Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Who are you :
My name is Michelle Malréchauffé. I have always loved drawing and illustration since I was a child and currently I work on graphic design.
Your current job :
I work as a Graphic designer at Caro Curbelo design studio and together we develop branding projects and organize monthly illustrations fairs. I also work as a freelancer, mostly with illustration.
In which city are you located?
I’m living in Montevideo, the capital and largest city of Uruguay.
A word to define what kind of worker you are :
Dedicated
What tools are essential to your life (app, software, etc..)
Adobe Illustrator (and all Adobe Suite), Behance, Procreate, pencil, and paper are essential to my work. I also use Spotify and Instagram a lot.
What does your office space look like?
I work in a super cozy old house, close to the coast and surrounded by a beautiful park and a really nice museum. In the office, that also works as a showroom, I love having our walls full of beautiful fine arts and silk-screen prints from many local artists that are for sale as part of a project to empower local artists. It is really inspiring!
What kind of music do you listen to when you are working?
I listen to many different styles such as indie, jazz or electronic. My favorites right now are Nicola Cruz, Polo and Pan, and Bajofondo.
Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work?
Well, the order might not be the word to describe my way of working but to-do lists are really helpful! Before going to bed, I usually make a list of all my tasks for the day ahead. This way I can save time in the morning and make my whole day more productive.
What tips would you give to improve productivity?
Work hard and avoid big distractions. But also remember to make breaks part of your scheduled routine.
You’re better than your colleagues to :
I do my best and try not to compare myself with others.
What is the best advice anyone has given you?
“Breathe deeply”, my sister always says. I get stressed easily and it makes me less productive. Taking a moment to breathe properly can be very useful.
What is your best tip for saving time?
Focusing on one thing at a time.
What is your routine start and end of the day?
I enjoy having a healthy breakfast in bed and sometimes going to the gym before work. I’m often more creative at night and when good ideas come to my mind I try to write them down before going to bed or getting distracted with Netflix.
Aside from your computer and your phone, what gadget can you not you go without?
My thermos with tea or a bottle of water in the summer.
Montevideo city guide x Michelle Malréchauffé
Café – La Madriguera
A small café, simple and modern, with lots of books, quiet atmosphere, and great coffee.
Restaurant – Club natural y popular
Nice place to have a vegetarian meal and feel at home. Here you can also do yoga, meditation or enjoy a concert.
Shopping – Mercado Ferrando
Gourmet and street food market with great ambiance. You can find a nice shop with typical food, a bookshop, a tea shop and more.
Grocery – Feria de Tristán Narvaja
The most popular and biggest market in the city. It takes place every Sunday morning and you can find things like clothes, antiques, artisan products, vegetables and more.
Other – Parque Rodó.
My favorite park in town! It’s location, in the heart of the city but near the coastline, makes it a great place to take a break between work and nightlife.
Photo credit: behance.net/michimc13 | instagram.com/michimc13