“On Tuesdays, I don’t work” by Malwina Konopacka
In a conversation with Malwina Konopacka, a designer, I discuss longing for comfort in work, daily logistics, and the need for organization.
In conversation: Bożena Kowalkowska
Photos: Maciek Niemojewski
We met ten years ago, precisely when our daughters were born. For nearly a decade, I’ve observed your professional accomplishments, and I must say, you’re one of the hardest-working and most efficient people I know. How do you manage your time?
Fortunately, it’s improving. A lot has changed for me lately, and I can confidently say that I’ve taken control of my time. Work no longer intrudes on family life. I’ve had my studio for some time now, providing a clear separation between work and personal life. And I no longer work at night (laughs).
It’s interesting that you mentioned that because your night work system has always fascinated me. As I recall, you’d wake up in the middle of the night and spend 3-4 hours doing what you couldn’t accomplish during the day, right? What are your thoughts on that now?
Yes, that’s exactly how it was. In hindsight, I think it was complete madness and simultaneously the only viable option. I adopted that plan when my daughters were little and needed care. I wanted to be a 100% mom, be with them, and devote my time to them. Simultaneously, I didn’t want to give up my work; I couldn’t imagine it. Work is entirely natural for me; it relaxes and soothes me.
So, one could say you’re designed for work.
For the work I do – for my work, I guess so. Although I think I adopt a very task-oriented approach in almost every area.
“Ha! I don’t work on Tuesdays. I’d like to say that I decided it myself, but that’s not entirely true.”
Tell me about your daily routine, please.
If there are no illnesses or sudden situations with the kids, I work in my studio every day except Tuesdays, from 9 to 3:30. That generally sets the rhythm for me. I have about 1.5 hours alone; that’s when I plan my day, respond to messages – I value this time greatly. When the team arrives, we switch to teamwork mode, which motivates me a lot because I can’t afford to procrastinate anymore (laughs).
Once or twice a week, I work until 6 pm and usually drive to the ceramics studio near Warsaw. It’s an expedition, so I need more time to make it worthwhile.
The second half of the day is filled with family obligations. I try to make every day “something.” I schedule activities with the kids so that we have time to listen to something, draw, or just talk together.
What about weekends?
They can be a challenge, which leads me to reflect that maybe I should relax a bit, that maybe not everything needs to be done. I was one of those people who found themselves very well during the lockdown. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t do anything at that time, so I slowed down naturally and quickly adapted to the new reality. But as soon as the pandemic eased, I returned to my old ways and began planning again: this wall, that trip, an exhibition, or other attractions. Immediately, I felt it was a waste of time to stay at home. On the other hand, I remember the lockdown time very well, and sometimes, I dream of reducing our home activity. So now, I’m grappling with this issue and trying to divide the weekend into two parts: one day filled with activities, the other more relaxed and free.
You mentioned that you don’t come to the studio on Tuesdays. What do you do then?
Ha! I don’t work on Tuesdays. I’d like to say that I decided it myself, but that’s not entirely true. It’s just that various personal matters occur on that day, like tennis, which I discovered and fell in love with a year ago, or an afternoon swim with my daughter. So, Tuesday is my sacred day when I don’t reschedule or cancel anything. And even though I often feel that there’s a lot to do at work, and rarely do I manage to complete everything on my list, I value these Tuesdays.
Do you use any tools or applications daily?
Perhaps I should start by saying that I’m not a big user of tools, and I don’t even use a ruler when designing (laughs). I use daily planners that have a “daily and weekly perspective.” I note tasks I need to complete that day and create a list of what should happen during the week.
I also have other notes that are more casual and indefinite, but I don’t want them to slip away. It’s very convenient. For several non-obvious missions, like a costume for a kindergarten ball, I set a specific day’s alarm on my phone, and it works great. Recently, I discovered Excel, which I totally fell in love with. At work, we’ve also started using Asana to keep everyone up to date.
And the calendar?
I have two KALs. One hangs at work, and I’m using it more and more. I have employees, so I can’t keep all the information just in my head. Everyone needs to know when, what we’re doing, and where we’re working. We note our tasks and significant meetings. It brought order, which is nice.
The home calendar is for family notes. Mainly for the kids, so they can understand what’s happening, what to prepare for. KAL is a very minimalist and refined project, so we had lengthy discussions at home about whether we can draw on it or not. The children’s need to doodle won, so I don’t want to part with those calendar cards as a keepsake.
We talk a lot about work and home life. Where does pleasure or relaxation fit into all of this?
Regarding relaxation, I’m not sure if I need it in the same form as most people. I think it will be another stage in my life – when I learn to sit and do nothing. It might sound strange, but I relax in my work. And if I could work longer and more intensively without losing anything from my home life, I would gladly do it. In this whole professional history, what tires me the most is the lack of comfort in work, the constant hustle, and the inability to finish anything properly. And I like to do things 100%, at my own pace, without rushing.
But you know, for some time now, we have a plot of land near Warsaw, and when we go there, time flows differently. Even if we go there for just one day, it feels like time stands still. And those are very pleasant moments. I feel that I’m experiencing life then, and that’s true relaxation.
