Have you ever wondered what the people behind Paperblanks get up to every day? Did you ever look at a Paperblanks design and wonder, “Hmm, how would this look on my desk?” Well, in this new exclusive blog series, we are diving headfirst into uncovering what our staff have on their desks.
This week we headed over to the amazing Graphics team, who oversee the designs for our flagship releases. We spoke with our Senior Graphic Designer, Alicia, about the essentials she needs to get through a busy day of creating cover designs for upcoming seasons.
Alicia is also the first to be featured in our Vancouver office! For those who don’t know, Paperblanks originated in Vancouver, and while our head office is now in Dublin, we continue to collaborate closely with our Canadian counterparts to empower creativity and inspire individuality within our community.
When I spoke to Alicia about her day-to-day, she told me her primary focus is creating cover files for production. Now, most people (like me!) might get a bit lost at that point, but Alicia was quick to explain that this means she spends most of her time working in Photoshop or InDesign. She also develops concept designs and illustrations for special projects.
Alongside this, her day can include preparing presentation proposals, editing and enhancing images for journals, and working on our other gorgeous Paperblanks products such as canvas bags, pencils, puzzles, bookmarks, document folders, and more. Alicia also sits in on meetings to discuss and plan projects, revises test files, and applies final adjustments for mass printing.
After 16 years at Paperblanks, Alicia emphasized that a key part of her role is collaborating with the rest of the Graphics team by sharing ideas and giving and receiving feedback to improve files before they’re sent to print.
When I asked Alicia what Paperblanks products she personally uses, she shared that she has a mix of new and classic favourites. She uses her Safavid journal to jot down notes from meetings and sometimes quick sketches of ideas before they disappear. A key asset in the creative realm of graphic design? Pencils, and of course, a Morrris Pink Honeysuckle pencil case to stay organized and look good while doing it! At home, Alicia also keeps a bookshelf filled with samples of our more recent cover designs, such as our Asterix journal!
Other essentials that keep Alicia prepared for the day include her must-have hot latte with cinnamon, her headphones to listen to music throughout the day, and a fan which is crucial essential during Vancouver’s warm summer days.
Alicia also pointed out the sentimental items on her desk that are cherished for their meaning more than their practicality. First is a selection of journals she’s kept over the years. They hold important memories and remind her of when she first started at Paperblanks, and how our cover designs have evolved. She also has a lovely photo of her son that sits on her desk for a personal touch in her creative space.
From her cinnamon coffee to memorable mementos, we thank Alicia for giving us a look into her Paperblanks daily desk essentials. Next Friday, we’re jumping back to Marketing, where Diane shares the products she can’t live without.
For sure a dream job for any Designer
We are so glad you think so!