Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Who are you:
I’m Martin Garrido, a 27 years old self-taught designer passionate about the whole process of creating things from scratch.
Your current job:
I am Freelance – Nomad – Designer. For the past six years, I’ve been designing apps and websites for a variety of clients, from large corporations to different kind of startups.
In which city are you located?
Currently in Montevideo, Uruguay.
A word to define what kind of worker you are:
One of my philosophies of work is the simplicity, focusing on clear and efficient communication. Less is more, prioritizing the content with the best visual performance. I always try to keep a multi-disciplinary approach on all of my projects and provide design skills that challenge the standard and appeal to the eye to achieve any goal desired by a client.
What tools are essential to your life (app, software, etc..)
Design Work: Sketch App, Photoshop, Illustrator, Principle, Marvel or InVision and a sketchbook.
Productivity: Wunderlist, Nylas1 Mail Client, Tyme2, Dropbox, Google Apps (Docs + Cal).
Daily Basis: Spotify or Soundcloud and headphones.
What does your office space look like?
I used to be a nomad designer, so basically, my office spaces were where a decent internet and good coffee were existing. Back in town, I would say that my workspace now looks simple: A standing desk, my MacBook Pro a big external monitor, books and a lot of tech goodies (Wacom, speakers, drone, cameras, ps4, etc.).
What kind of music do you listen to when you are working?
It depends on my mood and the weather, but all kind of genres. Hard-Rock to Electronic. My last ‘Treasure’ is Blue Pills, a retro blues-rock band. Thoroughly recommend this song: https://open.spotify.com/track/7sOtFpT6VtbrRJy44UI0BK
Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work?
Kind of; but each day is different. I always try to take advantage of morning hours to work (no emails, no messages, nothing).
What tips would you give to improve productivity?
First, be organized. That means: With emails, clients, tasks, personal life, etc.
– When I’m working, I often use an app calls Focus (https://heyfocus.com/) that allow me to block a list of websites when I’m working.
– Another good tip is put your phone upside down.
– Jump off your work zone for a while to fresh air and stretch your legs is vital.
You’re better than your colleagues to:
We are remarkable creatures; everyone is different.
I play hard. I want to be good and solve problems with the only condition of enjoying my work, enjoy each moment away from my computer, my lifestyle, my home, my friends.
What is the best advice anyone has given you?
– Before talking, listen.
– Be the type of energy that no matter where you go, you always add value to the spaces & lives around you.
– Don’t fear change. You may lose something good, but you may also gain something great.
What is your best tip for saving time?
I don’t have one. Just, try to find activities where you don’t mind losing time. Find your type of work, be around of people that you admire, challenge itself at every opportunity, smile always. We can’t buy time or go back to the past; we have to enjoy it now!
What is your routine start and end of the day?
I start my day around 7:30 with a good breakfast and reading some news or design articles. Then work for 6, 8 or 10 hrs. I do exercise for 1-2 hours. The end of the day I always try to enjoy it with family, friends or a glass of wine.
Aside from your computer and your phone, what gadget can you not you go without?
My headphones. I can’t live without music, so powerful.
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