Benji Wiedemann is the co-founder and executive creative director at Wiedemann Lampe, a London-based brand and business consultancy.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

As a ‘creative’ by profession my answer might seem a bit flat, but the thing I like doing most in the world (apart from spending time with my two boys) is creating. Not necessarily designing, but creating: starting with nothing and ending with something. The act of creating is such a positive force and driver for transformation that can be channelled into absolutely anything we do – whether I’m cooking a dish with only the scraps I find in the back of our fridge or finding myself stacking stones on a beach to create a miniature sculpture park. Creating fills me with a sense of purpose in life, but more importantly, it brings me incredible joy.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

My first memory of being creative is more of being co-creative with my dad. When I was growing up he worked a lot to provide for us. He seemed to work all hours of the day, seven days a week. So we got to spend relatively little time together. But occasionally if he hadn’t left for work yet, we’d sit together at the breakfast table. I’d ask him to draw for me and he would fill my white A4 sheets with anything I’d ask for. From underwater scenes filled with sharks and octopuses (it’s actually not ‘octopi’ as I thought – I had to google that one) to complete safari scenes with lions and elephants. He always included his own made-up creatures too.

I was spellbound by how all these drawings just spilled out of his mind, through his pen, and onto the page. I’d take these papers filled up with black key lines to kindergarten and would spend the day colouring them in.

These moments of shared creativity helped my dad and I to stay close when he wasn’t able to be present. To this day I love that creativity is a force to bring people together, as cliché as I know that sounds. It’s no coincidence that one of my favourite aspects of work is being able to bring all these brilliant creative minds together under one objective and see where the journey takes us.

What is your biggest regret?

They say that the things you regret most in life are the things you don’t do. This idea has always haunted me – so much so that whenever I am uncertain about whether to do something or not, I tend to do it. Whatever the outcome, you learn from the experience – good, bad, or ugly. But saying that, recently I was on a ladder painting my living room ceiling. When I decided to step backwards off the ladder I trod barefooted with full force onto our large, bulbous cactus. This I regretted. Instantly.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

Easy – I haven’t. But I don’t see that as a bad thing. Experiences like heartbreak shape who you are as a person. For better or for worse, you aren’t the same person again. There’s a real skill in finding positivity and growth in these moments of pain. I’m not sure I have fully succeeded in doing this yet, but I’m getting there…

And then there’s always Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie.

What makes you cry?

This is a tough one – there’s too much to list here. I’m quite an emotionally governed being, so I get affected by the state of the world easily, and often. And since becoming a father this emotional sensitivity appears to have only been heightened.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

Increasingly less and less. I’m more interested in the things that I haven’t accomplished yet, rather than dwell on the things that I have.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

I do believe in an afterlife. It looks like this:

Our body gets absorbed into the earth and contributes to the growth of something new.
Our actions, values and beliefs that have guided us throughout life get absorbed into a shared social consciousness.

And that’s about it.

The time that we have on this planet is finite, which makes it so precious. I guess that’s why I have chosen to focus my professional life on culture – to help define the values and knowledge we choose to share with the next generation.

What do you hate most about yourself?

I’ve worked to reframe the vocabulary I use to think and talk about myself, and after about 45 years I can now proudly say that I don’t hate anything about myself. But, since you’ve asked, IF there was one thing that would be up there, it would have to be self-doubt.

What do you love most about yourself?

In line with my previous answer, I’d have to say the thing that I value most about myself is… my self-doubt! Doubt is a powerful tool for questioning and interrogating my thoughts and decisions, ensuring all my actions are done from a place of unity, authenticity, and integrity.

And I like my hands.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

My absolute favorite meal is Laksa (a spicy noodle dish from Malaysia), specifically from Apium Noodle Bar in London. It’s number 29A on their menu, or it was, as – heartbreakingly – the place closed about ten years ago. I loved it so much I started documenting the dish each time I ate it. I have hundreds of photos, so although I can’t sample it again, I can at least still revisit all those precious memories of times we spent together.

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Jon Hartman is the founder of the full-service, multidisciplinary design studio Wunder Werkz — part type foundry, part environmental design studio, and part public sector design advocate working seamlessly across materials, methods, and mediums. Wunder Werkz’s clients include countless restaurants (including Michelin Star and James Beard award winners), ten hotels, multiple of the “best”-ranked bars in America, and an entire neighborhood, among other projects.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

Seeing the world, hands down. I’m an extrovert through and through—whether it’s my wife, kids, friends, or even total strangers, I love connecting with people and sharing drinks and ideas. We spend a good chunk of the year traveling, and it’s more than just passport stamps—it’s about meeting people. Some of those strangers end up becoming my closest friends and collaborators. Connection gives you perspective – and that perspective? It helps you tackle the world in more dynamic, nuanced ways.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

I had a lemonade stand that had a large hand-lettered sign that said ‘Nead $$$ fore College’. People loved it and were tipping us and overpaying for lemonade left and right. It was one of the first times I realized that clever design paired with a compelling idea could culminate into something that engaged people. I was 16.

What is your biggest regret?

Being too damn rigid when I should’ve just admitted I was wrong. It took me too long to realize that being wrong isn’t just okay—it’s freeing. It cracks things open and lets you learn, evolve, and sharpen your game. There were definitely times I had blinders on, and looking back, I wish I’d dropped that ego sooner. Could’ve gotten to the good stuff a lot faster.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

Heartbreak hits in all kinds of ways. For me, the real gut punch is the heartbreak of losing an idea, a direction for your life. It’s that sting of a missed opportunity, the “what could’ve been.” The only way through it is to keep moving, hoping you pick up a lesson or two along the way. And yeah, fried chicken and a beer always helps.

What makes you cry?

Shrek 2. No joke. But really, I’m not much of a crier. Maybe when our dog passed—that hit hard. He was family. But what really gets me is seeing how fast my kids are growing up. I’m incredibly proud of who they’re becoming, but man, it’s that whole “long days, fast years” thing. Time’s got a way of sneaking up on you like that.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

Honestly, pretty fleeting. I won’t sugarcoat it—I’m the kind of person who needs reminding to actually pause and celebrate. As a small business owner and a creative who’s always on the hunt for what’s next, I’m usually looking over the next hill before the dust has even settled. Don’t get me wrong, I’m incredibly proud of what our studio does. But we live by the idea of kaizen—always improving. So yeah, I’m pretty much wired to keep moving, always chasing the next challenge.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

Nah, I don’t buy into an afterlife. We’re all just stardust, and eventually, we go back to that—one way or another. We’re here for a good time, not a long time, so you might as well make it count while you’re around.

What do you hate most about yourself?

My perfect physique, jk, jk. It is how humble I am.

What do you love most about yourself?

