Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Who are you:
Polina Chemeris
Your current job:
Moscow Design Studio
In which city are you located?
Moscow
A word to define what kind of worker you are:
Some time ago I would have said that I am a workaholic. But after some life lessons, I am trying to find a balance between work and my other life. Cause in the world, there are so many incredible things besides your beloved work.
What tools are essential to your life (app, software, etc..)
My notebook, black Muji pen (I am crazy about it), Illustrator, Indesign, Photoshop, Keynote and of course printer, scanner and digital photo camera.
What does your office space look like?
We rent an office in the very center of Moscow, in an old 19th century building with white brick walls and some very old stuff inside, like massive wooden cupboard and print cutter weighting a tonne, it seems to me. It’s a very nice studio and area cause there are lot of interesting places around.
What kind of music do you listen when you are working?
It really depends on my mood and the kind of project. For example, when I was working on a project creating an identity in a super tech style, I bought a Daft Punk’s album (TRON: Legacy) just to feel myself in the future. Music is a very good and powerful tool to create a certain atmosphere and feelings.
But usually I have a mix of classics, old american and ethiopian jazz, electronic music in my playlist.
Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work?
To work well, you need a good rest. In the morning i need an inspiration coming from very simple things: good coffee, music, nice book or design magazine. Also I am addicted to the the sun and a walk under it makes me really happy and sets for an efficient work.
What tips would you give to improve productivity?
I think I won’t discover America again if I say that you need to make to do lists to organize your work day. It really helps.
But sometimes you can spend a lot of hours doing very simple things just because it’s a “bad day”. I don’t know why but that day may come. In my point it’s better to stay at home or go for a walk. So, don’t work if you can’t. As a rule you’ll do this job very quickly next day.
You’re better than your colleagues to:
I am just different. I think we are all very unique.
What is the best advice anyone has given you?
“If you want a tea, go for a kitchen and make it.” It is so simple! It means all you want you can do by yourself wherever you want.
What is your best tip for saving time?
Close your Facebook page!
And reply to emails just at certain times. In other case you have a chance to spend a whole day responding to emails. However it’s better to make it as a rule to respond within 24 hours.
What is your routine start and end of the day?
In the morning – coffee! In the end of the day – french lessons.
Aside from your computer and your phone, what gadget can’t you go without?
I try to minimize my relations with gadgets, I really hate them. Spending a lot of time with them makes me feel like part of my brain is slowly dying.
But I have some real things I can’t go without: a pen, my notebook, a book and a bottle of water. For me it’s equally awful if I have an idea and have no pen, I am thirsty but forgot water, I am in a queue or subway without a book.