Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Your current job :
My name is Sofiane Yaya, I’m 31 years old and I am a passionate graphic designer from France.
In which city are you located?
I am currently in France but I am moving to Toronto in the next few weeks. I am very excited and I am ready to live new experiences and challenges. I am hoping to find a good environment where I can progress professionally and personally
A word to define what kind of worker you are :
Persistent: I’m very obsessed with details, I love creating beautiful things and I always make sure that I am 100% satisfied with my work before I present it to my clients
What tools are essential to your life (app, software, etc..)
I always have my laptop on me. I love seeing his smile when I wake up in the morning and hear his warm breath before I go to bed next to him. We will get married very soon.
What does your office space look like?
As a nomad and since I have this opportunity, I move from a place to another to work on my projects. I settle myself in places where I can find inspiration and tranquility like coffee shops or libraries. Besides my laptop, I also need my sketchbook and my phone.
In the evening, I like to work quietly in my room with my cat hanging around.
What kind of music do you listen when you are working?
I usually prefer to work quietly but sometimes I like to start my day with the song Lovely Day by Bill Withers. This song really motivates me and gives me energy.
I will tell you a secret, sometimes, I also work in front of the TV and I like to put wildlife documentaries on National Geographic. I know that it can sound weird but watching a lion devouring a buffalo satisfies me very much
Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work?
I organize my day according to my feelings. I always start with the projects which inspire me the most. If I find myself stuck on a certain idea, I try to get to the point and work efficiently. Sometimes, I prefer to work on something else and get back to it later.
What tips would you give to improve productivity?
My first advice is to be confident and to be aware of all our capacities. William Hazlitt once said: ‘’ As is our confidence, so is our capacity ‘’ I really love this quote. Everyone should be confident with what he’s doing. Other than that, I think that it is important to have a well-balanced life. It’s important to take the time to clear our minds when needed by doing some exercise or watching a good movie. I don’t know dude, go do some paragliding and come back with some fresh ideas!!
You’re better than your colleagues to :
I am always the one who has the best jokes. I love to joke and lighten the mood especially when everyone is stressing out. I am also very good at complaining, it is my French side unfortunately
What is the best advice anyone has given you?
Be honest
What is your best tip for saving time?
The best advice is to wake up very early. It’s incredible how much work you can get done when you wake up at 2 PM !!
What is your routine start and end of the day?
I usually start my day by reading the news on my phone. Then, I look at the European soccer league’s calendar to check when the next games will be on the air.
By the end of the day, I like to look for some inspiration for my projects by consulting websites like Behance. I also like to watch one or two episodes of a Netflix series. Right now, I am watching the new season of better call Saul and Gotham.
Aside from your computer and your phone, what gadget can you not you go without?
I have an Electric Milk Frother which helps me to make good cappuccinos when I am at home of course.
sofianeyaya.fr | .behance.net/ya2 | linkedin.com/in/sofianeyaya
