Office tale of Dora Balla, graphic designer & design researcher

Published by Leonardo Calcagno

Who are you :

Hello, my name is Dora Balla and I’m a graphic designer & design researcher. I teach graphic design and graphic design history at Moholy-Nagy Univestity of Art and Design.

Your current job :

I’m working on an experimental book right now on the occasion of the centenary of Vilmos Huszar.

In which city are you located?

In Budapest, on Buda side.

A word to define what kind of worker you are :

Let me choose two words: independent and perfectionist.

What tools are essential to your life (app, software, etc..)

First of all my imagination and creativity, then my camera, my phone and my computer.

What does your office space look like?

Friendly, quiet and a little bit chaotic, full of books and little personal things.

What kind of music do you listen when you are working ?

I prefer to listen to instrumental and electronic music. Recently I’m into Federico Albanese.

Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work ?

I always work alone, so I’m responsible for my schedule. I hate to rush and I hardly remain calm under pressure so if it’s necessary I work day and night.

What tips would you give to improve productivity ?

I guess understanding of the entire process of the design and accurate organization are the most important.

You’re better than your colleagues to :

I think it would be better to ask them 🙂 … maybe I’m better at making quick decisions.

What is the best advice anyone has given you ?

I was told not to take things to hear but we are nothing without heart, aren’t we? 🙂

What is your best tip for saving time ?

I would say giving unnecessary habits up, like watching telly for instance. Saving time for more important things, like enjoying spring.

What is your routine start and end of the day ?

I always start my day with a cup of cappuccino full of ginger and I finish it by surfing on internet (on graphic design sites) and chatting with my friends.