Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Who are you :
Is this a philosophical question?
Your current job :
I am a freelance illustrator and I enjoy combining illustration with ceramics.
In which city are you located?
I am based in Nicosia, the capital of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus.
A word to define what kind of worker you are :
Persistent.
What tools are essential to your life (app, software, etc..)
Pencils, Photoshop, ceramic tools such as kidneys, extruders…a kiln!
What does your office space look like?
I am lucky to have two rooms to use as studio space. I have one for ‘clean’ work such as drawing and digital work and another one which is the ‘dirty’ room where I do ceramic work. The building in which my studio is, has been in the family for six generations. So the studio has some really cool features, such as traditional high ceilings with beams, thick walls and big windows.
What kind of music do you listen when you are working ?
I have discover this YouTube channel called ‘Chillhop Music’ and their mixes are ideal for working. The music is quite pleasant and there are no words which often seem to distract me.
Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work ?
Most days I make lists and work on the most ‘demanding’ tasks in the morning. I am a morning person and as the day progresses my productivity and concentration decrease!
What tips would you give to improve productivity ?
What works for me is making a rough weekly plan at the beginning of the week (nothing too elaborate). This way I have a general idea of what needs to be done and use my time accordingly. Also having breaks is important for me in order to refresh the mind and avoid getting stuck.
You’re better than your colleagues to :
I don’t have colleagues as I am a freelancer but usually I am quite organized and punctual.
What is the best advice anyone has given you ?
‘Nobody said it will be easy!’
What is your best tip for saving time ?
To stop when you are tired before you mess things up and then have to spend more time fixing it.
What is your routine start and end of the day ?
I have a cup of tea and try to just sit for a little bit in order to wake up properly in the morning. In the evening I try to convince myself not to look at Instragram for so long and read a book instead but usually fail!
Aside from your computer and your phone, what gadget can you not you go without?
My Wacom tablet! My work has changed completely since I got one some time ago and it is such a great tool.