Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Who are you :
Gerhard Human
Your current job :
I’m the creative director at Masters and Savant in Cape Town. That’s my job.
After hours I produce artwork and comics that I exhibit and collaborate with other artists.
In which city are you located?
Cape Town, South Africa
A word to define what kind of worker you are :
stubborn
What tools are essential to your life (app, software, etc..)
Pentel Brush pen. It was a gift from my friend Daniel du Plessis and changed the way I draw.
I work on paper and drafting film a lot, so all the usual tools. Pencil, brushes, indian ink.
I also produce digital work, I use a Wacom Tablet and the usual Adobe packages.
Toonboom for cel animation.
What does your office space look like?
My office space at home is a desk in a room. It’s pretty messy. Stacked with books, brushes and comics.
It’s nothing fancy.
What kind of music do you listen when you are working ?
Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Brian Eno (From Roxy music all the way through), Frank Zappa, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Miles Davis, Max Richter, Mazzy Starr, Massive Attack, Funki Porcini, Amon Tobin, The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz ensemble, The Future sound of London, The Velvet Underground, Iggy Pop, Radiohead, Joy Division, Battles…
When I have lots of energy I’ll binge on The Jim Carroll Band, Rancid, Melvins, Dead Kennedys, the Stooges, Clash, Sex Pistols, Primus, Ween and Frank Black.
I also listen to some local guys from South Africa, Derrek Gripper, Gert Vlok Nel, Die Menere, Die See
Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work ?
I have to be very organised to get ANYTHING done. But I hate being in the position where I HAVE to do something… it’s a fine line.
When I’m excited to work on something it’s easy for me to focus and work, but sometimes you need to pressure yourself a bit… and that’s harder.
What tips would you give to improve productivity ?
I don’t really have any tips besides just getting down and do the actual work. Time is precious so don’t waste it.
Avoid social media as far as possible.
You’re better than your colleagues to :
mmm well I wouldn’t say I’m better at anything… but I might gain more because I’m working more… so I’m just burning the candle at both ends.
What is the best advice anyone has given you ?
“Don’t follow leaders and watch your parking meters” – Bob Dylan
What is your best tip for saving time ?
Don’t check emails first think in the morning! Avoid that for as long as you can.
What is your routine start and end of the day ?
I get up at 4:50am so that I can work on some of my comics or artwork before work starts at 7am. (this includes a 45min commute)
Then after I get home, play with the kids, help with housework and food, get the kids in bed… then hope I have a few grains of energy left to get back into working again. If I’m lucky I probably have an hour each day to produce artwork (my own work)
Aside from your computer and your phone, what gadget can you not you go without?
My Backpack, I take it to work, running, climbing trips etc. I like to have all my stuff on hand.
images : behance.net/gerhardhuman