WORKING FROM HOME with London-based studio POST

Ric Bell, Founder and Creative Director

EM Have you got a daily routine going?

RB Yeah it definitely has a familiar format but like any day it can change. I’m not getting my normal fitness regime in so have tried to do a bit more running which tends to happen in the morning. Apart from that, it’s NTS, toast and coffee (from a new machine I’ve had to buy during the lockdown as I can’t go to my regular places anymore). As a studio, we start the day with a video chat to see what everyone is working on that day. These have become the norm now and don’t feel as awkward as they did in the first couple of days. Quite often we’ll be chatting on Slack, sharing progress and then hop on a video call to talk about it face-to-face to keep the momentum going. It’s good to keep a daily structure so sometimes the last video call of the day is purely to say good night and see you tomorrow.

EM Are you dressing up for work or keeping it cosy?

RB I’ll wear what I wear on any given day, although I think I’ve probably worn more shorts at home than I would normally (out of view of the video calls). If I wore anything else I think I’d be too relaxed. I’ve had a couple of video presentations to do already and have dressed up a bit for those, again, like I would do in normal studio life.

EM Whereabouts in your home do you like to work from?

RB We’re very lucky in that we have a spare room that my wife and I can both work from which I think has been really beneficial as there is some separation from where we relax. There’s always been a desk in here for me to do admin stuff after hours but we’ve had to move things around to accommodate two desks. We spent a whole weekend getting it right, I think we could be like this for few weeks yet so it’s worth investing in your surroundings. It’s got a great view over our back garden and the gardens of the houses on the next street, it’s quite ‘rear window’ at times, watching people go about their isolation activities.

EM How do you stay motivated while at home?

RB Music plays an important role as it does back in the studio. I tend to get my way in the mornings and then Sarah takes over for a few hours in the afternoon. We have a dog which means that we have to get out and walk him which is good for getting some fresh air. While I do eat my breakfast at my desk, I tend to have lunch away from my screen and try to think about other things, or read (but not the news). The main thing that motivates me is hearing the good things we’re all doing at this time of crisis; raising money for good causes, helping neighbours, sharing resources, supporting others in the industry; there’s goodness out there, you just have to search a bit harder for it.

Charlie Morgan, Designer

EM Have you got a daily routine going?

CM Yeah, my body clock hasn’t let me out of my normal routine just yet. Still getting up at normal time but then using the extra time to sit and have my morning coffee. But let’s see how long this keeps up…

EM Are you dressing up for work or keeping it cosy?

CM Definitely depends on the day. On Monday you’ll most likely find me in my trackies. Mostly I like to still get dressed up and trick myself into thinking I’m doing something more with my day other than sitting around and going on a walk at lunchtime.

EM Whereabouts in your home do you like to work from?

CM I definitely dot around. I didn’t have a proper desk/setup for the first week or so – it was anywhere where my cat couldn’t sit on my keyboard. I did a bit of a stand-up desk for a couple of hours a day, then I’d migrate to the sofa or balcony if the weather was good. I have a desk set up in my hallway now, so I’m trying to do as much work there as possible.

EM How do you stay motivated while at home?

CM GOING FOR WALKS (once a day), and honestly just taking it easy. I’m trying not to make being at home feel like being at work, so regular breaks and having a healthy balance.

Harry Bennett, Designer

EM Have you got a daily routine going?

HB Yes absolutely! I think I definitely need a routine in order to be productive during the day. When I wake up the first thing I do is walk to the kitchen and have some water. I’m lucky to have a lovely view from my window, so when I’m having my drink I get to see the early risers walking their dogs, which is a great sight to start your day. I then shower, get changed and open my laptop, getting everything ready for work. Before I start I brew a coffee and bring the carafe over to the desk and have it with my breakfast. Then I’m ready for the day.

EM Are you dressing up for work or keeping it cosy?

HB I dress how I would for work, which is comfortable anyway. But I definitely need my shoes on, otherwise, I can’t concentrate. That’s the first thing I do when I finish, take them off.

EM Whereabouts in your home do you like to work from?

HB I work from the desk my house-mate and I have in our lounge. We got it from her place of work when they moved offices and it’s great. We share the desk, facing each other, but both with a view out the window to our side. You’ve got to have some movement in your eye-line when you work, even if it’s just the swaying of the trees outside.

EM How do you stay motivated while at home?

HB I’m lucky to have my house-mate with me, who is both my best friend and a very hard worker. We keep each other going, bring hot drinks when each other needs it and provide two ears to hear each other’s complaints and stresses. It’s a good relationship, it really works for us. It’s very insightful to have a fresh set of eyes to look over your work and put things into perspective for you once in a while.