Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Who are you :
I’m Suharu Ogawa. I was born in Okazaki, Japan, but since then lived in Kentucky, Ohio, California, and now in Canada. I’m a traveller.
Your current job :
Illustrator and a part-time staff at OCAD U, Toronto
In which city are you located?
Toronto, ON
A word to define what kind of worker you are :
Passionate and diligent
What tools are essential to your life (app, software, etc..)
Pencil, paper, acrylic, brushes, scanner, and passion.
What does your office space look like?
A room in an apartment with a large table with lots of doodles on it. I keep all my drawing and painting supplies within my reach at all time. Otherwise, it’s pretty simple.
What kind of music do you listen when you are working ?
When I don’t have to think about concepts and ideas, I listen to podcasts and I like listening to Trip-Hop, but otherwise no music or at least, any kind of music that has very few lyrics. Lyrics often distract me, as I feel people are talking to me.
Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work ?
I like making my to-do list on a piece of paper. I carry them literally everywhere as a constant reminder of my tasks throughout the day, and it doesn’t rely on electricity! It’s either on my desk or in my pocket. I’m sure there are some fantastic task-managing apps, but I like the act of crossing off each list with a pencil. It sounds great, literally. I’m such an analogue person, I think.
What tips would you give to improve productivity ?
Clean your work area. You don’t need to scrub your desk, but de-cluttering helps me to “reset” my mind when I feel unproductive or stuck on an idea. It’s also helpful to find the routine that works the best for you. You don’t need to stay up late just because Picasso was a night owl. Figure out when you can focus the most and plan accordingly.
You’re better than your colleagues to :
I have weaknesses and strengths like everyone else, but people have often told me I’m a very adventurous person and have made some wild decisions in life. I can also make pretty mad homemade miso soup.
What is the best advice anyone has given you ?
Be kind to yourself.
What is your best tip for saving time ?
Stop spending so much time worrying about yourself.
What is your routine start and end of the day ?
I’m definitely an early riser. My absolute ideal routine is to get up super early so that I don’t feel morning only lasts for a few hours. I like the quiet early morning hours. I try to run three times a week during the day. My night ends with a hot shower to turn off my mental switch. Otherwise, I’m too wound up to actually sleep at all.
Aside from your computer and your phone, what gadget can you not go without?
I’m probably not a big gadget person, but I’d say my Wacom tablet. The touch pad of my laptop has been acting silly lately.