In this edition of Workflow, we have Dan Agostino, Head of Design at The Brand Agency Perth, talking about bringing the guitar into his workspace, and incorporating an element of play into work.
Workflow is an interview series by Balance the Grind to get a glimpse into people’s working styles and workspaces. If you’re interested in sharing your workflow, submit it here!
Describe what you do: I lead the design team at The Brand Agency here in Perth. I run one of the largest design offerings in Western Australia with eight multidisciplinary designers and a team of five specialised artworkers. I trained as a graphic designer and art director just over twenty years’ ago and have seen plenty of evolution and advancement within our industry over that time.
I am also a father of three boys – a six year old and three year-old twins. So life is pretty busy with never a dull moment.
How do you like your coffee: Running freely through my veins.
Device(s) you use: Mostly my MacBook Pro and the iPad Pro. Although, I am experimenting a bit lately with a Gibson Les Paul guitar. It can be highly distracting, especially when working from home. But it’s a nice way of bringing some calm into my day.
Describe your working style in one sentence: I’d like to say fluid and adaptable. Things can change very quickly, and in recent times, this has proven to be a skill I am thankful for. But I would like to think that I approach every job with an open mind of what possibility may lie ahead. I think every job comes with limitations and opportunities, and you need to find ways through the former to achieve more of the latter.
What does your workspace look like: Like many, I am currently working from home. The ‘office’ was a nursery, then a toy room, and now it’s really just messy. There are toys, books and stuffed animals everywhere. So really, it’s just like any other creative studio.
How does your workspace affect your creative process: I think we are a product of our surroundings. I also think it’s important to have an element of play in our design work. I guess, you can connect the dots.
Do you have a favourite playlist for work: Not really. I’m one of those people who finds it hard to listen to music and concentrate on work at the same time. I sometimes listen to the odd podcast, but mostly, I like ambient noise and the odd conversation in the background.
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