My bread and butter is a legal pad and pen. I'll mock-up designs, doodle possible logos (I know, superficial, but it's fun), write pseudocode, and tinker with

My bread and butter is a legal pad and pen. I'll mock-up designs, doodle possible logos (I know, superficial, but it's fun), write pseudocode, and tinker with the database schema. Most pages get forgotten, but the act of working through the problems on paper helps to solidify the thoughts and designs in my mind (much like how they say that writing notes while studying will improve your overall retention). Then the whiteboard for the quick stuff (like little notes I need to remember for the next few minute, but wouldn't). Every few years I buy a pile of legal pads - cheaper in bulk :)