Magdalena Huber, graphic designer, lettering artist and illustrator

Who are you? 

I‘m an Austrian Graphic Designer, Lettering Artist, and Illustrator. My heart beats for analog design processes, wall letterings, and typography.I‘ve been 5 years in HTL1 for Graphic and Design in Linz and did an extra year there ‘Meisterklasse 2011’ before I worked as a graphic designer for three years in Salzburg. Then, I did my Masters degree in Communication Design / Graphic Design at Kingston University, London and started working at JDO design studio in London. After that, I went back to Austria to launch my own Graphic Design studio ‚Magdalena Huber Design‘. Working in my studio is pretty time consuming but when I‘m not working I spend a lot of time with my dog and I love to go for a run with him in the forest.  Apart from that, what else lights my fire? I have a fable for white sneakers and a cold pint of beer every now and then. 

Your current job: 

Graphic Designer / Lettering Artist / Illustrator
In which city are you located? Schalchen, Austria (such a small village – it‘s not even a city). 

A word to define what kind of worker you are:

efficent (due to my Germanness 😉 )

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

I usually work in two stages: Analogue: sketchbook, Tombow dual brush pen (for letterings, scribbling and sketching, writing down my ideas)Digital: in Design and Instagram (digitalizing work and projects; sharing it online)

What does your office space look like?

Pens, pens, pens, …

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

Audiobooks, soft house (currently a lot of Elderbrook) and FM4 radio

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

I‘m a to-do-list-person. First thing in the morning (even before I switch on my Mac, I make a list of all projects and deadlines). This helps me to keep an overview. On quiet days, I prepare postings and update my social media channels. It helps me to keep clients knocking on my door. 

What tips would you give to improve productivity? 

Flight mode!

You‘re better than your colleagues to :

I try to focus on the other side of the coin and see great work, skills, and creativity of other designers. I always look out for ‚better‘ designers, idols and goals. This is a great source of inspiration and it keeps me motivated.

What is the best advice anyone has given you?

Noone has said this to me directly, but Vogue chief editor Anna Wintour said, that in the end, she‘d always listen to her instincts and gut feeling. I love that advice!

What is your best tip for saving time?

Being self-conscious. When I feel like I have a creative flow, I focus on idea finding or creating a new piece of work. When I feel like being productive I spend the time executing projects. When I feel lazy I do organizational things and update social media. And when I feel tired or unfocused I go outside and have a break. There‘s nothing worse than spending hours of working without being productive at all.

What is your routine start and end of the day?

I start every day with a proper breakfast. At the end of the day, I read a few pages or have a drink.

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

I have a portable mini scanner that I carry around in my bag. Sometimes I scribble on napkins or bills when I go for a drink or have a coffee with friends. To not run the risk of forgetting them I scan them in immediately. Pretty geeky, I guess 🙂

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