Probably my ability to learn and adapt. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to scrap something, tear it down, and start over just to get it right. You’ve got to be flexible in this life, and I’m proud of how willing I am to evolve when it’s needed. Keeps things interesting, too. Also, I can generally always find the humor in things. It has saved my ass more than once when I was in a tight spot.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

Probably the hardest question on the list. Working with food and beverage clients means I’ve had the chance to eat some unforgettable dishes from all over. Every city’s got that one thing I have to hit the minute I land. Here’s a little cheat sheet for you hungry travelers:

• Heebster from Rosenberg’s Bagels
• Bean and Cheese Taco from Yellow Rose
• Fried Chicken Bun from Elizabeth Street Cafe
• Soba from Owariya
• Sweet Potato Waffle at Destroyer
• Big Fish Burrito from Illegal Pete’s
• Pain des Amis at Du Pain et des Idées
• Pork Sandwich at Isted Grill
• Korean Fried Chicken at Hey Kiddo
• Langoustine Soup at Sea Baron
• Linguine con Granchio at Lina Stores
• And of course, two shots of Fernet and a cigarette at any bar that’ll have me.

Eat well, live well.

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Maor Ofek is the founder of SIDE ST, a brand consultancy dedicated to helping startups worldwide build their brands on strategic foundations. Based in the port city of Haifa, Maor also lectures on startup branding at leading entrepreneurial institutions such as the Technion and Reichman University.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

Traveling with my family to new places, preferably just walking around a city to explore new cultures (and foods).

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

We had this HTML workshop back in elementary school. The teacher was really enthusiastic and told us everything about the Internet. I built a terribly designed local market store (that was actually more like a poster) with a shopping cart moving from one corner of the site to another in infinite mode. I was so proud.

What is your biggest regret?

When I finished my bachelor’s degree, I was about to start a direct PhD track in behavioral science but ended up taking a different path. I got a pretty tempting offer to join a promising startup as the first marketing hire (which eventually got acquired). I always feel like that part is missing, and sometimes I regret not jumping into it before life got hectic. But maybe one day.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

It’s a bit of a cliche, but I start something new and exciting to focus as much as possible on other things.

What makes you cry?

It’s not too difficult to make me cry. A combination of good underdog stories with the right music in a movie is usually enough. But, of course, I tend to be more emotional when things are related to my family.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

Not long enough, but as a rule of thumb, I try celebrating only certain milestones and not every accomplishment. This allows me to really see those moments as really special ones, those drive me to pursue the next one on the list.


Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

I’d say that yes in one way or another, but if it really does, I just want to be surrounded by the people I love the most.

What do you hate most about yourself?

I tend to get grumpy when I’m bored, and can’t enjoy those doing-nothing moments.

What do you love most about yourself?

I’m a big fan of the process. I’m not afraid of the long game. In fact, I actually thrive on it.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

Within reach is a pizza with sweet potato and olives toppings. It is not near where I live, but my go-to favorite meal would be in Dishoom. Love everything in there.

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Kirsty Vance is the associate director of interior design at experience design agency I-AM. As an experience design lead, Kirsty works across hospitality, food & beverage experiences, even working on retail banking spaces. Specialising in creating branded environments, she has worked on projects with brands such as Center Hotels, KFC, and Sides, to create experiential customer journeys.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?
I should probably say something really clever here about shaping environments that make life better for humanity. While that is great, and I’d love to be doing that, like really doing that, having a sense that I was making the world a lovelier place to be… In all honesty, it’s much less grandiose. I love being at home on a lazy Sunday, playing some records, and spending all day cooking a roast dinner. I get a warm and fuzzy feeling just thinking about it.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?
This is really hard to pinpoint. I’m pretty sure I was drawing (scribbling) as soon as I figured out how to get my fingers to hold onto a crayon. I drew on pretty much everything. My mum had a set of table mats given to her by a relative that had a cork backing—this was obviously the perfect canvas for me to doodle on as a child. Those mats were a staple on our dinner table for a very long time, and I’d often flip them over to admire my work. The drawing was pretty obsessive (probably the symptom of being an only child and having to make my own fun) but my parents encouraged it, and I was labelled “artistic”. I did graduate to drawing on paper, eventually.

What is your biggest regret?
I don’t want to be boring, but I’m not really sure I have any regrets. I take a bit of a “F*** it” approach to life (am I allowed to swear?) I view regret as looking back on opportunities you had that you didn’t take. I don’t know whether it’s stupidity or blind faith that all things will work out, but if something has come my way that represents a fork in the road I tend to go for the risky option, and it has sent me down some really fun and fulfilling paths. I definitely look back on my adventures with fondness and a sense of pride, “you really did that!”

How have you gotten over heartbreak?
I’m not entirely sure. I’m not convinced there’s a formula that I can put into words. The passage of time helps. Settling into the emotion and accepting it as another part of life’s lessons. Heartbreak makes you reflect and analyse yourself, understanding your part in it helps…

What makes you cry?
I actually cry a lot- but it’s not all sad tears! I cried recently when I saw my best friend with her baby for the first time. Full-blown, couldn’t-even-speak cried. It came out of nowhere and took us both by surprise. I cried more than the baby…

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?
Not long enough. I had a conversation with a friend recently, who also happens to be a designer, about how short-lived that creative endorphin high lasts following a project. However, we agreed it’s what keeps us going, just constantly chasing that high.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?
Yes. It feels pretty appropriate that I’m writing this on All Hallows Eve-Eve. I’ve had some experiences that cannot be explained by science. Human beings have deep connections that don’t just disappear when you pass. It might just be a coping mechanism for grief, but it helps to believe you’ll be reunited with all the special people in your life someday…

What do you hate most about yourself?
I talk too much. I’m too loud. I over-compensate. I wish I could be the type of person who is able to articulate a message in just the right number of words and dazzle people with my succinct and direct approach. I just over-fluff.

What do you love most about yourself?
I couldn’t possibly say… BUT what I have been told is I have a great ability to put the people around me at ease. Essentially, I’m a people-pleaser. I like to make sure people are heard, and I take great interest in others. I think it’s a good trait to have, I never feel put-out by making the people around me happy.

What is your absolute favorite meal?
Haggis, neeps and tatties. Did I mention I’m Scottish?! I love it so much that I always make a point to prepare Burn’s Supper for my colleagues most years. I’m shocked by how many people haven’t ever tried it. There’s nothing better than watching people try it for the first time and see their eyebrows rise in surprised delight! There’s a nostalgic warmth that comes with this meal that just can’t be beaten.

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Spencer Strickland is the VP of Creative at Langrand, where he oversees brand storytelling, design, and creative strategies. His design work has earned international recognition, and under his direction, the team’s campaigns have won national awards. Spencer is known for putting his heart into every project, holding fast to what’s good, and embracing the question mark. He lives on a small ranch in the Texas Hill Country with his wife and four boys.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?
Being the house DJ of the family. I like playing songs from times past that feel and meet the moment—chase the blues away, get the boys to dance, or just slow things down for us when the day needs it.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?
Sitting with my mom at the kitchen table, piecing together leaves, twigs, and bits of earth we gathered on a walk—pressing them into a collage, placing each one just so.

What is your biggest regret?
My younger self might not agree, but I regret not leaving Houston for the countryside sooner. Being here now, it’s hard not to think about all the time lost to the rush of big city life. Felt like I was always on the go but never really getting anywhere.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?
Hard to say I’ve gotten over it. It’s more than just love lost—like the grandfather I never knew, the friend who left too soon, or seeing hardship in others’ eyes. Those pieces turn up when I least expect them.

