Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Who are you :
Mateo Pizarro, an artist from Colombia. The internet seems to think otherwise, though. There are a few articles that say I’m Russian, others that I’m Italian and at least one that talks about the Russian artist Marco Pizarro, which is my favorite so far.
Your current job :
I mostly draw, but might resort to installation or photography on occasion.
In which city are you located?
Right now I’m in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and will soon be moving back to Mexico City.
A word to define what kind of worker you are :
Obsessive.
What tools are essential to your life (app, software, etc..)
Most of my work is grounded on traditional media so: paper, cutter, pencils, erasers (of the kneaded and regular varieties). But also a scanner, Nikon D300 camera, Lightroom, Photoshop, Indesign.
What does your office space look like?
We found this apartment in an old XIX century building in the middle of Saint Petersburg that’s got a couple of art nouveau fireplaces, crystal chandeliers, firewood, an axe, a piano and a ghost, so it’s a little like inhabiting a Gogol novel, except for the audio setup, which might be more Gorbachov than Gogol. It’s going to be hard leaving this place, I really love it.
What kind of music do you listen when you are working ?
You might say I have a music addiction problem, so the music I listen to changes often. Right this minute, my playlist includes: the new Andrew Bird album, Weval, Rival Consoles, Tin Hat Trio, Johny Cash, Juana Molina, La Femme, Dengue Dengue Dengue!, Cero39 and Sturgil Simpson.
Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work ?
Work at night.
What tips would you give to improve productivity ?
Work at night.
You’re better than your colleagues to :
Eat tacos.
What is the best advice anyone has given you ?
When you draw, never use a pencil sharpener, use a cutter, or a knife, this might sound trivial but I’ve been following that advice for 20 years. Also: Travel. And: If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what then is an empty desk a sign? Finally one that only works in Spanish: No hay peor ciego que el que no quiere oir.
What is your best tip for saving time ?I’m not qualified to give advice on the subject.
What is your routine start and end of the day ?
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Aside from your computer and your phone, what gadget can you not you go without?
Headphones, My camera, a 1.5f 50mm lens, a strobe light (If you ever see an one of my installations, it’ll make sense).