20 (or so) questions on how Oliver (@oliverlawrence1) works

This series of posts was inspired by Lifehacker’s How I Work series, which I’ve been reading for quite some time and thoroughly enjoy. It’s about time we discover how our colleagues work and get to know them a little better.

If you want to participate in this fun series, email us at info@linguagreca.com for the Word template where you can fill in your answers & bio (incl. site/blog/social media) and then send it back to us as an attachment along with your photo (optional but preferred). If you don’t like any of the questions, just delete them and add your own. Check out the previous interviews here.

Location: Norma, Lazio, Italy
Desired location: Between Cambridge and, say, Frascati. Or Como, I’m not fussy.
Current work title: Freelance translator, editor and (occasional) copywriter and trainer.
Desired work title: Same, but a bit more of the copywriting wouldn’t go amiss.
Languages you have studied or currently speak: I used to be a bit of a linguistic grasshopper, going through German, Dutch, Hindi, Basque, Arabic, Estonian and Swahili at very low levels before settling on Italian. And I keep studying English, my native tongue.
The project you’re most proud of: Among the ones I can claim publicly (i.e. apart from others done through agencies), probably the exhibition “Numbers, everything that counts” on until May 2015 at Palazzo delle Esposizioni, Rome.
Your current computer setup: Acer laptop with extra memory (soon to be upgraded).
Do you own a smartphone? No, I’m (home-)office based, but I expect to get a basic one soon.
Favorite time of the day: Late afternoon (for working). Early winter mornings, when I manage to get up (for the beauty and tranquility).
Favorite gadget (apart from computer & smartphone): Does my Mini One count?
Next conference/event you’re planning to attend: ITI conference in Newcastle, April 2014, although I’ll probably go to a travel-industry event in Italy before that.
How many hours per day do you usually work: I’m at my desk from about 9 am until 7 pm, minus breaks, although I translate for probably only about half of that (the rest being CPD, networking, emailing, admin, etc.).
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Generally an introvert (extrovert with the right company).
Are you an early-riser or a night-owl? Neither.
What do you listen to while you work? Often the sound of the neighbour’s strimmer (grrr). Otherwise, occasional prog rock or vaguely contemporary rock/pop (Lorde, Strokes, Dandy Warhols, etc.)

And a few non-work related questions to get more personal.
Your babies or pets, incl. names and ages: So far Winnie (about 7, adopted) and Cirillo (3), felines.
Next city/country you want to visit: I love going to England regularly, but apart from that the Baltics
Favorite vacation place: Venice
Favorite book: Too many to mention just one, although War and Peace and Notes from a Small Island were pretty special.
Favorite song: Rocket’s Tail by Kate Bush
What are you currently reading? A girl is a half-formed thing (Eimear McBride)

Author bio

Oliver Lawrence translates from Italian to English, specializing in marketing, tourism and creative texts. He is the first Italian-to-English translator to become a Chartered Linguist, and is also an MITI and MCIL. He also offers editing/proofreading services and provides training on clear writing / Plain English. When not at work, he can often be found with his nose in a book and a mug of green tea on the go. You can find him online at www.incisiveenglish.pro and @oliverlawrence1 (Twitter).