Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Who are you :
Alfonso Ponce de León. I’m 26 years old and a graduate in Social Communications but I have worked as a graphic designer since I was 19.
Your current job :
Art Director in my studio, San Francisco. It has been a year now since I left my previous job to start working by myself. I do all my work through my graphic design studio (or creative alias?). The projects I’m involved include branding, illustration and art direction for various types of clients. I am also trying to exploit the artistic side of this job, mainly through illustrations.
In which city are you located?
Montevideo, Uruguay
A word to define what kind of worker you are:
As all-inclusive as I can.
What tools are essential to your life (app, software, etc..)
Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Scanner, Tablet, Pen & Paper.
What does your office space look like?
Like my house and lately, like someone else’s office. I worked for months from my own house but for the last couple of months I have been sharing an office at an architect’s practice. The kind of work is related and it is always good to work with someone else, even if not on the same projects.
What kind of music do you listening when you are working?
Lately, online radios. Viva-Radio, FIP and Spotify. When I have to concentrate on a specific project, I try and listen to a full album; the way they are meant to be heard. I believe that good albums have different moments of ups and downs which go hand in hand with any creative process; for example: design.
Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work?
Everyday I make a list of the things I know I have to finish that day. And, of course, strict working hours when possible (9-10 AM to 6-7 PM)
What tips would you give to improve productivity?
“Be organized and remove clutter from your surroundings. Keep your house clean, keep your desk tidy and help your mind focuswithout distraction. Having too much stuff can weigh you down and make you feel stressed by having to maintain, clean and put the stuff away constantly.” Dalai Lama.
You’re better than your colleagues to:
Adapt (?)
What is the best advice anyone has given you?
My father always says, “If you are going to do something, do it right”. Of course, it is a very wide and generic advice, but its meaning grows and evolves with me as I gain experience.
What is your best tip for saving time?
Have something to aim at.
What is your routine start and end of the day?
Breakfast and a shower // Go for a run or watch something on TV.
Aside from your computer and your phone, what gadget can you not you go without?
My watch, my sketchbook and pens.
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