Jay Schacher, senior art director & designer

Published by Leonardo Calcagno

Who are you:

Hi, I’m Jay. That’s right, just Jay. Not Jason, Jamie or James. My real name is actually Jay. With over a decade of agency experience, I’m an award-winning art director, classically trained visual artist and professional digital storyteller living in Toronto.

Your current job?

I’m a Senior Art Director & Designer for a Digital Marketing Agency by day and experienced grocery shopper, meat grilling master and devoted husband by night.

In which city are you located?

Currently working remotely out of Phoenix Arizona, but Toronto is my home base

A word to define what kind of worker you are:

I’m a hands-on, conceptual designer. Also, I like to sit really low in my chair.

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

My MacBook Pro, Adobe CC & my gas range

What does your office space look like?

Well, it depends on where I’m working… I’m currently in LA, set up on a back patio. I guess you could say my office looks outdoorsy at the moment. The rest of the time, my office space has an industrial vibe because I live in a hard loft.

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

Sometimes, I don’t listen to anything, but currently listening to the Chainsmokers playlist on Spotify.

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

I’m a timing and numbers guy. I like to plan EVERYTHING (no, I’m not a psycho) the night before, so I’m able to hit the ground running first thing. Less waffling = better productivity.

What tips would you give to improve productivity?

Organization! Folder structure, file naming conventions and file accessibility are my secrets to streamlining workload, ensuring happy co-workers. From my experience, a file name with the word FINAL in it should not exist.

You’re better than your colleagues to:

I could never say I’m “better” than my colleagues, but who knows, maybe I am ;)I would say my areas of strengths are my conceptual design skills and my ability to create process.

What is the best advice anyone has given you?

Iterate!

What is your best tip for saving time?

I found that being overly communicative is better than not asking questions. Wouldn’t it be great if you got your projects done and right the first time? Revisions will steal your life!

What is your routine start and end of the day?

Usually… I love my breakfast and workout in the morning routine, and then I head to work. My end of day routine consists of finishing at reasonable hour, head home, pick up something delicious to cook for dinner and enjoy some quality time with my wife 🙂

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

It’s not exactly a gadget, but I would have a rough time if I didn’t have my beard clippers.

jayschacher.com | www.behance.net/jayschacher | JaySchacher.dribbble.com | linkedin.com/in/jayschacher

Toronto x Jay Schacher

Café – Because I like pizza and coffee