Where designers work
Some of you asked about where I live, what my office-space was like.
I move house/flat quite a lot. 15 moves in 10 years, or thereabouts. I’m currently back working close to family in my town of birth — Bangor, Northern Ireland. Here are a few photos.
Bangor from above, copyright Bangor Boat
Bangor castle
Ballyholme beach, Bangor
Bangor marina
What’s it like where you work?
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Update: September 2011
I’ve since moved, again, and snapped new photos from my home-office.
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60 appreciated comments on “Where designers work”
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I see where you get your inspiration from!
Gorgeous ‘relaxed’ hometown. Can get really hectic down here in London!
wow! you are tidy! I must admit I like to keep my workspace tidy or my creative flare gets lost in the mess and everything looks rubbish. Clear desk is a clear mind. I also use CS4 and a Macbook Pro.
http://www.jennieroutley.co.uk/photography/ – the top picture is where I work.
In the village nestled in the bottom that is, not on the hill where I took the shot. ;)
;)
your workspace looks so clean! I was just looking at my desk this morning and thinking there must be some really good stuff buried in there somewhere!
what a lovely town. it would be a nice place to think.
Very clean and organised, you must of had a tidy up ;)
My desk is covered with bits of paper, post it notes, sketch books, a mountain of USB devices (my favourite being the coffee mug warmer), my laptop covered in stickers, a small 15″ TV, a 22″ monitor, on average around 5 mugs of coffee with varying amounts of coffee in them, little plastic toys, pencils, pens, erasers and my trusty scanner “Bert”.
I could of missed something out but I only did a quick scan, there could be other things hidden away by the mountain of stuff.
It’s interesting to see you work from a dining room table? I had always envisaged you working at a home office, surrounded by glinting metal furniture with an exceptionally polished glass desk. Got that one wrong anyway! :)
Very nice surroundings
Is that a new MBP? How do you like it. I’ve had my eye on it since it came out. ;)
Bangor looks beautiful David. Your desk area is way cleaner than mine :)
The new digs looks sweet David! Love the bright wood.
My only experience in Northern Ireland was driving thru Belfast, to Windsor Park. Not the best experience ! Think I told you about what happened previously.
Here’s my workspace: http://www.brianyerkes.com/designers-present-their-workspace-heres-mine/
That’s a great photo of your office space, but don’t tell me that pile of books has always been there…sitting so nicely and balancing the photo ;) lol
It’s great to see you are a Mac user, like myself. However, don’t you use a Wacom tablet? I’ve been using one for so long, I can’t remember how to use a mouse.
I have a 24″ iMac downstairs, and use a MacBook for internet research, etc, so I can relax in bed at the same time.
Strangely enough, I was going to post a couple of photos on my blog next week, showing my kids using my Mac – training them early. I’ll let you know when it’s done.
I’m moving tomorrow and will be working full-time from home. I’m excited to setup my new home office!
I have a similar dining room table … Just missing the Mac. Is that a 17″? I have one on my never-ending wishlist.
One day…
oh my – your workspace is so neat! i work in my basement on a 24″ imac running CS3. i do have a macbook pro, but find the screen too small for designing print projects.
and there are LOADS of paper and books and magazines surrounding me, that’s for sure. i envy your ability to clear the clutter.
a question for those of you running CS4 – have you found it to be worth the upgrade? i’m on the fence… and would love to know your thoughts.
Oh, and I love that “unexpected waves” sign. Good stuff!
Nice workspace, like your designs.
Daniel,
I’ve enjoyed my visits to London, but don’t see myself moving there anytime soon. There’s a lot to be said for being five minutes away from coastal paths.
Jen,
You’re like me. I can’t stand a messy workplace. It creates too much visual noise, making me easily distracted, and wow, that seems to be an incredibly remote village you live in. Beautiful surroundings.
Marge,
Bangor is a nice town. No doubt.
There are around 100,000 people living here (I think), and it’s a 20 minute drive from the capital, Belfast.
Mark,
USB coffee mug warmer? Nice. I can imagine that takes a fair bit of powering though. The dining table is temporary, as I’ve just moved into a new home, and haven’t been able to arrange everything as I’d like. I’ll probably shift myself onto the first floor, where I can look out over the rugby field that’s beside me.
Matt,
It is one of the new MBPs. 2.66GHz, 4GB ram, 320GB hard drive. Needless to say, I’m very impressed.
Jin,
There are so many beautiful areas around here, it’s hard not to find inspiration. If you’re ever on the emerald isle, do let me know.
Brian,
It’s a gorgeous oak table, first class, so I’m glad you like. I remember you telling me about your Windsor Park excursion. Thankfully the mood has changed significantly here over the past decade. Liking your dual monitor setup, and glad to see the window beside your desk (there are two glass doors beside the table I’m at).