What makes you cry?
I’m more moved by the things that leave me silent. The quiet after a tough goodbye, the shell of a place that once was, or the way the sky looks before a storm rolls in.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?
Joy’s gone as soon as the ink dries. But pride—that’s different. It hangs around, like a stubborn reminder, making me think I’ve got it all figured out when I don’t.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?
I believe there’s a gift and a promise beyond the grave. But when I close my eyes and try to picture it, I only see bits of what I know here.

What do you hate most about yourself?
When I rush past a simple thank-you or compliment like I didn’t hear it right.

What do you love most about yourself?
I’m unafraid to strike up a conversation, finding common ground even with those I’ve just met.

What is your absolute favorite meal?
The kind where everyone’s had a hand in the cooking, no matter what’s on the menu. And I get to fill up a plate, sit down, and we dig in together.

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British illustrator and author Marion Deuchars publishes beautifully illustrated children’s books and has created her own globally recognized style of hand lettering. Her Let’s Make Some Great Art series of art activity books have won numerous awards and have been translated into 22 languages. She is a member of the Alliance Graphique Internationale and a Royal Designer for Industry.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?
Simple pleasures: sharing food, conversation with loved ones and friends; being in nature and sniffing my dog.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?
I think my first memory of being creative, was daydreaming about it. My grandmother’s house was beside a former slag heap from a long-closed coal mine. Though it might sound bleak, the area had transformed into a vibrant, green landscape full of trees, gullies, steep banks, and mysterious holes. I loved playing there, it was always an adventure, and in those days, it was safe for a young girl to wander alone. I would invent a character and enter this magical place. I would hide messages in little bottles, carve into rocks, make things out of sticks and leaves, or sit on the edge of a precipice my legs dangling with jaggy rocks below, thinking about life’s big questions we still don’t have answers to. “‘Destined for art school that one”, my family would say.

What is your biggest regret?
I honestly can’t think of a big one. I don’t tend not to view any experience as regretful and I think perhaps a negative incident might lead to an unexpectedly positive outcome. If I have any smaller regrets, they’re around friendships. There were times, especially after college, when I was so focused on building my career that I may have been less present for friends who were going through tough times. In my ambition to succeed, I was probably a bit insensitive to what others were facing.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?
With difficulty, distraction, and a bit of pretending until eventually time softens it. I remember one time when I was heartbroken for what felt like ages—probably around a year. Outwardly, I seemed fine and continued with life, but there wasn’t a moment in the day when thoughts of that person didn’t sneak into my head and cloud things. Even in exciting new places or events, I couldn’t fully appreciate the moment. Strangely, I remember the exact day I ‘stopped’ thinking about them. It felt like a loss in itself, and it made me realise that we cling to painful thoughts without fully recognising what lies behind them. The brain likes familiar patterns, replaying memories like a repeat record you can’t get out of your head. There’s a comfort in it.

What makes you cry?
Many things, especially cruelty toward innocents. Loneliness affects me too. I used to pass a house on my way to the studio where an elderly lady would wave at me each day. I’m not actually sure if she was lonely, but the thought that she might be used to upset me. Loneliness seems almost epidemic in the UK now. I watched a program by Esther Rantzen, who advocates raising awareness of this issue, and I cried a lot. Some of the elderly people in the program had only brief human contact, often just with a food delivery driver or a care worker checking if they were still alive. It feels wrong that society has allowed this to happen.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?
In terms of my publishing work, the feeling of satisfaction doesn’t last nearly as long as I’d like. I seem to move from one project to the next without much time to appreciate each accomplishment, and I’ve come to accept that this might simply be my nature—a cycle of confidence and doubt that’s common among creatives. Reaching a mythical ‘breathing space’ where everything feels fully complete seems unlikely. Now, I try to think about being a bit kinder to myself, I can miss a deadline. After all, no one’s going to die and no one’s waiting on the edge of their seat—except maybe the publisher!

Do you believe in an afterlife?
Probably not, but as we have no proof to say otherwise, I’ll hold onto a little hope. I’m drawn to Miroslav Holub’s (immunologist and poet) writing to give me this. In his book The Dimension of the Present Moment, he explores a unique view of the afterlife. Rather than seeing death as an end, he suggests that we persist through our cells, molecules, and actions, merging with the world around us. We become part of an ongoing cycle; our presence endures in the air, the soil, and in the lives we’ve touched, forming an eternal connection. That sounds like a good answer to me.

What do you hate most about yourself?
Is it a bad thing if I don’t ‘hate’ anything? I accept that I have a few things I could improve on: worrying too much about others’ opinions of me, sulking, and occasional bouts of selfishness.

What do you love most about yourself?
Being a good friend; empathetic; being grateful for every day; not feeling guilty about treating myself.

What is your absolute favorite meal?
Any meal that contains ginger, garlic and chile.

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Ellie Hansen is the Sydney MD & Global Chief Growth Officer at global drinks experts Denomination, bringing 27 years of experience to the agency. She began her career client-side within the design teams at Royal Mail and Visa International, later taking on leadership roles in the UK, Australia, and the US at Landor and Design Bridge. Additionally, she founded and ran her own agency, Ishimodo, for 12 years.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world? 
Doing exercise with my family, and if it’s in an exquisite location – even better. 
 
What is the first memory you have of being creative? 
My sister will tell this story better, but at age six, I decided to create a large-scale collage made of differing coloured fabric. My sister remarked how amazing it was until her heart jumped out of her chest when she realised each carefully positioned piece had been cut out from every single dress in my mother’s cupboard.  Was I creative? Yes. Was I popular? Not for a while. 
 
What is your biggest regret? 
While moving, living, and working in three countries, meeting new and interesting people, I feel I’ve missed out on spending long periods of time with my family – my father, my stepfather (both passed on), and now with my two sisters and my mother in the UK. I do see them for short intense periods, always filled with laughter, love, and a significant amount of piss-taking.



How have you gotten over heartbreak? 
The two most formative heartbreaks in my life were when my parents divorced when I was 11, and when my father passed away when I was 28. I learned to create a shell to help me deal with any heartbreak or trauma, and to move on quickly – too quickly. In my more experienced years, I’ve realised the importance of going through the grieving process, whether for the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, or even a country, and accepting it before moving on.
 
What makes you cry?
Pure acts of kindness and generosity, as well as stories of survival under great adversity. 



How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?
My role is anchored in growth, so I always keep one eye on what’s next and the other firmly on today as I manage the creative response and team. The pride comes from starting the journey with new clients and helping them achieve their goals, and the joy comes from seeing the results. Then, it all starts over again.



Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you? 
I grew up in Thailand with Danish/Greek and English parents and had Buddhist friends in my life until age nine. One significant piece of wisdom a friend shared with me was that Buddhists are generally happy in life because they start by accepting death, rather than fearing it throughout their lives – I’ve always loved this idea. We can’t live this life hoping the next one is better. Instead, we should make the most of every moment and fully appreciate the one life we’ve been privileged to have.



What do you hate most about yourself?
Hate is a strong word for anyone, especially in today’s political climate. I don’t even hate other people — and trust me, there have been quite a few who’ve treated me poorly. So, I absolutely don’t hate anything about myself, but are there areas for improvement? Ab-so-lutely.

