Calin Balea

UI, UX, and Brand Design Partner for Startups

Issue #456 November 2, 2024

About

Calin Balea has over a decade of experience in helping startups create standout software experiences.

He is the founder and designer of Contrast Studio, a design studio helping early-stage companies fast-track their way to product-market fit.

Photos

6 images

Gear

9 items

Monitor Arm Dell monitor arm MSA20 Buy

Desk Ikea standup desk

Accessories Ergohuman V2 Elite

Computer Macbook 14 M1 Pro

Headphones Apple AirPods Pro Buy

Monitor Apple Studio Display Buy

Keyboard Apple Magic Keyboard Buy

Mouse Logitech MX Master 3S Buy

Lighting Godox ES45 E-Sport Kit LED lamp Buy

Interview

3 questions

› What is the most useful item in your workspace?

My laptop. That's obvious. Maybe the 2nd most useful are my airpods. They help a lot with focusing and communicating well on video calls. I have a minimal setup.

› How do you spark creativity?

What really helps me when i hit a creative block is taking a break, doing a workout and maybe scrolling Pinterest. This helps me recharge, and get inspired.

› What does your typical day look like?

I usually wake up, have a quick bite and a big glass of water and i start working. I do a work session in the morning and one in the afternoon. I try to fit a workout 3 times a week in the middle of the day.