338 - Ben Powell
Ben Powell is an Independent Designer and Filmmaker
Ben Powell is an Independent Product Designer and Filmmaker delivering best-in-class digital products & short films.
On the design side, he has spent the last 10 years helping the worlds best studios, start-ups & established companies turn ambitious ideas into beautiful, considered interfaces.
On the filmmaking side, he produces short, documentary-style films telling inspiring stories from the tech industry and beyond.
Twitter (X) → twitter.com/_powellben
Inside Ben's Workspace
Workspace Items:
- Apple Studio Display
- 16" Macbook Pro
- Sony A7RIV
- Sonos One
Prints & Artwork:
- Bubi Au Yeung 'Nerd Alert' model
- Mr Bingo 'Don't forget to have fun' headstone
- 'Done is beautiful' print from Offscreen magazine
- Ryo Takemasa 'Ski tracks' print
- 1976 Montreal Olympics print
- Owen Pomery camping print
Accessories:
- Lemnos Soso clock
- Ikea tertial work lamp
- Offscreen magazines
- Muji wire basket & clear stand
- Market X Smiley basketball
- Herman Miller Cosm chair
Desk, shelves etc. is a custom build, built by Vancouver Woodshop Coop & was self-designed.
What is the most useful item in your workspace?
It’s hard to look past my MacBook Pro, display & camera as they’re the core tools for everything I do. In a slightly different way, I find Mr Bingo’s headstone helps remind me to have some perspective when I’m getting anxious or too deep in a creative problem.
How do you spark creativity?
You know, I wish I had specific ways to spark creativity, it would make the process a hell of a lot easier! It doesn't work like that for me. I find inspiration can be sparked in the most obscure places and at random times. If you pushed me on it, I'd say music is a good stimulus for me, but the elusively is what makes it so gratifying when inspiration strikes.
How do you manage work-life balance?
Becoming a parent 18 months ago has forced me to be ruthless in my prioritisation. My health & family come first, and then my job. It’s always a work in progress though, and the balance constantly tilts one way or another.