What do you love most about yourself?
I’m not sure if “love” is the right word—perhaps “respect” is better. I respect my ability to adapt to various situations and people, especially given my experiences living and working in three countries and traveling through 26. I’ve learned to make friends quickly and build a happy, prosperous life.
 
What is your absolute favorite meal?
I’d say Thai food, but if I had to choose between eating Thai food alone and Italian food with others, I’d go with Italian. 

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Katherine Carver is the author of Abandoned: Chronicling the Journeys of Once-Forsaken Dogs, which has been featured on CBS Mornings, including features in the: Los Angeles Times, Baltimore Sun, The Eye of Photography, Psychology Today, Animal Welfare Institute Quarterly Magazine, Modern Dog Magazine, AARP The Magazine, and podcasts and radio interviews.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?
I love creating a body of photography work. A creative life is a more interesting life. There is nothing better than having an idea find you and then deciding to follow the inspiration and see where your curiosity leads you. I felt this way with creating my new book, Abandoned: Chronicling the Journeys of Once-Forsaken Dogs. The idea for Abandoned literally came to me on a summer day during 2012, roughly a year-and-a-half after we had adopted our first rescue dog named Biscuit, a Shetland Sheepdog. He forever changed my life in so many ways—he opened my heart in a way like no other; he brought me back to my love of photography. My curiosity and experience with Biscuit made me aware of the dog overpopulation crisis in our country, and this set me on a path to learn more about what happens to these abandoned dogs. I began documenting the fate of roughly 60 dogs of various breeds, who found themselves in shelters or rescues in the Mid-Atlantic region. I first photographed each dog prior to adoption, and I then photographed these same dogs again roughly a year later. Written narratives accompany the dogs’ photographs, providing to the extent possible, how, and why each dog was abandoned. I also explore the significant positive impact these dogs have had on their human companions’ lives, and vice versa.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?
The first memory I have of being creative is during my high school senior year. I needed an art credit, and I fortuitously was placed into a photography class. It was an instant love affair—I spent any spare time I had in the darkroom creating images. During my last year of college, I took a few photography classes, with fine art credits waived, and I loved every minute of it while being exposed to a wide array of photographic artists. After college, I attended law school, and I promised myself that I would keep photography in my life somehow. Once Biscuit entered my life, he was the catalyst that really brought me back to photography, and I then began working on Abandoned, which took me over a decade to complete. I owe such a great debt to Biscuit.

What is your biggest regret?
I always try my best to live a life of “oh well” versus “what ifs.” I never want to have regrets, and I want to continue to always take risks and pursue my curiosity and dreams. Otherwise, I would be living a life of regrets.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?
For me, I think any type of heartbreak is akin to experiencing a grieving process. For me, feeling all my feelings and working through this grieving process is the only way to get to the other side for me.

What makes you cry?
Goodbyes, especially permanent goodbyes, such as losing a loved one or a beloved animal, are extremely difficult and always lead to many tears for me. I love this quote by Suzanne Clothier, “There is a cycle of love and death that shapes the lives of those who choose to travel in the company of animals. It is a cycle unlike any other. To those who have never lived through its turnings or walked its rocky path, our willingness to give our hearts with full knowledge they will be broken seems incomprehensible. Only we know how small a price we pay for what we receive; our grief, no matter how powerful it may be, is an insufficient measure of the joy we have been given.” Also, on the opposite end of the spectrum, moments of pure, fleeting joy can bring me to my knees. For example, watching my daughter work diligently towards a goal and succeed makes me extremely proud leading to tears of joy.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?
I believe the pride and joy of accomplishing a dream lasts forever, as nobody can take away one’s feeling of pride and joy when one accomplishes a big feat or dream. I can always transport myself back to my big accomplishments. However, I do my best to savor the present moment and present accomplishments, so that I truly enjoy the accomplishment. I am grateful for these journeys of self-discovery.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?
I am not sure exactly what I believe regarding an “afterlife,” per se. I believe our souls, our essence, continue to live on in some manner after death. I also believe that our loved ones, including our beloved animals who have passed away, are always with us, providing us with guidance if we are willing to tune in, be present, and see the signs from the Universe.

What do you hate most about yourself?
I am not sure there is anything that I necessarily truly “hate” about myself. Something I am constantly working on is always being open to continually learning and growing in any way possible. I am continuously working on trusting the process and trusting that everything shows up right on time, but perhaps not on my timeframe. I also look for the lessons when things do not go the way or turn out the way that I had hoped.

What do you love most about yourself?
What I love most about myself is the ability to follow my curiosity, dream big, persevere, and never give up. Abandoned is a testament to these themes. I hope through my dedication and efforts that Abandoned reaches and touches as many people as possible, as it is timely and casts a light on the current dog overpopulation crisis in our country. In 2023, in the United States, 3.2 million dogs entered shelters/rescue organizations; 2.2 million of these dogs received homes; however, 1 million dogs did not. It is my great hope that Abandoned will help raise awareness of this crisis and encourage people to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue organization. Additionally, I also hope people witness through this project that it is possible to follow your dream and bring it to fruition.

What is your absolute favorite meal?
My favorite meal is when our little family, including my husband, my daughter, and our rescue fur girl, Victory, goes out to dinner together—exhaling the day, being present with one another, spending time together outside, taking in the fresh air, while enjoying a delicious meal together at one of our favorite restaurants!

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Noah Campeau is a visual artist and creative director for Treatment Studio, a multidisciplinary design and production agency specializing in art and entertainment. Noah has directed video design for major global music tours, collaborating with renowned artists like Adele, The Rolling Stones, and John Mayer. He feels privileged to have made a career out of his love of art and design.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

Taking a holiday with my family in an exotic part of the world allows me to fully unwind and dedicate quality time to my wife and kids.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

As a kid, I would create elaborate medieval reenactments with my Lego sets. I had tonnes of knight and dragon-themed Lego. I remember getting lost for hours on end in fantastical narratives I would think up, curating intricate battle scenes with lots of fake blood. I have early memories of watching John Boreman’s Excalibur on repeat, which would have been a big inspiration.

What is your biggest regret?

I’m not really one to hold onto regrets but I have this memory of not taking up an offer to learn how to scuba dive as a 19-year-old backpacker on the island of Utila, Honduras.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

I ran off to Australia…where I ended up meeting my now wife.

What makes you cry?

The capacity of humanity to cause so much pain and destruction.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

These emotions stick around for a while, and I’m sure I will hold on to some of them forever. Most of the projects I’m involved in take months of hard work, resulting in a complex production for a high-profile artist. It’s always such a buzz seeing your own artistic input come to life on an opening show night.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

It would look something like “The Land of Take What You Want” Which is featured in a chapter of The Far Away Tree by Enid Blyton.

What do you hate most about yourself?

My jawline/weak chin.

What do you love most about yourself?

My ability to navigate society with relative ease.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

I love cooking Indonesian food. Beef Rendang is my no1.