“On Tuesdays, I don’t work”
by Malwina Konopacka
In a conversation with Malwina Konopacka, a designer, I discuss longing for comfort in work, daily logistics, and the need for organization.
In conversation: Bożena Kowalkowska
Photos: Maciek Niemojewski
We met ten years ago, precisely when our daughters were born. For nearly a decade, I’ve observed your professional accomplishments, and I must say, you’re one of the hardest-working and most efficient people I know. How do you manage your time?
Fortunately, it’s improving. A lot has changed for me lately, and I can confidently say that I’ve taken control of my time. Work no longer intrudes on family life. I’ve had my studio for some time now, providing a clear separation between work and personal life. And I no longer work at night (laughs).
It’s interesting that you mentioned that because your night work system has always fascinated me. As I recall, you’d wake up in the middle of the night and spend 3-4 hours doing what you couldn’t accomplish during the day, right? What are your thoughts on that now?
Yes, that’s exactly how it was. In hindsight, I think it was complete madness and simultaneously the only viable option. I adopted that plan when my daughters were little and needed care. I wanted to be a 100% mom, be with them, and devote my time to them. Simultaneously, I didn’t want to give up my work; I couldn’t imagine it. Work is entirely natural for me; it relaxes and soothes me.
So, one could say you’re designed for work.
For the work I do – for my work, I guess so. Although I think I adopt a very task-oriented approach in almost every area.
“Ha! I don’t work on Tuesdays. I’d like to say that I decided it myself, but that’s not entirely true.”
Tell me about your daily routine, please.
If there are no illnesses or sudden situations with the kids, I work in my studio every day except Tuesdays, from 9 to 3:30. That generally sets the rhythm for me. I have about 1.5 hours alone; that’s when I plan my day, respond to messages – I value this time greatly. When the team arrives, we switch to teamwork mode, which motivates me a lot because I can’t afford to procrastinate anymore (laughs).
Once or twice a week, I work until 6 pm and usually drive to the ceramics studio near Warsaw. It’s an expedition, so I need more time to make it worthwhile.
The second half of the day is filled with family obligations. I try to make every day “something.” I schedule activities with the kids so that we have time to listen to something, draw, or just talk together.
What about weekends?
They can be a challenge, which leads me to reflect that maybe I should relax a bit, that maybe not everything needs to be done. I was one of those people who found themselves very well during the lockdown. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t do anything at that time, so I slowed down naturally and quickly adapted to the new reality. But as soon as the pandemic eased, I returned to my old ways and began planning again: this wall, that trip, an exhibition, or other attractions. Immediately, I felt it was a waste of time to stay at home. On the other hand, I remember the lockdown time very well, and sometimes, I dream of reducing our home activity. So now, I’m grappling with this issue and trying to divide the weekend into two parts: one day filled with activities, the other more relaxed and free.
You mentioned that you don’t come to the studio on Tuesdays. What do you do then?
Ha! I don’t work on Tuesdays. I’d like to say that I decided it myself, but that’s not entirely true. It’s just that various personal matters occur on that day, like tennis, which I discovered and fell in love with a year ago, or an afternoon swim with my daughter. So, Tuesday is my sacred day when I don’t reschedule or cancel anything. And even though I often feel that there’s a lot to do at work, and rarely do I manage to complete everything on my list, I value these Tuesdays.
Do you use any tools or applications daily?
Perhaps I should start by saying that I’m not a big user of tools, and I don’t even use a ruler when designing (laughs). I use daily planners that have a “daily and weekly perspective.” I note tasks I need to complete that day and create a list of what should happen during the week. I also have other notes that are more casual and indefinite, but I don’t want them to slip away. It’s very convenient. For several non-obvious missions, like a costume for a kindergarten ball, I set a specific day’s alarm on my phone, and it works great. Recently, I discovered Excel, which I totally fell in love with. At work, we’ve also started using Asana to keep everyone up to date.
And the calendar?
I have two KALs. One hangs at work, and I’m using it more and more. I have employees, so I can’t keep all the information just in my head. Everyone needs to know when, what we’re doing, and where we’re working. We note our tasks and significant meetings. It brought order, which is nice.
The home calendar is for family notes. Mainly for the kids, so they can understand what’s happening, what to prepare for. KAL is a very minimalist and refined project, so we had lengthy discussions at home about whether we can draw on it or not. The children’s need to doodle won, so I don’t want to part with those calendar cards as a keepsake.
We talk a lot about work and home life. Where does pleasure or relaxation fit into all of this?
Regarding relaxation, I’m not sure if I need it in the same form as most people. I think it will be another stage in my life – when I learn to sit and do nothing. It might sound strange, but I relax in my work. And if I could work longer and more intensively without losing anything from my home life, I would gladly do it. In this whole professional history, what tires me the most is the lack of comfort in work, the constant hustle, and the inability to finish anything properly. And I like to do things 100%, at my own pace, without rushing. But you know, for some time now, we have a plot of land near Warsaw, and when we go there, time flows differently. Even if we go there for just one day, it feels like time stands still. And those are very pleasant moments. I feel that I’m experiencing life then, and that’s true relaxation.
