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Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Who are you :
I’m a Graphic designer from Argentina currently living and working in Australia.
Your current job:
Graphic design lecturer and freelancer.
In which city are you located?
Brisbane, Australia.
A word to define what kind of worker you are:
Meticulous. I obsess about details when it comes to design.
What tools are essential to your life (app, software, etc..)
My essential tools are pen and paper at the beginning of a project and then Illustrator, Photoshop, and Indesign.
What does your office space look like?
My work space is pretty simple, a desk and a chair and as many plants as I can fit around it.
What kind of music do you listen when you are working?
It depends on my mood. I grew up in Brazil, so sometimes a bit of Bossa Nova. Other times I like to listen to soul and funk, or indie rock.
Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work?
I always start my day by writing things down, I love making lists and ticking things as I get them done. The best way to maximize your day when you have a lot to do is to break a project down into little chunks, it always makes things seem more achievable.
What tips would you give to improve productivity?
Take the time to be organized. I learned this one the hard way. From simple things like your filing system to map out your week. It means you can focus on designing, which is always the most fun part.
You’re better than your colleagues to:
I think everyone brings a different skill to the table. It’s about understanding people’s strengths and learning how to listen.
What is the best advice anyone has given you?
“Ask for an opinion, not a job” This is particularly useful for junior designers trying to get their foot in the door. If you ask for a job, and there isn’t one available, that ends a conversation fairly quickly. But if you ask for an opinion on your work, a creative director will usually take the time to see you, and they might be able to recommend you to someone else who actually has a job offer. That’s how I got my first job.
What is your best tip for saving time?
Pen and paper. When it comes to starting a project, always start by brainstorming and sketching out ideas on paper. Make a mood board if you need one. Only start designing when you have a plan. It takes a lot longer to experiment on the computer than it does on a notepad.
What is your routine start and end of the day?
Start with a coffee, end with dinner with my boyfriend and Netflix or a book to unwind.
Aside from your computer and your phone, what gadget can you not you go without?
Does Spotify count? I can’t live without music, especially when I’m designing