Interview with François Chartrand

 François Chartrand is a senior product designer at Headspace, so his job is basically to design stuff that spreads health and good vibes around the world. He also happens to be a pretty inspiring guy and a firm believer in the importance of pursuing one’s dreams.

www.headspace.com

General Question:

What have been the major milestones in your career?

Founding my own agency.
Moving to Los Angeles to chase a dream.
Launching Red Bull TV.
Launching the new Headspace.

Chain Question:

What would you do if you weren’t doing what you do now? Asked by Pony

Professional hockey player. I’m still waiting on my try-outs call for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Do you have any creative rituals? Anything you do to get the juices flowing when you’re stuck? 

Quick-fire Questions:

1. How much of your day do you spend working?

Most of it.

2. Where is your ideal work environment?

Dim lighting, the smell of coffee, smart motivated people around me.

3. What do you hope to get across with your work?

I hope people see that my work has been designed with care and purpose.

4. What inspires you?

Looking internally and externally. Thoughts, hopes, fears, dreams. The idea that I only have so much time before I turn to dust. Palm trees.

5. What's the secret to a successful day's work?

Getting in early and declining all meetings.

6. Is there anything in your life that you can't live without?

My moka pot espresso maker.

7. Is there anything about you that people might not know?

Before design, I played bass in a hardcore band.

8. What would be your dream project?

I already work on it (Headspace).

9. What is the most time-consuming aspect of your work?

Designing for different viewports.

10. What legacy would you like to leave behind?

I hope to be remembered as a thoughtful, kind, and honest person.