Interview
Andy Clarke
What are some things you do to help yourself into the state of mind necessary for creative work?
Finish all other items or work: accounts, emails, small jobs etc. Turn off phone, email, iChat Play music that is appropriate to the job
I also like to do creative work very late at night and rarely during the day when there are other distractions
Do you follow a strict daily (or weekly, etc.) routine with regard to workflow, or is every day (or week) different?
I try to only work on one project at a time these days. I also aim not to work on major projects on a Friday and I use that day to catch up on minor jobs that have been requested that week.
Do you prefer to work in a closed, private environment free from other people and distractions, or in a more open, collaborative environment?
I work on my own, which is great for concentration, but does lack the ability to get feedback from others sometimes. So I use iChat and Twitter to share ideas and designs that I am working on.
What do you do to get your day(s) started in the right direction?
I have a list of jobs to start working on and make that list the night before. That way I don't have to struggle to think about what to do first.
What task management technique do you use?
A simple A4, day per page diary. I write everything in there and cross them off with a highlighter when done (I can send a photo if you want). Otherwise I have three folders in my 'tasks' email inbox: Do, Defer and Delegate.
What things tend to disrupt your workflow?
Phone calls and requests/questions from others that break my concentration. I used to have a 'Happy/Grumpy' sign on my desk so that people would know not to disturb me.
What previous experiences have influenced your workflow?
Working in a shared office was hell. I would never do that again.
Is there anyone in particular you have learned from?
No
What things help keep you focused on the work at hand?
My wife waving a big stick, coffee and cigarettes ;)