Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Who are you:
My name is Connell McCarthy, designer & developer.
Your current job:
I currently work as a graphic designer for a record label named Monstercat.
In which city are you located?
I moved to Vancouver last fall, but I’m originally from Ottawa.
A word to define what kind of worker you are:
I’ve been called a ‘master of all trades’ or a ‘wizard’, but I’d like to think of myself as a determined worker.
What tools are essential to your life (app, software, etc..)
I don’t think a day goes by at work when I’m not using Photoshop and/or After Effects.
What does your office space look like?
I try to keep it clean however by the end of the day there’s usually a mess of sticky notes, plates, cups and everything from my pockets.
What kind of music do you listen when you are working?
I try to mix it up, usually listening to the song I’m making art for, and then when I’m doing other work I like to listen to indie and alternative music. Anything that’s melodic sparks my creativity.
Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work?
I try to prioritize my work at the beginning of the day and follow that schedule throughout so I don’t lose focus.
What tips would you give to improve productivity?
Comfort. If you’re not comfortable in your workspace or work environment, it’s going to be very difficult to be productive.
You’re better than your colleagues at:
Cards.
What is the best advice anyone has given you?
I saw a quote somewhere that said, “Perfection is achieved only when there is nothing left to remove.” And that has been a sort of motto for my work. When you’re stuck moving forward, don’t be afraid to go back and see what you can do differently.
What is your best tip for saving time?
I’m not sure what my best tip would be, but in order to save time you need to work quickly and avoid distractions. So yes, close that Facebook tab. You have seen enough viral videos for today.
What is your routine start and end of the day?
My alarm goes off at 8am, and I finally get out of bed around 9, get ready and get to work by 10. I start off with a delicious morning bagel and my work. Each end of the day is different. One day I could be working late and one day I could be leaving early, depending on my workload so my end of day is far from routine.
Aside from your computer and your phone, what gadget can you not you go without?
I couldn’t live without the office bagel cutter.