Interview
Mark Boulton
What are some things you do to help yourself into the state of mind necessary for creative work?
I go for a walk or a run. I've read somewhere it alters the way you think -- I've certainly had some of my better ideas whilst trying to avoid thinking about how tired I am.
Do you follow a strict daily (or weekly, etc.) routine with regard to workflow, or is every day (or week) different?
It's slightly different day to day, although I am much better in the morning. I guess that's what it's all really about. There is a lot of pressure on you to be 'efficient' and 'productive', but if this years hot productivity technique doesn't suit you personally, then it's a complete waste of time and you will end up not only less productive, but less happy as well. So, self-imposed strictness is not what I'm about really. If I need to do something by a certain time, then I do it -- I don't put pressure on myself.
Do you prefer to work in a closed, private environment free from other people and distractions, or in a more open, collaborative environment?
By myself. But this has taken a good few years to realise this. I'd class myself as a bit of a loner in that regard. I'm always much happier tucked away in a little corner of an office than to be in the thick of it.
What do you do to get your day(s) started in the right direction?
Drink a good, hot cup of tea.
What task management technique do you use?
I use a great technique: I write lists and then tick things off. Simple as that. I've read 'Getting Things Done' and a bunch of other books which I thought would help me get through my tasks quicker. Personally, they didn't work for me. Writing lists and ticking things off is about as simple and as effective technique as you can get really.
What things tend to disrupt your workflow?
My caffeine addiction. The web. The 4pm lull and subsequent need for sugar. The 7pm lull and the subsequent need for beer.
What previous experiences have influenced your workflow?
Working with a typographer who said that great design can't be rushed; it should be crafted. Wonderful words. There is such a need within business to stay on budget, deliver within the timescales etc. etc. The danger of all of this is we rush. Rushing is never a good thing. Only suffering comes from rushing: The product, your health and at the end of the day your business.
What other disciplines influence the way you work?
I grow bonsai. Can't rush that. I also go fishing. Can't rush that either. Actually, joking aside, I look to disciplines outside of what I do day to day to influence what I do.
Is there anyone in particular you have learned from?
Well, that typographer I mentioned before was my lecturer in University. Clever chap. I've learnt tonnes from a good friend of mine, Phil Wright, who not only happens to be a wonderful designer -- a real thinking mans designer -- but he was also the best man at my wedding.
What things help keep you focused on the work at hand?
Paying the bills. It's important for designers to stay grounded in the fact that our profession is about delivering a solution to a client who pay us money. True, that solution may be creative, but that doesn't mean we are artists. We're not. We are commercial designers. We do this for the money.