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Sarah Moffat is the global chief creative officer at Turner Duckworth. Having worked at the world-class branding agency for more than twenty-five years, she knows the best ideas are either staring you in the face or hiding in the most unlikely of places – and she’s on a quest to uncover them all.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

Rituals. Little routines that ground me in the moment and help place focus on the here and now. It can be as simple as brewing a pot of tea, sharpening a pencil, lighting a candle, or wrapping a gift. When you spend so much time peering into the future, it’s important to honor the present.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

Realizing I could bend rules without breaking them. It allowed me to get up to a lot of mischief yet never get into trouble. It took me a long time to realize that creativity wasn’t just about art. I was terrible at drawing but when it came to coloring just outside the lines, I was a natural.

What is your biggest regret?

Regret often stems from wishing things had turned out differently. I don’t have a crystal ball or a time machine, so I don’t tend to worry about it. I’m usually distracted by other emotions. Anxiety has surged in recent years, but I always try to make time for joy.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

Time. Someone should bottle it up and sell it in a jar. It’s particularly powerful when used in conjunction with distance and perspective. However, the answer to ‘What do you hate most about yourself?’ makes it challenging to truly resolve this one.

What makes you cry?

Goodbyes.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

It’s directly proportional to the effort required to achieve the accomplishment.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

Not exactly. I think you live on in the hearts and minds of those whose lives you touched. It’s less of a “life” and more of a beautifully curated exhibit; some are privately owned collections, and others are open to the public.

What do you hate most about yourself?

My archival memory. I can forgive but it’s almost impossible to forget.

What do you love most about yourself?

My archival memory. It provides a deep well of emotional resilience (and useless facts). I am never not learning, which means I’m almost always hungry. Talking of which…

What is your absolute favorite meal?

One that is shared with friends and family. Good company can transform even questionable foods into a veritable feast.

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Anijo Mathew is the Dean, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Urban Technology at the Institute of Design.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

I used to be a voracious reader and read all the time. I seldom find time to read nowadays, but my new obsession is listening to podcasts. I find them to be almost as good as reading books. My favorite podcasts are Empire (the rise and fall of empires covered by two endearing historians. The stories are filled with leadership lessons), Planet Money (a quirky, playful podcast about economics), The Ezra Klein Show (Klein is a master of interviews and brings on fantastic guests), and 99% Invisible (Roman Mars and his amazing radio voice tackle pertinent design issues. The name of the podcast is derived from a quote by Buckminster Fuller, who taught at the Institute of Design).

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

Ever since I was a child, I loved storytelling. My first memory of being creative was when I drew Transformers and GI Joe comics in the 8th grade—story, pencil, ink, speech bubbles…it was a big deal! Since then, I have used my architecture, design, and computer science background to tell new stories—stories of design and technology. In 2014, I applied my love of storytelling to build my startup, an urban storytelling platform. Today, I engage visitors to the Institute of Design using our 87-year history, our beautiful new building, and compelling student and faculty projects as a storytelling medium!

What is your biggest regret?

Have you heard the quote, “An arrow can only be shot by being pulled backward?” I love that quote! I pull myself away as fast as possible whenever I feel regret or remorse. Every regret is a pullback to something greater and more powerful!

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

My one heartbreak led to the most amazing journey of my life. I left my high-paying job, got on a train to Mumbai, and started my first design firm with two of my best friends from college. While in Mumbai, I crossed paths with another one of my friends. At a time when I could not afford to buy a cup of chai, this woman became my pillar and inspiration. Today, she is my wife of 20 years. My experience of starting a design firm and the constant support of my wife led me to apply to the Harvard Graduate School of Design, become a professor, come to ID, and get to where I am today. There is not a day that goes by when I wonder what my life would have been if I hadn’t had that heartbreak!

What makes you cry?

Any departure, especially friends, colleagues, and family.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

A very long time! I love the adrenaline boost of accomplishing something and try to keep the positive energy going as long as possible. That said, I never sit and bask in the glory of an accomplishment…I am always on the lookout for something new. Every outcome is a prototype for the next one!

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

I am an agnostic. I believe in science, so things like the afterlife don’t make sense to me. That said, I am startled by how much quantum physics and science are starting to look like the Vedic philosophies and theories. Perhaps time is pre-determined and cyclical. Perhaps there is rebirth. Perhaps our forefathers were scientists, but their science was covered in mysticism and spirituality over time. Will we ever know?

What do you hate most about yourself?

I am not detail-oriented. I am a futurist and tend to think in metrics big and far. This creates a problem. I am not very good at seeing and managing things small and near. But the good news is I am aware of this weakness. Therefore, I always try to surround myself with people who are good at details. My closest partner at ID is my Associate Dean, an amazing detail-oriented thinker. We make a good team because we complement each other; I think big…he brings me back to the ground.

What do you love most about yourself?

I am a quintessential optimist. I believe a preferred state always exists, and as designers, our job is to move the world there (calling from Herbert Simon). I try to separate myself from the negative thinkers and the cynics. There is much negativity around us, and we need more optimism. I love that I think this way, and in some very small ways, I can instill this optimism in others through my actions and words.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

Anyone who knows me knows I love to eat. My favorite meal is a chicken curry prepared with coconut milk and black pepper, served with flaky Kerala porotta bread. It’s my homage to my heritage. I come from the southwestern part of India; a state called Kerala. Many of the spices we use today, black pepper, vanilla, cardamom, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and turmeric, came to Europe from my home state. This dish is an explosion of spices, color, and texture; eating it would be my last wish before I die.

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Alex Daly is the founder of comms+ agency Daly and co-founder and GP of Orchard Street, a seed fund investing in workplace-shaping ideas. Called a “guru,” “whiz,” and “wunderkind” in publications such as Fast Company, Business Insider, and Creative Review, Daly has “an innate understanding of what motivates people.” She is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, the industry’s “Crowdsourceress” (and author of the book of the same name), and a frequent speaker at events for designers, innovators, and big thinkers.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

Long dinners with my family. 

I recently moved from New York back to my hometown of Miami, and I didn’t realize how much being around my parents—and integrating my own family, husband Hamish, and toddler Jules, into the fold—made me feel so safe and cozy.

We cook, drink wine, talk about work (we are all business owners!), and then hang around after our meal, chatting about anything and everything for a long time. 

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

Listening to Nirvana’s Nevermind with my dad. 

On weekends, he would blast it on the speakers and we would dance around the house—I really felt like I was inside the music, and the mix of play and creativity made me a very imaginative and emotive kid.

Music follows me everywhere now (just check out my love letter to the playlist).

What is your biggest regret?

Not starting therapy sooner. 

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

Growing older and being close to people I love. 

The pain of first heartbreak seems indefinite, and when it happens again, you realize it will, at one point, soften or go away. So the maturity of growing older is a part of it, but so is the physicality of time itself.  

I also find solace in being intimately attached to friends and family during times of heartbreak. That can be having a friend on speed dial, or an evening watching movies on the couch. My husband once pointed out to me that being around people helps me out of painful moments—some people retreat, but connection helps with my healing process. 

What makes you cry?

Certain songs. A heavy end to a movie. When my therapist tells me it’s going to be okay.  The realization that something amazing might end. 

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

Not very long! 

