How Pomodoro Sessions Can Help Designers Work Smarter, Not Harder
Running a design business means your to-do list is never-ending. From sourcing furniture and managing client communications to creating floor plans and handling invoicing—it’s a lot. And with so many creative and admin tasks competing for your attention, it’s easy to feel scattered or stuck in procrastination mode.
Enter the Pomodoro Technique.
This simple productivity hack can be a game-changer for designers who need focus, structure, and flow in their day.
What Is the Pomodoro Technique?
It’s a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo that breaks work into short, focused intervals (usually 25 minutes), called “Pomodoros,” followed by a 5-minute break. After 4 rounds, you take a longer 15–30 minute break.
I found that a 45 minute work session followed by a 15 minute break worked best for me and I would do two rounds of this.
How It Works for Designers:
🎨 Creative Work (Design Boards, Floor Plans, Sourcing)
Creative tasks can be mentally draining. Pomodoros keep you laser-focused in short bursts, preventing burnout while increasing productivity.
Example:
1 Pomodoro: Mood board layout
1 Pomodoro: Source sofas and rugs
1 Pomodoro: Review selections and make final tweaks
📧 Admin + Communication (Emails, Invoices, Scheduling)
Set aside a Pomodoro block to power through emails, check client portals (like Mydoma), or send proposals. You’ll be amazed what you can accomplish in 25 minutes with no distractions.
Example:
1 Pomodoro: Reply to all client emails
1 Pomodoro: Update client timelines in Mydoma
1 Pomodoro: Prep and send invoices
🧠 Decision Fatigue & Procrastination
Sometimes, the hardest part is just starting. A Pomodoro feels doable and creates momentum.
“I’ll just do one 25-minute session” often leads to more focused work.
🛠️ Team Collaboration
If you have a team or VA, schedule a shared Pomodoro block to co-work virtually. You each tackle your tasks, then regroup after the break. Great for accountability!
Tools to Try:
Focus Keeper (iOS)
Be Focused (Mac)
Pomofocus.io (free online timer)
Use an egg timer or your phone’s timer for a low-tech solution
Pro Tip for Designers:
Pair your Pomodoros with themed days (e.g., Marketing Mondays or Finance Fridays) to align your energy with specific task types. This helps eliminate decision fatigue and creates flow.
Using Pomodoros doesn’t just help you get more done—it helps you stay present and finish what you start.
