Date
Words
Elliott MoodyWORKING FROM HOME with Montreal-based studio Wedge
The Coronavirus has sent a shockwave through our industry, with studios, agencies and freelancers being forced to adapt their business and work remotely as we wait for the outbreak to subside. For number six in our WFH mini-series, we heard from Ariane, Justin and Noé at Montreal-based studio Wedge.
Ariane Leblanc, Design Lead
EM Have you got a daily routine going?
AL Not per se. I’m not a morning person, so I tend to wake up slowly – make coffee, eat breakfast, the usual. Ease into the day.
EM Are you dressing up for work or keeping it cosy?
AL It’s a mix. It really depends on the day. I have done half formal / half pyjamas for video meetings. Gotta make the days feel a little different. Ah!
EM Whereabouts in your home do you like to work from?
AL I chase the light. We have a more ‘official office’ that is very sunny in the morning. I usually move to the dining room when the light hits there. My kitchen island is also a fun spot. And my couch. That’s as much exercise as I get so I make the most of it…
EM How do you stay motivated while at home?
AL Lunchtime and cooking from scratch every day are very motivating. Then being able to sit out in my backyard is a game-changer. We’re lucky to have great projects going on, so that’s motivating.
This is not everyone’s situation and I feel grateful for it.
Justin Lortie, Founder and Design Director
EM Have you got a daily routine going?
JL Every morning starts with a 7 am run. It’s great because the city is completely empty: no cars, no noise, only the birds singing and the sun rising. After a shower, coffee, and breakfast, I start the day around 8:30 am. The routine is a key component for me, it allows the day to be productive and organised. Lunch at noon and usually a glass of wine to start the evening.
EM Are you dressing up for work or keeping it cosy?
JL Dressing is fundamental. I dress the way I would on any regular day at – from a nice clean shirt to my favourite light down jacket that keeps me warm on colder Montreal days.
EM Whereabouts in your home do you like to work from?
JL I sit at a low Japanese-style table that I built a couple of years ago. We don’t have a regular table/chairs set-up. This was perfectly fine before, but now after a few hours sitting on the floor, I’ll sit on the sofa or on a reading chair in our sunroom. On sunny days, I enjoy taking my coffee on the porch.
EM How do you stay motivated while at home?
JL I’m a very enthusiastic and positive person in general. This period came with its ups and lows, but most of the time I’m very motivated because we’ve gained a valuable thing: time. Less commuting, all meetings at a distance. My motivation comes from making the best use of my time. With a peaceful environment and a regular routine, I feel we can do a lot – including working on ideas and projects that were always pushed back before with the daily grind.
That being said, I acknowledge the privilege of my situation, it shouldn’t be taken for granted. I’ve had the opportunity to continue my work at a distance and I live in a bright and spacious apartment. This is not everyone’s situation and I feel grateful for it.
I like to pet my cat while I work. It’s a true luxury.
Noé St-Onge, Designer
EM Have you got a daily routine going?
NSO It’s funny how the actual context allows things that were not possible before. For example, I often swap the ‘breakfast step’ of my routine with the ‘starting to work’ step. It makes me feel more efficient. Like we say in French, “pas le temps de niaiser!” but coffee always remains on the top of the list. Also, I have to say my enthusiasm for plant watering has significantly increased in the last few days.
EM Are you dressing up for work or keeping it cosy?
NSO Always got my slides on for sure. But some days I like to dress formally. I know I won’t be seeing anyone, I do it for myself for the sake of making today a special day.
EM Whereabouts in your home do you like to work from?
NSO I really enjoy staying at home all day. I can see the light travelling through the apartment and bringing a warm feeling of approaching summer. I like to pet my cat while I work. It’s a true luxury.
EM How do you stay motivated while at home?
NSO I’m really lucky that my job provides me with a strong sense of accomplishment. But going outside for a beer in the sunny afternoon helps a lot.
| Contributor | |
| Share |