Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Who are you :
I’m an illustrator from Argentina. I love drawing, and I’m improving my skills on an atelier, as a craft, learning both classic masters as contemporary digital artists.
Recently I realized the importance of sharing thoughts and ideas, so besides technique, I’m trying to develop my own vision, making more personal pieces.
Your current job :
After a couple years being a multitask artist on a local animation studio, I’m working as a freelance illustrator. It gives me the chance to take challenging jobs, keep studying and feeding my own projects.
In which city are you located?
I live and work in Padua, a small town near of Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina.
A word to define what kind of worker you are :
Three: Curious, self-critical and passionate.
What tools are essential to your life (app, software, etc..)
My sketchbook, Lumograph pencils, stylograph, pen, scanner, my intuos5, Photoshop, recently Pinterest, and Google with all its marvelous tools (which I’m still learning to use).
What does your office space look like?
It looks like (and actually is) a provisional desk, in a corner. I’m moving to a bigger place, so I prefer not to settle. Even so, it’s comfortable enough for all digital tasks, and I prefer going outdoors to sketching, doodling and get some inspiration.
What kind of music do you listen when you are working ?
Mostly movie soundtracks, Arcade Fire, Heroes del Silencio, Vangelis, Patricio Rey, Rammstein too. Pretty much everything, if it’s on background and inspires me (sometimes it depends the kind of illustration I’m working on). Working in silence is a good option, too.
Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work ?
Yes, but I try not to be obsessive about it. It’s good to be methodic, but routine can kill inspiration and enjoyment.
If I have a big task, I set minor objectives and priorities for the day/couple days/weeks, and then I solve them in a reasonable amount of time. And if I need to deal with meetings, mailing or feedbacks, I prefer to do it early, so I can focus on my work the rest of the day.
What tips would you give to improve productivity ?
First, try to don’t care too much about it, then: sleep well. Love your work. Enhance your workplace. Put yourself new challenges, and solve them. Drink lots of water when you’re working. Keep learning. Take breaks and some walks (sometimes inspiration comes in movement). Enrich your loved ones and your environment. Be constant on your job.
You’re better than your colleagues to :
It’s hard enough learning to improve oneself. But in order to say something, I’m a shameless and a joker, and also really enjoy developing ideas as focusing in details.
What is the best advice anyone has given you ?
‘If you really love it, take it seriously’. My parents.
‘Don’t mess around watching tv’. Ciruelo Cabral.
What is your best tip for saving time ?
Keep the habit of finishing whatever you start, don’t let things halfway. Do what you love, and love what you do. Nothing worse than losing time with things you don’t care about.
What is your routine start and end of the day ?
I take a good breakfast. I check my mails and watch my facebook, behance, etc. Then I take my bike and go to my new house (which I’m repairing with my family), to walk on its large garden and make some sketches sitting under the walnut trees, drinking some mates. Then I come back to my desk, to start working.
Night is a threat haha, I can watch a movie, read a book, or simply stay up late drawing, taking notes. Its silence is inspiring, and sometimes worth the little sleep.
Aside from your computer and your phone, what gadget can you not you go ?
My sketchbook.