Usually, when a work project finishes, I get a completion hangover and am ready for the next thing. I am sure that there is a better way to pause and feel a sense of pride, but I am also okay with being someone with no chill.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

Sometimes I really wish that I did, but I think that my view compels me to cherish things more. 

My grandmother passed away three months after my son was born, and there was something both so tragic and beautiful about how life works—none of this is forever, and my appreciation has deepened because of it.

Ten years ago there was a stunning article written by Sasha Sagan for The Cut about lessons on mortality she learned from her parents, astronomer Carl Sagan and writer Ann Druyan. When, at a young age, Sasha began to understand death’s permanence, she turned to them for reassurance. Her recollection of their conversation still makes me weepy. 

“You are alive right this second. That is an amazing thing,” [my parents] told me. When you consider the nearly infinite number of forks in the road that lead to any single person being born, they said, you must be grateful that you’re you at this very second. Think of the enormous number of potential alternate universes where, for example, your great-great-grandparents never meet and you never come to be. Moreover, you have the pleasure of living on a planet where you have evolved to breathe the air, drink the water, and love the warmth of the closest star. You’re connected to the generations through DNA — and, even farther back, to the universe, because every cell in your body was cooked in the hearts of stars. We are star stuff, my dad famously said, and he made me feel that way.”

What do you hate most about yourself?

I have very little patience :)  

What do you love most about yourself?

I think I put out a lot of love into the world, and I like that about myself. Because of this, I have found that many people feel comfortable being open with me—whether it’s sharing a secret, or something they have discovered about themselves and are working out.

It’s also helped me be a more empathic leader, and focus on the value of my company’s culture. 

What is your absolute favorite meal?

Spaghetti bolognese, with a crunchy side salad, garlic bread, and a delicious Pinot.

The post What Matters to Alex Daly appeared first on PRINT Magazine.

Finn Ross has been a pioneer in video design and media servers since the early 2000s, designing productions worldwide and integrating video seamlessly with other theatrical elements to create compelling experiences on prestigious stages like Broadway and the West End. His work with FRAY Studio focuses on pushing boundaries in live entertainment, particularly in projects with complex video design ambitions, often incorporating innovative technologies and leading large, multidisciplinary teams.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

I love being in a room full of people and working together to bring an idea alive. Most commonly for me, this happens during production rehearsals for a show. After months of everyone working separately in their various studios and having many meetings in between, we come together with the physical world of the show in front of us and start to blend all our ideas. I love this time because what might have started out as a simple idea can become a vast, nuanced, and beautiful thing with the input of many different people.

I also find the process of shaping an idea in time and physical space incredibly interesting. The power of video to accentuate, articulate, or heighten a moment within the storytelling of the show is amazing. It’s truly remarkable when the collective imagination and skill of video, scenic, lighting, sound, performers, and production lands delicately and precisely at the crossroads of music and drama. The whole process is dangerously addictive. You live in this heightened reality for the period in which you are making the show. Things like laundry, bills, insurance, and all the mundane aspects of life seem to fade away, and you spend your every moment creating something with other people.

After you finish, it’s kind of like a really big comedown, which is hard to adjust back to the normality of everyday life.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

I was probably about 12 when I first held a camera in my hand. It was a realization that even though I couldn’t paint, draw, sculpt, or do anything involving physical coordination to make something creative, a camera might be my tool to allow this to happen. From that moment on, I became very interested in how a camera allows you to tightly control composition. The singular view that a photograph presents, gives you, as the creator, an enormous emotional power to color how a viewer understands or sees the image you are making. Live performance has a similar quality; all you need to do is shift a few things around in the most simple of ways, and you have the power to bend reality for the audience.

What is your biggest regret?

When I was younger, I wish I had taken myself more seriously as a creative person and not continually believed I was an impostor. I feel like the society I grew up in was suspicious of creativity. To be creative was considered weird, and the school’s career adviser laughed me out of the room when I said I wanted to work in theatre. However, I was lucky. The school I attended had an amazing drama department, and I had an incredible teacher (THANK YOU Miss Wheeler) who gave me the belief that I could make a career out of this. If it wasn’t for this teacher, I may not be talking to you now.

However, I still feel uncomfortable calling myself an Artist. I am very rooted in being a Designer, and I feel comfortable in that role, but applying the term “artist” feels very different. As a designer, I feel like I use art to solve problems, but as an artist, the page is totally blank, and only I can fill it in. I am much more comfortable with this role now, but I wish I had given myself permission to inhabit it more when I was younger.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

Good friends and lots of alcohol!

What makes you cry?

Two things tend to make me cry. First, gross acts of social injustice where the system people are living in has let them down. I remember coming in to land at Heathrow the day after the Grenfell Tower fire had been finally extinguished and seeing the horrific charred remains of the building on London’s landscape. It brought tears to my eyes; it was a great big scar on our city and a huge symbol of how those in authority had let those they were supposed to care for down and weren’t willing to be held to account or blame.

The next and more cheerful stimulus to tears is random acts of beauty. When I read about the two gay penguins at Sydney Zoo and how one of them had passed away, and his partner and the colony had sung in sadness at the passing, it was an incredible reminder of the simple, innocent beauty that could be found all around us, which is sometimes hard to keep in sight amidst all the cynicism and fear-mongering that goes on in the world.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

I do wish it lasted a little bit longer; then maybe I could do just a little bit less work and have a little bit more of a life. I think the problem with live entertainment is that it’s not simply a job; it’s more of a calling (or addiction). It has to be; otherwise, you wouldn’t commit so much of your time and give up so much of your own life in order to do it. Regularly working six days a week, 14 hours a day, can start to grind, but I also can’t imagine doing anything else, or maybe I don’t know how.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

I don’t hold any spiritual beliefs, such as in an afterlife or reincarnation. However, I believe everyone has an innate soul, and that gives us all the power to have an effect and create great change in the world.

What do you hate most about yourself?

Whenever I send work to a client for the first time, I instantly become stricken with panic and fear, continually checking my emails for their response because I don’t seem to be able to relax until I find out whether people love or hate something. I’ve been doing this for many years now, but I don’t seem to be able to get over this response and have the faith in my work that I know I should have.

What do you love most about yourself?

I find this a very difficult question to answer; I was brought up to be very cautious of having too much pride in oneself. However, one thing I feel really good about is that over the years, I have had many, many long-term collaborators keep coming back to work with me, which I find very rewarding because it must mean I’m doing something right! How else can you really know? What we do is deeply human. Critics and awards are one nice way to know you are doing something correctly; however, the fact that others find something rewarding in the creativity and process I have to offer is incredibly flattering.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

It sounds rather clichéd, but… filet steak from my incredible local butcher, fire-roasted potatoes, and spinach, all cooked on my BBQ with some serious red wine, ideally shared with my husband and friends in our back garden.

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Jonathan McGlothin is a creative director at 50,000feet, with more than 15 years of experience leading projects in strategic brand development, visual identity design, integrated marketing campaigns, print and digital communications, and art direction for clients such as Sony, Knoll, Motorola, and The New York Stock Exchange. His work has been recognized by AIGA, The Art Directors Club, Communication Arts, Graphis, The One Show, and The Society of Typographic Arts.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

Travel is essential to me. My most memorable experiences are the first few days in a new city. There’s a thrill of figuring out how to get around, navigating neighborhoods, and learning the rhythm of the place. I’m often drawn to similar activities across locations — coffee shops, bookstores, museums, and galleries — but always return with a restored creative energy.

