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Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Who are you :
A Latvian son and a father.
Your current job :
I’m an Illustrator.
In which city are you located?
Riga, Latvia.
A word to define what kind of worker you are :
Devoted.
What tools are essential to your life (app, software, etc..)
I work traditionally with acrylic on paper, so I couldn’t do without my painting tools. I also rely on the help of my digital tools, such as Photoshop and Illustrator.
What does your office space look like?
Some time ago I co-founded a graphic design studio and we got our office at the center of Riga. A few years went by and I decided to leave my position at the studio and become a freelancer again. I was good friends with other co-founders and the team assembled was and is great people, so they offered me to stay with them, for which I’m really thankful. That means I have my own desk with paints and paper all over it in the middle of a graphic design studio, full of awesome and inspiring people.
What kind of music do you listen to when you are working?
I actually enjoy listening to some podcasts or lectures online, but sometimes I like to work with some hip-hop/indie tunes in the background.
Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work?
I’m not a fan of tightly planned/scheduled calendars, I work hard when there’s loads of work and I’m flexible with my time when there’s not that much on the table.
What tips would you give to improve productivity?
Work in a place without internet access. But honestly, it’ll sound cliche, but if work is pleasure then one doesn’t have to worry about being unproductive.
You’re better than your colleagues to:
Be confident about your work and its value.
What is the best advice anyone has given you?
“Happy wife makes a happy life” — given by my wife.
What is your best tip for saving time?
Routine and daily rhythms help. A good way to find time for reading books is going by bus to and from work, for example.
What is your routine start and end of the day?
I start my day by having breakfast at work and end it with putting our daughter to bed.
Aside from your computer and your phone, what gadget can you not go without?
I guess my phone and laptop are the only crucial ones, but I also don’t leave my home without my hand watch.
Riga city guide x Roberts Rurans
Café — Rocket Bean Roastery on Miera street. Excellent coffee, food, interior, location, and brunches.
Restaurant — hard to pick one as there are so many good ones. Most of Riga’s restaurants offer great service, super-tasty foods with local, seasonal ingredients and affordable pricing. We have a pretty good restaurant scene.
Shopping — Stockmann has a huge variety of interesting foods/brands, that other grocery stores don’t offer.
Grocery — Central Market. A guaranteed exotic experience for any visiting Westerner.
Other — Tallinn Street Quarter. Nice place to hang out at with a cool/artsy vibe, small cafes and lots of events going on daily.