Mónica Leitão Mota, mixed media and fiber artist

Who are you: 

I’m a Portuguese mixed media and fiber artist living in Canada since 2005. I was a full-time Art Teacher in Portugal and studied Sculpture at the Fine Arts Faculty at the University of Porto, Portugal.

Your current job: 

I’m a mixed media and fiber artist. I work with paper and fabric at my home studio.

In which city are you located?

 I live in London, Ontario, Canada. 

A word to define what kind of worker you are: 

Curious.

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

a sewing machine, a digital camera, a PC, and Photoshop. 

What does your office space look like? 

compact and full, but organized and very colorful.

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

I prefer to work in silence, I always have.

Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work? 

Unfortunately, I don’t. I wish I could but that’s something I keep working on! 

What tips would you give to improve productivity? 

Try to be organized and do not procrastinate.

You’re better than your colleagues to: 

I work alone.

What is the best advice anyone has given you? 

To relax…

What is your best tip for saving time?

 Don’t overthink anything.

What is your routine start and end of the day: 

I always start my day wishing my 16-year-old son a good day at school, and at the end of the day, I watch my favorite shows on TV with my family.

Aside from your computer and your phone, what gadget can you not you go without? 

My camera. Photographing my work’s different phases is crucial for my work routine. My camera allows me to view colors, textures, and contrasts in a different perspective every time I see my work through its lenses.

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