Based in London, Gilad Visotsky is a Graphic Designer and has a masters in Visual Communication from the RCA in London. Gilad has been working together with HSMAI Europe since early 2019 on several projects. He creates striking and refined digital assets for use across online platforms, from still graphics to dynamic posters, print-based and digital publications, animated videos and GIFs.
Q: The last 18 months have been extremely challenging for everyone. What helped you cope with the uncertainty and stress?
A: What helped me cope the most was ‘accidentally’ getting to know our neighbours well. When socialising was banned during the UK lockdowns, we still had to take our dog and that meant bumping into people we didn’t know before. I think this socially distant community was essential to staying sane and happy.
Q: Are there any new skills you have developed or that you want to develop in the future?
A: A few things. I got into language learning; I have been spending about 10 minutes a day learning Japanese for 460 days in a row now (if you believe Duolingo). Now I seriously look forward to traveling to Japan!
I got exceptionally good at ordering food via apps. I can now predict food quality from the wording and photo choices. It’s all about supporting local businesses over here. 😎
I’ve also began meditating daily, no more than 10 minutes a day. I started that about this time last year – sitting in one place in silence, doing nothing
Doing nothing is a skill. Right?
Q: What skills do you think will become more relevant in the years to come?
A: That’s a good question. I think, in general, sussing out how we invest in online/digital services, weighing up the benefits of screen time versus face-to-face interactions will be key. It’s never been clearer that being intentional about how we meet, when and how we travel and ensuring we still meet in person has operational, professional, as well as personal, emotional consequences.
Q: The pandemic forced us to reconsider leadership. What are your thoughts and how have you adapted?
A: As a freelancer, I have benefited from clients who were willing to adapt and communicate their needs using the new communication and conferencing tools which have emerged. For example, I find it useful when I get an agenda in writing or a one-to-one chat with my client before we get on a conference call (I think that’s good leadership). I have adapted by making sure certain points are brought forward in these pre-meeting settings. Sometimes, also arguing for excluding myself from conversations if we cannot reason out why I should be present. As a contractor, it’s also great that we can work and pop-in and out of meetings when our input is required.
Q: The entire industry faces the challenge of attracting and retaining talent. Do you have any thoughts on this that you would like to share with us?
A: I love my work. To get here I have spent years making sure that I know how much time I need for myself, my personal creative practice, sleep, practicing self-care and that my clients know I see these things as essential. My long-standing clients appreciate this, I am more than a bottom-line figure for them. This makes me want to work with them again and see them grow and succeed.
Q: How would someone who knows you describe you?
A: Gilad is very good at a lot of things! His thought process is ADHD supercharged, give him a task and sit and watch as he comes up with some great, often left-field, ideas and a million and one questions.
Q: Where does the next trip go, privately or at work?
A: We are in the habit of finding hidden gems for NYE, I hope we can book something chilled and relaxing by a fire in the country.
Q: Describe a perfect weekend for you.
A: I live for window shopping. A coffee in the morning and then it’s off to see beautiful things that I may not be able to afford. Then, chilling with an audiobook, a good tv show or with some friends over board games and lovely food.
Q: Is there a book or podcast that recently inspired you and that you would recommend?
A: Only about 24… Highlights include Sex Power Money by Sara Pascoe (funny, witty, very good), The Mythos Volumes By Stephen Fry (audiobook versions are excellent), and White Fragility by Dr. Robin DiAngelo (I think this is a must read for anyone who’s working in international spaces)
Q: Is there anything else you want to share with us?
A: I am very excited for the upcoming HSMAI Region Europe events in January. The work we’ve been doing ahead of these events is a lot of fun. They are something you should be looking forward to.