Andrew,
The books came with the table. ;)
I’ve not used a tablet before. I’m guessing you’d recommend one? I was thinking of buying a cinema screen to use with my MBP, but to be honest, as the majority of my work is with logo design, I really don’t need any more screen inches.
Rob,
It’s the 15.4 inch screen. I was eyeing up the 17 inch, but thought it’d be a little too big for carrying about. Glad you appreciated the wave warning. Thought it was a good’un.
freddygirl,
If I worked on more print projects, I’d hook my Macbook up to a large display. For sure. As for CS4, I was previously running CS2, so I my software was certainly due a little attention. Whether it’s worth upgrading from CS3, maybe someone else can give a better insight?
Ahh- you managed to find a few photos, when it wasn’t raining. ;o).
And where oh where is pickie pool, and the pickie puffer. That’s the highlight of Bangor! (we went there often as children, as my aunt lives in Conlig).
As other’s have said, majorly impressed with the tidyness. I guess you are either one way or the other, my workstation is way too messy to even dare posting a photo.
Oh you have the new Pentagram book!! Do you like it? I like looking through their logo portfolio; very inspiring.
My workspace is filled with books (though not enough imo) and Comm Arts magazines. It’s kinda messy, but I can find what I need! No windows nearby though :( Your workspace looks very refreshing. And congrats on your new place!
Great post, David! It is always interesting to see the work spaces of other designers. Your hometown is also very historic looking and inspiring.
You know, what, David? The places you choose to live in really reflect the person you are. At least, that’s the impression I get. What a beautiful city you live in. I can’t imagine living not near water. Though it looks like you don’t have much mountains there, do you? I need to see the mountains as much as I need to be near water, no wonder I live in Vancouver, eh? ;)
Congrats with your new place, love the oak table and how everything is so neat and organized even though you’ve just moved in. Perhaps one day you’ll move into that majestic palace, David? :) Look forward to see more pictures of your office after you settle in.
That’s a very nice environment, David.
I do hope you’re putting something under the paper you’re drawing/writing on so you don’t scar that lovely wood tabletop. (sorry – it’s the mother in me) marge
How lucky you are to live in such a beautiful place, I would be inspired by living there.
@ David Airey
Yeah, I wouldn’t be without one, they’re just so much more accurate than even a mighty-mouse! I would recommend a Wacom A4 sized tablet, it’s a good size to work with. They take a lot of getting used to, but even my 4 year old son uses mine, so they’re also quite intuitive.
Hi David, hope you’re still in enjoying being back home – I miss it. That coastal path is something else. I’m over for a visit end of April, can’t wait! Do you miss Scotland, haggis n all?
I’m sure that new MacBook flies along, but I prefer the look of the previous model. I’ll be tempted to a new one before long though…
Question for you: what tools do you use to organise & plan your work schedule? Maybe an idea for a blog post!
David and Freddygirl, you ask if it’s worth going from CS3 to CS4. I would certainly say it is. I have worked on every version of the creative suite (and have been a fan of adobe since long before that, even.) I don’t want to start any religious wars here by mentioning that I am primarily a PC user, but my perspective is from the PC version of the software.
Moving from CS2 to CS3 felt mostly cosmetic to me. There were some nice features added into both Illustrator, Photoshop and Flash, but nothing that I use on a day-to-day basis.
I upgraded from CS3 to CS4 a few weeks after the release, and I was very impressed. Again, there are a few cosmetics which are nice, but the major differences are in the most important features, and some great new additions.
As for the Wacom tablet… I own one, too. I used to use it a lot when I was doing photomanipulation and touch-up work, but I tried to use it a few times in Illustrator while making logos, and I just couldn’t do it. I feel that I have more control over the Pen tool with my 1600-DPI mouse.
I would still suggest seeing if you can borrow one from somebody to try it out. There are just so many people who swear by them- even when doing very precise logo work, that it can’t be a terrible idea.
I also love your space! It’s so bright and beautiful. I feel as though I work in a cave. I never get any direct sunlight in my work area, so it can be very difficult to relax and concentrate.
I just noticed the book in LOGODESIGNLOVE is the book you have on your desk ! :P
Clean desk though. Very tidy person indeed.
Cheers.
How can you archive such beautiful results on such a boring ‘desk’? Impressive :-)
Good ole Bangor beach, just doesn’t have the same effect as Malibu beach or elsewhere :-)
Mines very similar, mac book pro, a notepad and wherever I decide to setup for the day (kitchen, coffee shop, shared office). And working out of Belfast, just down the road.
