Congratulations on 10 years with The Martin Group. What has been your favorite part about working here?
Monica D’Angelatonio: The people. The culture. The flexibility. The work.
How has your typical workday changed over the past decade?
MD: Simply put, my typical workday has evolved from designing, to growing and managing a team where I delegated design tasks, to project managing the design, and now back to designing again. What has remained consistent throughout is that my work has always focused on design and problem-solving.
What’s the biggest challenge in your position, and how do you handle these challenges on a weekly basis?
MD: As a senior production designer, one of my biggest challenges is often being assigned to projects near the end of the creative process. This usually requires a quick turnaround that demands technical accuracy and adherence to tight deadlines. Maintaining a balance of precision, organization, and clear communication with the account manager and art director is essential for consistently delivering high-quality work under pressure.
Do you have a client project or two that made a memorable impression on you? If so, what were they, and why were they so special?
MD: I can’t pinpoint a specific project, but I have had great experiences working with two clients: Wegmans and Under Armour.
You’ve had a few days off in your 10 years here. What would your ideal day off look like, wake up to bedtime?
MD: A dream day would be a vacation somewhere warm—but I’m more of a homebody these days. My ideal day would start with waking up without an alarm, followed by a long, hot shower. Afterward, I’d run a few errands while my son is at school, toss something tasty into the slow cooker for dinner, and then treat myself to a relaxing massage. Later, I’d pick up my son, enjoy our meal together, and snuggle up to watch a movie that makes us laugh out loud.
It’s the perfect blend of productivity, self-care, and quality time with my son.
Finally, if you met someone who hoped to find success in a position like yours, what’s the one piece of critical advice you’d offer to them?
MD: My key advice for anyone aiming to succeed as a production or mechanical artist is to prioritize flexibility. While the role demands attention to detail, problem-solving, effective communication, project management, design skills, creativity, proficiency with specific software, collaboration, and a desire to learn, there’s one essential quality that often goes unmentioned: the ability to be flexible and adapt. This skill is not only crucial for standing out but also for staying sane in a dynamic environment.
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