Creator Tech Stack · Pre-Built Setups
The Minimalist Stack
Everything you need to start earning today with just your phone and free tools. Budget: $0-200.
The Philosophy
You don’t need expensive gear to make money. You need good lighting, a clean angle, and consistency. This stack proves it.
Total Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Your smartphone | $0 | Camera + editing |
| Ring light (basic) | $20-40 | Better lighting |
| Phone tripod | $15-25 | Stable shots, hands-free |
| Bluetooth remote (optional) | $10 | Remote shutter |
| Free editing apps | $0 | Photo/video editing |
| TOTAL | $45-75 |
The Complete Stack
📱 Camera: Your Smartphone
Cost: $0 (you already have it)
Why it works:
- Modern smartphones (iPhone 11+, Samsung Galaxy S20+) have cameras good enough for professional content
- 4K video capability on most recent phones
- Portrait mode for depth effects
- Front and rear cameras for versatility
Pro Tips:
- Clean your lens before every shoot (seriously—most “bad quality” is smudged lenses)
- Use the rear camera when possible—it’s higher quality than the front
- Shoot in natural daylight near a window for best results
- Use gridlines (in camera settings) to frame shots properly
- Avoid digital zoom—physically move closer instead
💡 Lighting: Basic Ring Light
Cost: $20-40
Recommended Options:
- UBeesize 10″ Ring Light (~$25, Amazon) — includes phone holder and tripod
- Neewer 10″ Ring Light (~$30, Amazon) — dimmable, multiple color temps
What to look for:
- 10-12 inch diameter (good for close-ups and full body)
- Dimmable brightness
- Warm/cool color temperature options
- Includes phone holder mount
Free Alternative:
Window light. Shoot during the day near a large window. Position yourself so the light hits your face/body evenly. Diffuse harsh sunlight with a sheer curtain. This is actually better than cheap ring lights.
📐 Tripod: Phone Tripod
Cost: $15-25
Recommended Options:
- UBeesize Tripod (~$20, Amazon) — 51″ height, Bluetooth remote included
- Sensyne Tripod (~$18, Amazon) — flexible legs for creative angles
Why you need this:
- Stable shots (no shaky hands)
- Hands-free filming for full-body content
- Consistent framing across photos/videos
- Professional look vs propping phone on books
✂️ Editing: Free Mobile Apps
Cost: $0
Photo Editing:
- Snapseed (iOS/Android) — professional-grade filters, healing tool, selective edits
- VSCO (free version) — aesthetic presets, basic adjustments
- Lightroom Mobile (free) — powerful editing, presets
Video Editing:
- CapCut (iOS/Android) — easy interface, trending effects, free templates
- InShot (free version) — trim, crop, add music, filters
- iMovie (iOS only) — Apple’s free editor, very capable
Watermarking:
- eZy Watermark (iOS/Android) — batch watermark photos and videos
- Video Watermark (Android) — simple, effective for videos
🌐 Platform: OnlyFans
Cost: $0 (20% platform fee on earnings)
For the minimalist stack, we recommend starting with OnlyFans because:
- Largest built-in audience (easiest to get first subscribers)
- Weekly payouts
- Mobile-friendly creator app
- No upfront costs
Once you’re making $500+/month, consider adding Fansly or Fanvue as a second platform. See our Fan Platform Comparison for details.
🔧 Optional Add-Ons (Under $50 each)
Bluetooth Remote Shutter
$8-15 — Take photos remotely without setting a timer or rushing into frame.
Phone Gimbal Stabilizer
$40-80 — Smooth video movement. Only get this if you do a lot of walking/moving video content.
Clip-On Wide Angle Lens
$15-30 — Capture more in frame, especially useful in small rooms.
Reflector Disc
$15-25 — 5-in-1 collapsible reflector to bounce natural light and reduce shadows. Huge upgrade for window-light shoots.
Your Daily Workflow
Content Creation (1-2 hours, 2-3x per week)
- Set up: Position tripod, turn on ring light (or shoot near window during daylight)
- Batch shoot: Take 20-30 photos or 3-5 video clips in one session
- Edit: Use Snapseed/CapCut to enhance photos/videos (10-15 min per photo, 20-30 min per video)
- Watermark: Add your watermark to all content
- Upload: Schedule posts on OnlyFans for the week ahead
Engagement (30-60 minutes daily)
- Respond to messages and comments
- Send PPV content to engaged subscribers
- Post stories/updates to keep subscribers interested
What You Can Make With This Stack
The minimalist stack is more than enough to build a $1,000-3,000/month income if you’re consistent. Here’s proof:
- Quality is good enough: Smartphone cameras produce 4K video and high-res photos. With decent lighting, your content looks professional.
- Platforms don’t care: OnlyFans doesn’t penalize phone content. Subscribers care about you, not your gear.
- Proven model: Many top creators started with just a phone. Equipment upgrades come after revenue proves demand.
When to Upgrade
Stick with the minimalist stack until you hit these milestones:
✅ Upgrade Trigger #1: Earning $1,000+/month consistently
At this point, reinvest in better lighting (softbox kit), a basic DSLR or mirrorless camera, and maybe a lavalier mic for better audio.
✅ Upgrade Trigger #2: You’re limited by your gear
If you’re consistently frustrated by low-light performance, shaky video, or poor audio quality, it’s time to upgrade specific weak points.
✅ Upgrade Trigger #3: You want to do live streaming
Live streaming works on phones, but a webcam + desktop setup is much more stable for long sessions.
Start Simple. Scale Smart.
The minimalist stack proves you don’t need thousands of dollars in gear to start earning. Get this setup, shoot consistent content, and let the income decide when to upgrade.