Interview
Dan Rubin
What are some things you do to help yourself into the state of mind necessary for creative work?
It depends, and I still find myself searching for more keys to unlocking that state of mind, but: music (electronica mostly, stuff without many lyrics, repetitive rhythms, anything that can help artificially get me into that zone), more recently I'll browse galleries looking for ideas - I've always thought this was dangerous, because of the copying that might occur, but it seems that more and more designers I respect do the same thing, so I think that just comes down to good judgment and being a smart designer. Another thing I do is travel - I consider this on a small and large scale: small is leaving my apartment or office and going to Starbucks or some other place with people; large is leaving the area entirely, spending some time outside of my normal life.
Do you follow a strict daily (or weekly, etc.) routine with regard to workflow, or is every day (or week) different?
Every day/week is different, but that's more because I split my time between so many different things - I have a full-time chorus, quartet, as well as providing vocal coaching to local groups, and also producing and recording from time to time. None of this makes much (if any) money, so it all goes in fits and spurts, as the work does around it. Ahh the life of many passions...
Do you prefer to work in a closed, private environment free from other people and distractions, or in a more open, collaborative environment?
All of the above. It depends on my mood mostly (see part of the answer to #1)
What do you do to get your day(s) started in the right direction?
Shower. Tea. Sometimes exercise. Usually Advil (bad neck problems).
What task management technique do you use?
To-do lists. Lots of them. I'm part-way through GTD, but I'm easily distracted, and of course GTD doesn't tell you how to finish the damn book ;) To-do lists have helped a ton, and the more I use them the easier things get.
What things tend to disrupt your workflow?
Email, IM, Twitter, phone calls, birds, dogs, doorbells, car horns, random thoughts. The list goes on and on.
What previous experiences have influenced your workflow?
None really, except my own successes and failures. Having always worked for myself, it's been (and continues to be) a constant struggle.
What other disciplines influence the way you work?
Good question, not sure what to answer... so many influences, new ones added all the time - I observe a lot, and try to pick up good practices wherever I can.
Is there anyone in particular you have learned from?
Bryan Veloso... ok, not entirely kidding, but I'm not sure I can point in any one direction. Everything I do comes from so many places, it's tough to think of any one source.
What things help keep you focused on the work at hand?
Oooh look, a bunny!