We’ve already talked about the importance of graphic design when you met Susan Jones. Now, we’re introducing you to Roland Basdeo, the other half of our design team and the man behind most of the social posts, videos and digital media that you see from Domtar. Have a question about photographing for print? Roland can answer that. Are you curious about designing for digital marketing and want somebody to explain the basics? He can answer that too. Roland attended the New York Institute of Technology where he earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Computer Animation, has knowledge of a wide variety of design software’s along with experience creating Video and Motion graphics for various social media channels and has more than a decade of work experience as a Digital Designer. But don’t just take my word for it. Keep reading to learn Roland’s tips for staying creative when working from home and see more of his portfolio.

Staying Creative While Working from Home

Roland joined our team in February of 2020. 3 weeks later, we were all sent home and we’ve been working from home ever since. Charged with maintaining his creativity from home while learning a new business, Roland has done nothing but succeed ever since. When I asked him how he’s staying creative and productive over the last two years, Roland shared these tips with me:

• Create personal goals and work on design or creativity that is just for you.
• Get at least 4 to 5 days of exercise.
• One thing I have learned is to Meditate during stressful days. Set aside 20 minutes of zero distractions to focus on your breathing and inner thoughts.
• Working with your hands and away from the computer can ease stress on your eyes and mind. Cooking something new is my go-to, get my hands dirty.
• Make stretching a part of your daily routine, your mind and body needs new challenges to keep it working to its full capabilities.

Mental health, physical activity and food. Makes sense to me.

Creativity in Action

I’ve spoken generally about what Roland’s accomplished, but let’s get into specifics. Since joining Domtar, Roland helped create our digital edition of Paper Matters Magazine.

He’s edited our podcast as we’ve interviewed Classroom Central, Field Notes and more!

And done more social posts than you want to know

I write all of this to make one point—when Roland speaks, I listen and I think you should too. He has the hands-on experience and academic knowledge to back it up, plus he’s kind of cool.

For more digital design tips, click here, and be sure to return to our blog to hear more from Roland.