Interview
Cameron Moll
What are some things you do to help yourself into the state of mind necessary for creative work?
I don't know that it's an on/off switch experience for me, but rather something that's always present. Bringing that presence to the forefront of my mind when needed for a project is often challenging, but I see the retrieval process being a somewhat subconscious experience. Perhaps it's akin to a seasoned piano player who doesn't think about the keys he'll press to play each note, but rather it's second-hand nature and fingers simply stroke the necessary keys. So I guess I'm saying it's an ongoing struggle to ensure I'm surrounded by things that foster creativity, such that when it comes to apply creativity to something, my fingers automatically play the right notes. Or in our case, push the right pixels.
Do you prefer to work in a closed, private environment free from other people and distractions, or in a more open, collaborative environment?
Both. I think solitude and collaboration are both critical to nurturing one's ability to produce solid work. To work entirely independent of others is art. To work creatively as a team, with a share of the work done privately, is design.
What do you do to get your day(s) started in the right direction?
If only it were that easy. Maybe it is for some. But I don't have a creativity exercise regimen per se to begin my day. Perhaps I should. But I'm usually helping get kids ready for school, cleaning up after breakfast spills, and then I'm off to work where the day usually begins at full throttle. So perhaps in my case, getting my day started in the right direction requires that I first take care of things at home so that I can then focus on the day's work the minute I step through the door.
What things tend to disrupt your workflow?
IM, email, and RSS. The very things I depend on to get things done :D
What previous experiences have influenced your workflow?
Honestly, IMO there's no better way to improve one's workflow than to work alongside someone who's mastered workflow. Being in their presence for just one day will teach one more than several days' reading of books, blogs, and the like. So some of the most enjoyable workflow experiences I've had have come at the feet of great exemplars.
Is there anyone in particular you have learned from?
Outside of the industry, many. Far too many to name here. Within the industry, two come to mind: Keith Robinson and Jason Santa Maria. I've had the choice opportunity of working with both on a number of projects, and they're both raging machines that manage workflow really well. I'd have Keith on staff as a design/project manager any day, as he's well-organized, amiable, and takes ownership of the client relationship like few others I've seen. Jason, does nothing of the sort. He's lazy beyond reason. Actually, no, I'm kidding. Jason not only has design chops but workflow chops, too. He stays on top of a project, adequately alters his flow when the project requires adjustments, and is always enthusiastic. In fact, I'd even go as far as to suggest enthusiasm plays a key role in workflow -- it's tough to get things done without it.
What things help keep you focused on the work at hand?
Solo time, balance, and deadlines. Solo time - I find I'm most productive when, following meetings and team collaboration, I can don the headphones, bury my head in a PSD or text editor, and hammer out some solid work. Balance - A good workflow for me is mixture of sprints and marathons (figuratively), and realizing when and where each is needed on a project. Deadlines - There's no better way to focus one's work than a deadline tomorrow at 8am, is there?