Axel Savvides, freelance graphic designer

Published by Leonardo Calcagno

Who are you :

My name is Axel Savvides and I live in Cyprus. I am a graphic and advertising designer, digital artist, amateur photographer and design software teacher.

Your current job :

I work as a freelance graphic designer at the “Studio” and as a design software teacher at Social Space Academy.

In which city are you located?

I am located in the city of Nicosia, Cyprus. The only divided capital in the world.

A word to define what kind of worker you are:

Experimental. I’m the kind of designer who can stay awake all night long to experiment with a new idea even if it does not turn out as I expected. I work better under pressure and I am always trying to learn new stuff and explore every new technology that can help me grow as an artist and as a professional.

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

Photoshop and Illustrator. I’m also addicted to Instagram. I really can’t stay away from my computer or my phone for too long. Also, don’t even think about trying to take my camera out of my hands. It’s a fujifilm x-m1 in case you were wondering

What does your office space look like?

My office has a vintage look. It is located within the Venetian walls of the old town of Nicosia, which is full of history, so the office has taken influence from its location. You will find lots of plans, old maps, rusty labels, my lovely toys and weird people inside.

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

Usually when I am working I need to feel full of energy so uplifting vocal trance usually is my best friend when I design.

Do you have a way to organise your day to maximise your work ?

I am really not an organised person but somehow I manage to get everything done in a good amount of time. Usually teaching and meetings take priority during the day, so I often finish my design work at night.

What tips would you give to improve productivity ?

Taking down notes and doing a little research about design every day will keep your brain full of inspiration and up to date with the latest advances, Also, a good cup of coffee will give you a nice boost.

You’re better than your colleagues to :

Digitally create! I am better when It comes to computers, software and technology in general. We each have our own area of expertise and we tend to borrow and lend ideas from our different creative expertise. I am the digital kind of designer with a focus in photoshop.

What is the best advice anyone has given you ?

Never stop designing stuff even if some others might hate it! They say one mans trash is another mans treasure and being creative is about expressing yourself. There will be others that will admire your work, maybe even draw their own inspiration from it, so just believe in your own process, do what is satisfying to you and everything else will fall into place.

What is your best tip for saving time ?

When you are working logout from Facebook, prioritise answering calls that matter at the time and have your email connected on your phone.

What is your routine start and end of the day ?

I really dont seem to have much of a routine at all. But I usually begin and end my day in a similar manner – with Instagram. There really is some cool work being shared out there and its a relaxing way to start and end the day. In the morning there is usually a plain green blended cup of coffee to wake me up and late in the afternoon some wine to relax.