For times when I’m not traveling, films provide a similar sense of escape and engagement. In Chicago, I live near one of the most iconic theaters in the country: the Music Box. It’s been a premier venue for independent and foreign films for nearly a century — and they have consistently incredible programming. On most weekends, that’s where you’re likely to find me. Even for films I’ve seen before, I enjoy being in a crowded cinema watching with a group. It’s also among the few times you can get people to put their phones away and experience something together as a collective. A few favorites include Hitchcock’s Rear Window, Godard’s Masculin Féminin, and Paris, Texas by Wim Wenders.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

One of my earliest memories of experiencing the strange alchemy of image-making was with my older brother when I was about thirteen. He was studying photography then and came back for a visit from college. We wandered around for an afternoon with two cameras: a 35mm Leica with color film and a medium format Rolleiflex with black and white film. We each took photos throughout the day with our respective cameras: portraits of people, trees, sides of buildings, close-ups of street signs and graffiti, fields, flowers, clouds, and sky. Once we finished our rolls, we rewound the film, traded cameras, and shot through the rolls again. Once the film was processed and developed, we had a series of double-exposure images that layered the different images we had each taken on top of each other. Some of the images were a distorted mess, and others were haunting and surreal. That process opened my eyes to a different way of seeing and the notion that embracing the accidental and unexpected is a crucial element of creativity. It also made me realize that art can be collaborative. 

What is your biggest regret?

I had long planned on going to graduate school. That’s the path many of my friends took: they were doing exciting work studying at some of the best schools in the country. Between getting my BFA and my first real job in design, I was accepted into my top two choices for MFA programs. I selected a program, deferred — and ultimately decided against going. For a long time, I regretted the decision not to go. However, as a few years passed, I recognized my time in the professional world as the practical education I needed to get me to where I am today. 

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

Running has become my way of dealing with stress, disappointment, anxiety — and heartbreak. I can’t think of a time when I didn’t feel better after hitting the pavement for a few miles and sweating it out.

What makes you cry?

I’m not nostalgic, but music has a transportive power. It can put you back in a time and place or help recall people from past lives. The last few times I’ve been moved have been when listening to music — probably something by Nick Drake, Cat Power, or The Clientele.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

For anyone in the creative field, we’re accustomed to working across several projects simultaneously and conditioned to keep moving on to the next thing, often without a break. At our agency, we acknowledge the importance of taking a little time to celebrate some of these accomplishments — whether winning a pitch, creating a brilliant presentation, or discovering a new way to solve a problem — and then sharing it with the entire creative department. It’s a good reminder that even though timelines and expectations don’t slow down, there’s value in learning from what was achieved from successful projects and recognizing the teams involved in creating them.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

“Life is available only in the present moment.” 

– Thich Nhat Hanh

What do you hate most about yourself?

I tend to be on the serious side and could invite more play from time to time. 

What do you love most about yourself?

I have always been curious about the world and a dedicated reader. Since I was a teenager, I have maintained a discipline of reading nearly every day. I try to read various authors from different backgrounds and styles across genres and periods. This practice has made me more empathetic, open-minded — and generous with recommendations. 

What is your absolute favorite meal?

Pasta and wine.

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Madeline is a creative strategy partner and co-founder of Corner Table Creative, a female-powered content company, built for making memorable connections. Madeline believes great work is never done. Coming from a digital background, she approaches creative strategy and execution with an iterative mindset having deconstructed and reconstructed her favorite pieces of content over and over again to drive impact for disruptor brands and Fortune 500 companies including P&G, Rent the Runway, Heyday, Anheuser-Busch InBev, and Sweetgreen.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

I love getting lost in towns I’ve never been to. Although, I used “getting lost” loosely because I am a planner. Before touching down in that town, I likely have already hearted the cafes, wine bars, and local shops that interest me the most on Google Maps. 

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

Growing up I was always inspired by my nana’s craft table. There were balls of yarn, a sewing machine, and beads everywhere…thousands of beads. Around 10 or 11 years old, I started making jewelry, learning exactly how to from my nana and my mom. What started as a hobby turned into a small business after being accepted into several juried arts festivals around the state of Virginia. I remember the first time someone purchased one of my pieces I felt really proud of my work and more confident in my eye for design. This hobby ultimately brought me to NYC where I attended the Fashion Institute of Technology where I started as a jewelry design student and eventually worked my way into the business school where I pursued my degree in advertising. 

What is your biggest regret?

Hmm, I try not to live life with regrets. Instead, make sure I take away a lesson from the things that don’t go the way I had hoped. However, I do regret putting down the jewelry tools. One of these days I’ll dust off the metals, files and pliers…

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

Good food and better friends. 

What makes you cry?

The Netflix series, One Day, based on author David Nicholls’s book, absolutely wrecked me recently. Highly recommend only watching if you have at least four boxes of tissues nearby.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

Working in digital things move really fast, so by the time one thing is wrapping up, I’m typically shifting focus to something else. That said, when we founded Corner Table Creative it was important to me that we took time to reflect and celebrate the small wins along the way. We have a Daily Wins Slack channel where the entire team shares a win (big or small!) so that we can share the pride and joy in those moments. Today my daily win is … 

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

Not really but I do like to keep an eye out for signs/things that remind me of loved ones that I’ve lost. A single, stray sock will always remind me of my childhood cat that would “hunt” socks leaving them scattered around the house and a firey sunset at the Jersey Shore feels like the work of my grandpa. 

What do you hate most about yourself?

Hate feels like a strong word but something I’m actively working on is relinquishing control. 

What do you love most about yourself?

I’ve never been afraid to dream big. 

What is your absolute favorite meal?

The hardest question for last! Can my meal be a collection of items from around NYC? I’ll take the little gem salad from the Long Island Bar, the fries and truffle aioli from Dudley’s, the chicken piccata from Bar Primi, and the bread basket at Raf’s. 

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Isaac Watters is an artist, musician, and visual artist. He started his career working with the legendary architect Frank Gehry on low-income housing projects in Los Angeles. Architecture led to set design in 2015, with his first project, Chappaquiddick. He has gone on to design sets for existential shows such as Ahsoka, The Boston Strangler, OA, Westworld, and For All Mankind. Most recently he designed the sets for the film Don’t Worry Darling and is part of the LAMB design collective.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

Recently, It’s been spending time with my wife and our new daughter and watching her grow, and learn new words. We have so much fun together. Today, we were walking around in Marseille and this storm came out of nowhere and almost blew her stroller out of my hands. We all got drenched in the rain. She loved it! Every day is a new adventure with her.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

I’m not sure, it might be trying to make drawings with sticks in the mud, or building tree forts a little later. When I was a kid my brother and our friends spent a lot of time building adobe forts in the desert. I remember making a series of drawings – one every night before bed – when I was around seven or eight.

What is your biggest regret?

