![](https://baronmag.ca/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTQzMzgxMjc0NTMzMzA3OTc2/unnamedjpg.jpg)
Who are you :
My name’s Alexander Slobzheninov, I’m a graphic designer.
![](https://baronmag.ca/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTQzMzgxMzQ0NTk0OTYxOTky/be1e0c40849013578f9097255bfjpg.jpg)
Your current job :
I work as a freelancer around the globe. I’ve recently started a small monogram making studio simply called Modern Monograms.
![](https://baronmag.ca/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTQzMzgxMzQ0NTk1MDI3NTI4/89c7074392230958015b645cd11jpg.jpg)
In which city are you located?
I live in Prague, Czech Republic.
![](https://baronmag.ca/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTQzMzgxMzQ0NTk1MDkzMDY0/9f8c4b3566901356ff1ffe4ea2fjpg.jpg)
A word to define what kind of worker you are :
Enthusiastic.
![](https://baronmag.ca/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTQzMzgxMzQ0NTk0OTYxOTkx/0f596f40849013580c03961e231jpg.jpg)
What tools are essential to your life (app, software, etc..)
Pencils and paper, Photoshop and Illustrator.
![](https://baronmag.ca/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTQzMzgxMzQ0NTk1MjI0MTM2/b7a075327591855692e679bdf69jpg.jpg)
What does your office space look like?
All I need is a computer and paper, so any place with a table can be magically transformed into my office when I’m there. Well, usually I work at home.
![](https://baronmag.ca/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTQzMzgxMzQ0NTk1MTU4NjAw/5a138f4295621357de66ecdaae5jpg.jpg)
What kind of music do you listen when you are working ?
I actually prefer to listen to smart people talking while I’m working, so I watch video lectures and talks. If my brain needs to rest, I listen to old rock music from 60-80’s.
![](https://baronmag.ca/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTQzMzgxMzQ0NTk1MDI3NTI3/99b08d3811018157564bc7a8e93jpg.jpg)
Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work ?
Sometimes I make lists, plans and all these smart things, but for me intuition works better. I just work when I have to, switch between activities to keep my mind clean, and rest when I get tired. Knowing at what time of a day you’re more productive can also be a key to maximizing your work.
![](https://baronmag.ca/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTQzMzgxMzQ0NTk1Mjg5Njcy/faaa8a3621773757144ab14686fjpg.jpg)
What tips would you give to improve productivity ?
There’re lots of ways! Finding out how to get inspired every time you need it. Changing your tools and switching between projects if you get stucked. Collecting your unused ideas and graphics. Watching at the problem from different angles, brainstorming and other creative techniques.
![](https://baronmag.ca/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTQzMzgxMzQ0NTk1MTU4NTk5/197c2c2342110555e9667f980d7jpg.jpg)
.
You’re better than your colleagues to :
Drinking tea, I guess.
![](https://baronmag.ca/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTQzMzgxMzQ0NTk1MDkzMDYz/6866bf36915111572e0438d1d04jpg.jpg)
What is the best advice anyone has given you ?
I definitely love the thought of Stefan Sagmeister that you should not forget about beauty while working on smart and functional design.
![](https://baronmag.ca/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTQzMzgxMzcyMjQzODEzOTYw/e54e5723742925563281a498813png.png)
What is your best tip for saving time ?
Don’t waste it.
![](https://baronmag.ca/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTQzMzgxMzc4NDE3ODI5NDQ4/7860d9280920775636f7fed7518jpg.jpg)
What is your routine start and end of the day ?
It starts with planning the day. In the evenings I usually work till night.
![](https://baronmag.ca/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTQzMzgxMzg1OTM0MDIyMjE2/1c73a3257397395634a06890741jpg.jpg)
Aside from your computer and your phone, what gadget can you not you go without?
I’m not even sure that my phone counts as a gadget.
![](https://baronmag.ca/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTQzMzgxMzg1OTM0MDg3NzUy/db2db8257397395634a068a1741jpg.jpg)