Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Who are you :
A creative content creator in the graphics and photography area in the working, still looking and striving for many different opportunities and goals.
Your current job :
I’ve currently wrapped up my second year of my undergraduate career in Graphic Communications Management at Ryerson University. See you soon, the third year! I’m also a freelance graphic designer and photographer under the name of ACESEASONS.
In which city are you located?
I am located in Toronto, what Drake would call, ‘the 6ix’, as my main working area, however, I reside rather in Mississauga, Ontario.
A word to define what kind of worker you are :
Determined.
What tools are essential to your life (app, software, etc..)
My laptop and sketchbook. Along with programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
What does your office space look like?
No specific space, my creativity is split between working at home, and MANY hours at local cafes.
What kind of music do you listen when you are working?
I like to listen to piano instrumentals of my favorite songs. When I’m really in the mood to get work done, I tend to throw it back to the 2000 classics.
Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work?
I like using planners. They’re a good way to jot down tasks that need to be done and gives a good idea of how much time I have. Other than that, I just like simply using the calendar that’s built into my MacBook, since my MacBook is basically my entire life.
What tips would you give to improve productivity?
Take a step back once in a while, and breathe. Let your mind relax for a bit, if you over work your brain, the creativity won’t be natural and it’ll be difficult for you to overcome the block between your work and motivation. Take some time to yourself, let your brain relax before setting a goal. If you want to get something done, set a goal and give yourself a good pat on the back once you’ve achieved it. Nothing is more satisfying than achieving your dream one step at a time.
You’re better than your colleagues to:
I can probably type with my eyes closed faster than them. Hah.
What is the best advice anyone has given you?
Do what you like, and love what you do. That’s when you’ll be the most successful.
What is your best tip for saving time?
Ask questions questions questions! If you’re unsure of where to start, or how to go about a project, ask for clarification from the client and try to offer suggestions that they’ll like so you have an idea of what you’re working towards. It also helps to always sketch out different ideas ahead of time so that you don’t sit all day trying to fuss over an idea.
What is your routine start and end of the day?
Unfortunately, still being a university student, a typical routine would be commuting to school, attending class, and going straight home afterward. During the school year, I don’t have much time to work on designs and projects as freely as I want to. However, whenever I do have the time, it’s dedicated to making graphics for student groups. I tend to do photography shoots from time to time as well, but I mainly focus on design and photography during the summer. Other than that, during the summer I typically spend my days working or putting my creativity to work. Summer is always when my motivation drive starts to run.
Aside from your computer and your phone, what gadget can you not you go without?
My DSLR. My Canon Rebel T5i is a side hobby that I’ve come to love. When the camera is in my hand, I feel like I can capture anything I want to right at the tip of my fingers.
vickydo97.wixsite.com/aceseasons