What a beautiful, beautiful town! The beach photo looks amazing to me. I’m gonna move there someday. I’ve just made that promise to myself!
And your working space looks very earthy, basic, simple and neat. I have a feeling you’re into feng shui ;)
Wow!! looks quiet ,clean n peacefull.It reflects on ur logos too,very clean n simple.
Paul,
Yep, maybe at least one rain shot would’ve been more appropriate, and I thought about showing Pickie fun park (oh the days!).
Lauren,
As you can tell from the Logo Design Love photos, the Pentagram book is quite small, but then good things come in small packages, and I think it’s a great showcase. Gotta have a window near where I work. It makes such a difference to me.
Vivien,
No mountains nearby, but plenty of hills, which is consolation. The nearest mountain range is the Mournes, in the same county, with the highest peak being 850 metres (probably insignificant to where you are though). I’ll be sure to post more photos of my office-space once settled.
Andrew,
As Anna says, I’ll see if I can borrow a tablet for a while, and give it a test.
Steve,
That is a good idea for a blog post (tools used to organise), thanks, and I actually don’t miss Scotland as much as I thought. It’s always just a 35 minute flight away though. Any plans to come back here in future, or are you over there for the long haul?
Anna,
You can create professional work no matter what computer you’re using, and my time switches between Mac and PC. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the creative suite differences.
Lee,
You’ll not find me taking a dip at the beach, unless it’s for a good cause. :)
Ian,
I don’t like elaborate furnishings, you’re right. Keeping it simple is what appeals.
Thanks for the comments, everyone.
Nice to see your workspace David, we have a compilation of designer workspaces over at a web design blog.
http://www.awebdesignblog.com/21-designer-workspaces/
Thats a very nice place, your office space is very simple thats great……
Cheers, Czar, and thanks for the link, Jordan. I’m always intrigued by where other designers work.
Congrats on a beautiful new home and workspace! I always love to see into another designers workspace and workflow. I think I’m personally the total opposite when it comes to workspace, I need a clutter free desk-space, but my walls are covered in inspiration and ideas so I always have my thoughts out there in front of me.
I tend to be easily distracted, so having my ideas for a project, photos, mind maps, and notes all up on the wall in front of me has been very helpful. Do you make use of any mechanisms like this, or just the sketchbook?
Patrick
It’s a very beautiful place, David. I hope someday I could find you there. Have a nice weekend.
Nice place, I am curious about your new home though….. ;)
Cheers!
Patrick,
I’m one of those people bordering on OCD when it comes to clutter. I still throw wet towels on the bed from time-to-time, and don’t mind saying ‘leave it to the morning’, but for work, I need a clear space.
David,
I’ll be giving some attention to my office-space once the last of the unpacking’s done. I’ll be sure to take more photos in the near future.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Here’s my Workstation: http://www.plcinfo.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/news/images/news/DSC05892.JPG
I think there’s a better picture here though: http://www.plcinfo.ca/news/moved-new-buidling
It’s where i work and i love it! It’s a little grey though but we just mooved, i’ll probably place some pictures/graphics on my cubicule :)
I completely understand! I suspect you can be very productive by staying so orderly as well, thanks for the great post.
What are your thoughts on the Macbook Pro? I have always been a PC/Linux user because of my I.T. job and programming background, but I’ve been using a mac for illustrator in one of my art classes and am really starting to enjoy it, as opposed to a PC.
David you are THE tidiest designer i’ve ever seen. First the perfectly drawn sketches, and now the spotless work area. Loving your work.
Looks like a great place to reside
David, nice, simple and clean. I try my best to keep my office clean as well. I find clutter to be suffocating sometimes. One day I’d like to visit Ireland. Last year I managed a trip to Europe, visiting Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, Florence, Venice, and Rome. I live in simple South Carolina, in the States, unfortunately, it is not as beautiful as your town. I got some pics though of my office up at: http://www.deskography.org/people/JXm924EXN/
you’ll notice one particular object in my office. I think it’s important to balance both “work” and “play” :)
Do I spy “79 short essays…” there? I do like that book. I’m glad it’s in my collection. I also note that you’ve got a copy of “It’s Not How Good You Are…”. My copy was given to me by the guys at http://www.wearethoughtful.com and it’s one that I would never consider buying myself but considering that book is so small and simple, the advice given in it is sometimes overlooked by many people and it’s nice to find it all in one place.
Do I also spy CS4 on your laptop? Have you found it to be a worthwhile upgrade to CS3?
