Location: Washington, DC
Current gig: freelance designer & illustrator
Current mobile device: iPhone 8
Current computer: MacBook Pro (wish it had more ports on it)
One word that best describes how you work: reliable
What apps/software/tools can’t you live without?
Gmail + all the Drive apps, the whole Adobe Creative Suite, Spotify, YouTube. Y’know, the basics.
What’s your workspace like?
Big desk. It has to be big to fit my drawing tablet. I have a Huion Kamvas GT-191, which is pretty large and has a bunch of cords running out from the back of it that need space to not tangle. There’s actually quite a few papers scattered around on my desk because I don’t like throwing away/shredding anything until I’m absolutely 100 percent sure I won’t need it anymore. Besides paper, I always have a can of sparkling water or mug of tea, and some assorted snacks. I also like to eat at my desk sometimes if I have a lot to do.
What’s your best time-saving trick?
Just sit down and do it. Power through. Block out the time you need and just get it done. I get into a sort of work trance when I have a really productive day.
What’s your favorite to-do list manager?
Trello is nice. I used it with my senior capstone team in college and we did well.
Besides your phone and computer, what gadget can’t you live without?
My drawing tablet. I don’t have any other gadgets besides the three that I use daily.
What everyday thing are you better at than anyone else?
Saying no. Sounds rude, but knowing how to shut distractions out and get to work is one of my top skills.
What are you currently reading?
Circe by Madeline Miller. I’d like to make myself read more, because sometimes watching video gets old.
What do you listen to while you work?
Either lyric-less soundtracks, or YouTube video game commentary & playthroughs in the background. Sometimes, silence.
Are you more of an introvert or an extrovert?
Introvert, definitely. But I think I have a bigger battery life for social events than my other introvert friends.
What’s your sleep routine like?
Pretty regular. I wake up at around 10 each morning (not too early, not too late), and I try not to stay up past midnight. I need a lot of sleep to stay productive (as an added benefit, more sleep means I get sick less often).
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Everything in life is only for now.” Funnily enough, this is from a musical, but I take it to heart. The bad things in life are temporary so don’t let them weigh you down, but the good things in life are temporary, too, so enjoy them to your best ability.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Live life in the now.