - Collaborating and Sharing Ideas
• (54:37) - Challenges and Solutions in Indie Development
• (55:28) - Working with Partners and Revenue Sharing
• (58:57) - Concluding Thoughts and Inspirations

VIDEO
Click here to watch a video of this episode.

ABOUT OUR GUEST
Twitter: twitter.com/hiddevdploeg
Helm for App Store Connect: helm-app.com

ABOUT OUR PODCAST
Join Antoine van der Lee on Going Indie, the podcast that explores the journeys of independent creators and developers. Each month, Antoine chats with indie creators from around the world, uncovering the strategies, challenges, and habits that helped them turn side projects into thriving businesses. Whether you dream of going indie or want to refine your journey, this podcast delivers real-world insights and practical advice. Ready to take the leap? Follow Antoine’s course, From Side Project to Going Indie, at going-indie.com.

Check out the full podcast here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg4qABgFp_nR8uTWuI9EoUa2TFma4ifFv
Don’t forget to subscribe!

Check out my course if you're ready to start your indie journey:
https://www.going-indie.com

THIS PODCAST IS MADE POSSIBLE BY SWIFTLEE
https://www.avanderlee.com

AND ROCKETSIM
The "Essential Developer Tool for App Developers" as recommended by Apple:
https://www.rocketsim.app

GET IN TOUCH
Contact us on [email protected]

SPONSOR THE NEXT EPISODE
You can find all the details here: https://podcast.going-indie.com/sponsor

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
Get updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles!
Twitter: twitter.com/twannl
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/41dH1bzaTZ2ZZsZ9g6UD2a

In the premiere episode of the Going Indie Podcast, host Antoine dives deep with seasoned indie developer Jordi Bruin.

They explore the intricacies of managing and updating multiple apps, fast-paced development strategies, and transitioning from industry analyst to indie developer. The conversation highlights leveraging new APIs for inspiration and balancing personal and professional projects. Jordi also shares his unique '2-2-2 methodology' for app creation, tips on building a personal audience, staying motivated, and embracing the indie lifestyle.

This episode is sponsored by superwall.com: Quickly build & test paywalls without shipping updates.

Ready to turn your passion into independence? Follow Antoine's course, "From Side Project to Going Indie", at going-indie.com.

TIMESTAMPS

• (00:00) - New APIs and Inspiration
• (00:17) - Introduction to the Going Indie Podcast
• (00:49) - Meet Jordi Bruin: Indie Developer
• (01:18) - Jordi's Journey to Development
• (02:24) - From Agency to Indie: The Transition
• (04:27) - Early Projects and Learning Curves
• (07:59) - Going Full-Time Indie
• (12:55) - Mac Utility Apps and Quick Success
• (13:41) - The Notch App and Press Attention
• (16:42) - SuperWall Sponsorship
• (17:40) - Leveraging New APIs for Innovation
• (30:20) - The 2-2-2 Methodology
• (33:28) - The Two-Week Release Strategy
• (34:33) - Prioritizing Core Features
• (35:27) - Leveraging Past Projects
• (36:14) - Iterative Development and Feedback
• (39:16) - The Bakery App Success Story
• (43:11) - Maintaining and Updating Apps
• (53:53) - Building an Audience and Marketing
• (01:04:55) - Tips for Aspiring Indie Developers

VIDEO
Click here to watch a video of this episode.

ABOUT OUR GUEST
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jordibruin
2-2-2 Methodology Course: https://gumroad.com/a/771970163/bltks

ABOUT OUR PODCAST
Join Antoine van der Lee on Going Indie, the podcast that explores the journeys of independent creators and developers. Each month, Antoine chats with indie creators from around the world, uncovering the strategies, challenges, and habits that helped them turn side projects into thriving businesses. Whether you dream of going indie or want to refine your journey, this podcast delivers real-world insights and practical advice. Ready to take the leap? Follow Antoine’s course, From Side Project to Going Indie, at https://www.going-indie.com.

Check out the full podcast here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg4qABgFp_nR8uTWuI9EoUa2TFma4ifFv
Don’t forget to subscribe!

Check out my course if you're ready to start your indie journey:
https://www.going-indie.com

THIS PODCAST IS MADE POSSIBLE BY SWIFTLEE
https://www.avanderlee.com

AND ROCKETSIM
The "Essential Developer Tool for App Developers" as recommended by Apple:
https://www.rocketsim.app

GET IN TOUCH
Contact us on [email protected]

SPONSOR THE NEXT EPISODE
You can find all the details here: https://podcast.going-indie.com/sponsor

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
Get updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/twannl
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/41dH1bzaTZ2ZZsZ9g6UD2a