Tools of the Trade is an AgencySpy feature to help highlight the many tools that help make advertising and marketing folks successful. The tools can be anything that helps people perform at their top form, from a favorite drafting table to the best software program to a lucky pen, a vintage typewriter or a pair of headphones.
Next up is Leila Gatera, senior graphic designer at Anomaly.
Leila Gatera of Anomaly shows off her stylish and game-changing headphones.
What is one tool you use all the time at work, and how does it inspire your work?
My wireless headphones—Seinheiser PCX 550-II.
Why is it your favorite?
As a very social person, when I put my headphones on it helps me get in the zone to get s*** done. I’m constantly listening to music or podcasts (shout out Spotify for letting me know just how obsessed I am…for real) and also, being from Canada originally, they’re very useful for keeping my ears warm during the cold months. Music has always been important to me and a great regulator of all the moods I can be in, so I often just need to put the right playlist on and my day will be guaranteed to be that much better. They’re as useful as any other tool I need to use to get in my creative zone and design my artworks effectively.
How did you acquire your tool or hear about it for the first time?
After some thorough research and comparison of different headphones, I decided to splurge on myself and get those. Four years later, still no regrets.
How does it help you be successful?
Being in a high paced environment and industry, I need to be able to regulate my space to be as productive as I can be and enjoy creating. I’m doing my best work when I’m in my best mood, and music helps me with that. So, these headphones are definitely a necessity for blocking out all distractions and helping me focus on my work, from mood board images research to designing the best campaigns I can for all sorts of clients.
Does it have sentimental value?
They’re my first wireless headphones—what a game changer. I take them with me everywhere, especially airports.
Do you think your tool could go TikTok viral?
I mean…if we all knew what it took to go TikTok viral, the world would be a different place.
We want to know what tools you use to make you successful. If you’d like to contribute or know someone who would want to be featured in Tools of the Trade, contact kyle.obrien@adweek.com and fill out our survey.