Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Who are you?
My label may be a designer, but I like to consider myself more as a creative. I believe that the concept behind my works is cooler than the designs themselves. I’m hoping to pave my way into the advertising industry in the near future.
Your current job:
A freelance designer and a full time student at York University/ Sheridan College (YSDN).
In which city are you located?
In Toronto.
A word to define what kind of worker you are:
Focused.
What tools are essential to your life (app, software, etc..)
Solar app, Adobe CC, Google Map (how else would I get anywhere?), my weekly planner, coffee, and everything Apple.
What does your office space look like?
I usually like to work from home listening to my dog snore beside me. I try to keep my workspace as organized as possible, but it’s difficult when I’m trying to bind printed design works or doing some illustrations on the side. On other days, I try to find quiet cafes to work with some friends.
What kind of music do you listen when you are working?
I tend to alternate between two genres when working. When I’m working on simple tasks, I have a playlist composed of soft indie music; whereas when I’m doing some brainstorming and concept work, I listen to atmospheric music like Nujabes.
Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work?
I’m a strong believer of the hand-written To-Do lists. I write them on stickies and put them on my laptop, and check each one off of as I go through them. I think I feel a certain exhilaration as I cross them off, one by one.
What tips would you give to improve productivity?
Focus, make a To-Do list, and use the Self Control app.
You’re better than your colleagues to:
Think creatively and come up with kickass concepts.
What is the best advice anyone has given you?
When you think it’s too late, it’s too late. So get on it.
What is your best tip for saving time?
I would say utilizing your spare time, like when you’re on public transit. Instead of playing games or sitting mindlessly, I try to read trade magazines like AdWeek or brainstorm ideas for my projects on the subway. That’s also the time I tend to focus the best.
What is your routine start and end of the day?
I usually start the day off checking my emails on my iPad and planning my day ahead. I end my day around 3am because I’m nocturnal. I don’t have much of a routine at night.
Aside from your computer and your phone, what gadgets can you not you go without?
My magic mouse, USB, and planner.