Patricia de Silva, graphic designer

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Where are you originally from and how did you end up becoming a graphic and web designer? I was born in the Philippines but grew up most of my life in Japan and now I have been living in Canada for the last 5 years. I became a graphic designer when I realized I would rather sit in front a computer designing or coding than spending another second trying to understand equations and memorizing historical dates.
How does a regular working day look like for you? I don’t hit the sheets until around 5 am which means I don’t crawl out of bed until 11 am. I read my e-mails and answer text messages in bed when I wake up – it’s my coffee in the morning. I then brush my teeth, have brunch and plug myself into my work for the next 20 hours. I multi-task between eating, designing, coding, hunting for inspiration, blogging, chatting with clients on Skype, more eating and designing.[/column] [column width=”29%” padding=”3%”]

The funny thing is, I don’t even realize that I need to go to bed until I notice the sun coming up. When you really love what you do, an hour feels like five minutes.
What’s on your to-do list?
1. Save enough money to go WWOOFing in Italy next summer. 2. Grow out my hair. 3. Finalize on my site’s logo as well as finish coding the portfolio section. 4. Bake a red velvet cake for a friend’s birthday. 5. Call my Mom.
What’s influencing and inspiring you right now? Hipsters. I respect and admire their ability to give new meaning (intentionally or not) to a way of living in that is different from the mainstream. Understanding the difference between quality versus quantity, a sense of style that isn’t necessarily unique but is a tribute both to function and form, knowing that less truly is more. Their attitude is what’s inspiring me to make better work.[/column] [column width=”30%” padding=”3%”]

What’s your top-tip to anyone who wants to pursue graphic/web design? You have to be more than what you will/have studied in college. Immersing yourself in other interests that are outside of your field is a way you can stay inspired and connected. I may call myself a graphic designer, but in fine print, I’m also a photographer, writer, social media analyst and a baker at times. Graphic design is everywhere. There will always be someone out there who will need your services.
What would you like to do in the future? I definitely want to travel more, knuckle down on learning spoken French, Italian and Mandarin hopefully by the end of next year, start a small clothing collection and bake more cupcakes.[/column][end_columns]

website: www.theshapeofthings.com
portfolio: cargocollective.com/gardenwolves