↵

AMA: I’m Mig Reyes, a designer at Basecamp.

almost 9 years ago from Mig Reyes, Exploring art, technology and design at Basecamp.

  • Oz ChenOz Chen, almost 9 years ago

    Hey Mig, a big fan of your work, especially the HumblePied interviews. I have a question about motivation / getting things done.

    Often, many accomplished pros (including designers) would say that the best way to improve is to "just do it." I'm curious as to...

    • How do you practice?
    • What environments do you put yourself in to be the most productive?
    • What personal habits and systems help you the most?

    Thanks!

    0 points
    • Mig ReyesMig Reyes, almost 9 years ago

      Hey Oz,

      Thanks for the nice note. I agree with the mentality of “just doing it,” for sure, there’s no replacement for experience. But…

      In terms of how, which is a great question for everyone, I follow my motivation when I have it. Somedays, I’m not interested in doing work—or I just don’t have the energy. Other days, I can’t keep my hands off the keyboard. Here’s a couple of things I’ve noticed about myself when I work.

      Work when others aren’t. The early mornings or late nights afford me distraction-free focus time. These are often my best, most productive times. Plus, it helps make me feel less guilty looking at Facebook at 12pm in the afternoon knowing I either did some good work early, or am ready for good work later in the night.

      Work in unusual places. I like to work in other people’s offices, different cities, and coffee shops when I’m trying to explore new ideas. When my environment feels routine, I tend to feel stuck myself. One of my favorite aspects of working in a coffee shop is that I get the feeling of having coworkers, yet none of them know who I am, need to tap me on the shoulder to ask if I received that one email, etc.

      1 point
      • Oz ChenOz Chen, almost 9 years ago

        Thanks Mig, those 2 points definitely vibe with me (I'm working at a coffee shop now...)

        I like how you recognize when you have energy/motivation and when you don't.

        Cliche as it sounds, I find the advice "sleep on it" and "take a walk" to be supremely helpful.

        0 points