Even though I’m not personally a fan of Apple computers, it’s amazing how minimalist they can be compared to my own PC. I have wires coming out of every place possible and it’d be nice to be able to just get up and go somewhere else but there’s no chance of me lugging around a tower and a 22″ monitor. Do you always work from your laptop or do you also have a larger machine/monitor? I find it really difficult to do work on anything smaller than 22″ now because it gives me such a huge amount of space.
Are you married? Looks like it. :)
Patrick,
My first design jobs involved using a PC, and I make use of a Dell laptop too, but there are aspects of a Mac you just won’t find replicated on PCs. They’re beautifully engineered. That said, it really doesn’t matter what hardware you use, as ultimately, the software is the same, and the most important piece of the puzzle comes from inside you.
Abbas,
I’ll take that as a compliment, thanks very much, even though my friends sometimes poke fun at me about it. ;)
Paul,
Seems like you had a great trip around Europe! I’ve yet to sample Italy, but one day, hopefully. The architecture there looks stunning.
Neil,
You have a keen eye (for the books in my photo). CS4 came after an upgrade from CS2, so I’ve seen nice new features. I was a bit slow on the bandwagon, so can’t offer any thoughts about a CS3 upgrade, but Anna, in this comment from above says it’s worth it.
I do have a larger screen, but don’t use it very often. As the majority of my work is logo design, I find working from a laptop perfectly fine. There’s also the added benefit of moving my work around with me (outdoors, in cafés etc.).
Sean,
I might as well be! The white roses weren’t my addition, if that’s what you’re referring to.
Very minimalist!
If I were to show a pic of my current workspace…it would be my bedspread with my cat featured prominently laying on my feet :)
David,
You are exactly right! I read a book recently that discussed many of our profession’s tools as “pillars” and how early on we tend to hide behind our expensive gadgets and software. In reality when we truly advance and gain expertise in our fields most of the “extra” tools fall away and it’s only our necessities and inspiration from within that really counts.
David, do you feel comfortable doing design and graphics works with 13,3″ wide screen? Hehe, I may be wrong and you are using MB PRO ;-)
Ashley,
My girlfriend loves cats, and we got a kitten last year, only to find out I’m allergic, so we had to give her away. We still talk now and again, but she understands. ;)
Osvaldas,
The MacBook Pro suits my needs. Most of my design work is with logos, so there’s really little need for a huge monitor.
Very minimalist indeed … never trust a designer not to do a little art direction before taking a snap ;-)
Nice place. And excellent books.
Art direction? What’s that, John? ;)
Thanks, Alfredo.
Hi David, this is my firs post but I’ve been following your site (as well as logodesignlove) and your work for quite a while now. I’m a bachelor in Audiovisual Communications from Cordoba, Argentina, and I’m making a turn into the design business (although I’m not a designer per se, I’ve got a lot of art, photography, cinema, design and direction studies at the University).
I work as a Web Community Manager and Web Designer at the local branch of Intel Corp. and actually I can’t show any of my works due to confidentiality agreement (and that sucks cause it’s a lot of work that is never going to my portfolio). Well I just wanted to say hello; I love your work, your simpleness, and all the hard work you put in every design (and now I also love your town, I lived a year in London and I visited Dublin in the past but bangor…oh my god, I could find peace in a place like that)
Cheers!
p/s: forgive my english!
I am a big fan of minimalistic workspaces. Keeping all necessary information in the computer and saving paper at the same time. Because of a lack of space in my room I do not even use a mouse when creating my designs. I might be the only one ;) Thanks for sharing these lovely photos David.
Mariano,
Great to know you’ve been reading both my blogs. I can empathise with your frustration at not being able to showcase work you’ve created. In the past, I took on sub-contracted work with design agencies, knowing that I’d not be able to feature any of the logos in my portfolio.
Now, when approached by an agency, I tell them it’s necessary for me to withhold the right to use designs for self-promotion. It’s a good motivator.
There’s absolutely no need to apologise for your English. It’s superb, and 1,000 times better than my broken Spanish.
You have an extremely clean work area – wish I could say the same :)
Yeah, i wish i could keep my desk which is really a big granite table as clutter free as that!
Love the minimalism, David. My indoor workspace is cluttered most of the time; and full of distractions even when tidy. The great thing about laptops though, is by far the portability. When I really want to be productive, I unplug from my giant monitor, flick on the wireless, and go sit outdoors and enjoy New Zealand’s natural splendour: http://zygar.co.nz/dropbox/laptop-1.jpg
Great backdrop, Andrew. I’ve not had the pleasure of visiting NZ, but hope to at some point.
“What’s your office-space like?”
Well, my workspace quite similar to you. I always keep my workspace clean and in “relaxing mode”. It makes me feel more comfortable and enjoy while working.
P.S: Too “relax” would make you feel sleepy though :)