Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Who are you:
My name is Jules Stacey, and I’m a graphic artist and designer with a focus on calligraphy and lettering.
Your current job:
I’m currently working freelance while studying at the Ontario College of Art and Design University with a major in graphic design. I also run my own design blog called JVNK.co where I write about new projects by artists and designers all over the world.
In which city are you located?
Toronto
A word to define what kind of worker you are:
Driven
What tools are essential to your life (app, software, etc.)?
Programs I rely on for work include Photoshop, Illustrator, Cinema4D, and InDesign. Social media is really important for me to get my work out into the world, so I would also include the Instagram, Tumblr, and Twitter apps on my phone!
What does your office space look like?
I don’t have my own office, and not much workspace at home, so I do most of my work at OCADU in the common areas. It’s huge, open, and often filled with tons of other creative students working on their projects. I like having all of that white noise around me while I work, and the giant tables are nice to work on.
What kind of music do you listen to when you are working?
Mostly deep house and techno, it helps me stay focused and motivated.
Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work?
I usually make a list of tasks I want to get done for the day, and then just go by that. I don’t pressure myself too much by overloading the list or trying to work too fast. It’s not about the quantity of work I get done in one day, but about the quality of the work and about feeling accomplished.
What tips would you give to improve productivity?
If you’re a social media freak like me and feel the need to check your various websites compulsively, it’s important to get rid of those distractions and stay focused on your work. I do this by setting times when I’ll allow myself to take a break and check Twitter or whatever. I think it’s also important to get away from the computer and the internet altogether sometimes; it can really hinder brainstorming and creativity.
You’re better than your colleagues at:
I really couldn’t say!!! [laughs] I have so many colleagues. Who knows!
What is the best advice anyone has given you?
I had a professor a few years back who told me that in order to become a better designer, and a better person, you should always be observing the world around you and you should always be questioning everything. Observe and question.
What is your best tip for saving time?
Research and planning! Doing the proper work beforehand can save you a lot of time later on.
What is your routine for the start and the end of the day?
I start the day with a cup of coffee, some music, a social media feed read, and then my to-do list. I’ll usually end my days by working on some personal work or just sketching while listening to music.
Aside from your computer and your phone, what gadget can you not you go without?
My Kindle, for sure! I’m a big reader and I commute a lot, so it’s great to have with me.
(Photos by Sarah Novak: s-novak.tumblr.com)