Interview with Noémi Blom

Khayrun Gure: Why did you choose to join the Promotions team rather than the Editorial or Management teams?

Noémi Blom: There are many reasons that made me choose the Promotions team rather than the other two. I have both working and volunteer experience in all three, but I believe that Promotions was the area in which there was the most room for learning. I was already comfortable with Social Media management, event planning, and website building, but I was very curious to learn more about distribution and layout. Furthermore, my internship at the Salon du livre de l’Estrie (a Quebec-based bookfair) ignited in me a passion for the promotion of literacy. This is something that I want to actively do post-graduation, and I felt as though joining the promotions team was the closest I could get to putting this into practice.

KG: What were some challenges you encountered in your role in Tessellate?

NB: As the Art & Layout Coordinator, I had a lot on my plate, but I managed to stay on top of my tasks and meet all my deadlines fairly well. I think where I struggled the most was explaining instructions and requests clearly and concisely. I am a visual person, so my preference is to be able to point and show others what I mean, and I did a lot of this over the course of the semester, whether it be with my classmates or the designer. However, there were some moments that were conducted strictly through emails, which eliminates a lot of the visual aids that in-person meetings can provide. Plus, being new to layout, I was not familiar with all of the terminology! I’ve had to re-explain myself a few times, but I learned each time and communication with the various team members became easier and more efficient.

KG: Are there any publications that inspire you?

NB: Oh… this is a tough one. I don’t think I can name just one! So many have influenced me, notably the ones that I had a chance to write for or work on (Bandersnatch, Locus, etc.). Still, I’m the type of person who is very detail oriented; no matter the work I’m reading—a magazine, a novel, an article—I look at more than just the content. I assess the writing, the design choices, the cover, and so much more. In short, I learn and find inspiration in every publication that I come across!

KG: Do you prefer ebooks, print, or audiobooks? Or all?

NB: I’ve always preferred print books. The look, feel, and smell of books is only a small part of why. Another reason is the ability to keep them on my bookshelf and to pull them out when they’re needed: referring to them for formatting, lending them to a friend, etc. However, the main reason is because at the end of the day, when I have time to read, I want to step away from a screen! I spend all day in front of one and reading print books is a great way to take a break from the devices that our lives revolve around these days!

KG: Do you have a book that you have read more than once?

NB: Yes… but only three (other than comic books and graphic novels). The first one is The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, the second is Carry On by Rainbow Rowell, and the third is Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh.

KG: What do you require in a room to stay focused?

NB: All I need is some good music, a comfortable seat, and good lighting!