Watching the first season of Lost.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

I try to write songs about it. For me, the greatest heartbreak is beyond a personal relationship – more on an environmental level. The things we’ve done to this beautiful world break my heart, not sure I will ever get over it, but writing and singing about it helps.

What makes you cry?

Watching almost any movie on an airplane. And watching so many innocent and powerless people around the world endure so much suffering at the hands of the powerful.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

It usually ends right away.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

Yes, I hope so, I like to think of it the way it’s depicted in one of my favorite books; a book called Lilith: A Romance by George McDonald.

What do you hate most about yourself?

I don’t hate anything about myself. There are things that I dislike though. I wish I could do more, focus better, be more consistent, and often I wish I could be really good at one thing, instead of pretty good at a lot of things.

What do you love most about yourself?

I love that I love making things, whether it be architecture, designing for film, or writing songs, at some point – when I’m creating and present in the moment – it never stops feeling exciting and new.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

Almost impossible to choose. I love tacos though. I’ve been in Europe for a few months now and am really looking forward to getting back to LA for some real tacos!

The post What Matters to Isaac Watters appeared first on PRINT Magazine.

Phuong Nguyen is the managing director of client services at Minds + Assembly, a full-service, design-centric agency and commercialization platform focused on the healthcare sector.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

I love spending time with the people I love the most, eating our favorite meals together, or sitting around talking about anything and everything. I especially enjoy watching my two-year-old niece and five-year-old nephew. I continue to learn so much from them.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

I remember my third-grade teacher having these folders with blank sheets of paper inside where we could take as many as we wanted to write stories. I was SO excited. At the time, I was still learning English, so I don’t know what I wrote or drew, but I remember the feeling it gave me. Looking back, I think this creative activity may have played a role in my learning English because the next year, I was no longer in ESL.

What is your biggest regret?

I don’t look at things as regrets, but rather as learning opportunities—so I try to appreciate the lesson that the universe needed to teach me at that time. Those lessons help me become stronger, smarter, kinder, and overall, a better person.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

I think sometimes it’s okay to take the time to feel the pain, sadness, and anguish. We are human; we’re meant to feel and experience emotions. Understanding and feeling all of the “challenging” emotions has taught me to be more empathetic and more appreciative of the life I’m living.

What makes you cry?

The scene in the movie The Blind Side where Michael says he’s never had his own bed. My siblings tease me all of the time, but that scene really gets to me. Kids who are brought into this world in terrible situations and who are unprotected upsets me. On the flip side, when I’m trying to tell the people who are supportive of me and express their kindness that I love them, I can’t help but get emotional.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

It lasts forever. I replay certain moments in my head over and over again like the day I graduated and received an internship in NYC—to see how proud my parents were still sticks with me to this day. Another fond memory of mine is the day I made the decision to come to Minds + Assembly. That was truly based on a feeling I had, an intuition, and every day I’m grateful.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

I don’t know if I believe in an afterlife, but if there is one, I plan to come back and haunt specific people. 

What do you hate most about yourself?

Ouch. I wouldn’t say HATE, but sometimes I’m hard on myself. I’ll ask, “Did you really have to do or say that?” or “Why are you so embarrassing?” I normally just do a love and kindness meditation after asking these questions, and I come to the realization to just be grateful for my flaws. They are gifts. 

What do you love most about yourself?

I try to be appreciative of the life I have, the people around me, and the possibilities in front of me. My parents, aunts, and uncles were Vietnamese refugee immigrants who have done so much to make sure that their children could have more—and I try never to take that for granted. To be the best I can be for them, I aim to stay curious, be open, and be honest with who I am.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

My mom’s Vietnamese duck curry or really anything my mom cooks. She teased me once because apparently I’d say, “Wow ma, this is my favorite!” for almost every meal she’d cook.

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Erik Anderson is the co-founder and design principal at Cour Design, an award-winning creative studio that specializes in live concert touring and experiential installations. Based in Nashville, Cour Design provides creative direction, show direction, stage design, lighting programming, and video content, having worked with internationally acclaimed artists and brands such as Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, Noah Kahan, Lizzo, Kacey Musgraves, Paramore, Balenciaga, Nike, Ian Schrager, Edition Hotels and many more.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

Solving problems. It is something I enjoy so much because it ignites a deep part of my curiosity and creative soul. This ranges from the New York Times crossword to how you turn a 15-truck design concept into a five-truck design without compromising the creative spirit.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

This is probably an unusual spin on it, but I remember the moment I understood the art of persuasion and storytelling as a creative tool. I was maybe six or seven and my family was having a yard sale to offload toys and things I had grown out of. I recall walking around to the strangers browsing and giving new life to the things I was choosing to part with, through stories that I told about why they needed the things in their own lives. I wasn’t a particularly outgoing child, but for some reason, this scenario opened up a confidence in me to engage with people. My parents told me I was going to become a salesman, but now I know that both salespeople and artists have to be good storytellers.

If you can curate a story, an intent, or a reason for WHY something is important then it becomes a guiding light for design choices and inherently adds value to the audience or client. A good design needs to have a story.

What is your biggest regret?

Thinking I was too cool to listen to a lot of great pop music when I was younger. I really missed out on “Call Me Maybe” and “Party in the USA” when they were having their cultural moments, haha… Luckily I have young children now and get to rediscover the brilliance of an infectious pop hook.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

Music. Mistakes. Travel and time. My heartbreak came when I was still young and confident in the wrong yet excusable ways that young people are confident. So it blindsided and embarrassed me. I thought I had more control over the world and the actions of other people. I’m still learning, but that is something I have a better understanding of now.

What makes you cry?

Stories of human triumph and brilliance. Especially told in an audio format. Give me a podcast like The Memory Palace or old school Radiolab and the happy tears will flow.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

I actually struggle with allowing myself any pats on the back after a job well done, and it is something I am working on. Especially in the concert industry when you are often dealing with very short timelines and many limitations. As a result, the thing you end up with likely underwent a number of compromises, so it can be hard not to have the attitude of “this looks great” when you can also imagine how much better it could have been with more time and resources. That being said, I do find myself truly appreciating accomplishments once I have more time and distance from them. 

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

Not really, but if I did I’d want it to look like a Radiohead song. 

What do you hate most about yourself?

Seems harsh. I don’t think there is anything I would say I “hate” about myself, but there are definitely things I would change if I could. I wish I were more self-disciplined for sure. My God, the things I could have accomplished by now if I only did! 

What do you love most about yourself?

I trust myself –  I trust my instincts and I trust my intentions. I’m really glad I feel that way. 

What is your absolute favorite meal?

My wife is an incredible cook. She can just improvise flavors with whatever is around in a way that I have rarely experienced from even the nicest restaurants. I’m going to say it’s a tie between her shawarma nights and fish taco nights. 

The post What Matters to Erik Anderson appeared first on PRINT Magazine.

Danny Miller is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of multidisciplinary creative agency High Tide. Born and raised in New York City, Danny currently leads a wide range of projects across cultural and commercial sectors, from ground-up brand identities for startups to global design initiatives. Their clients include Spotify, Resy, New Balance, Warby Parker and many others.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

Connecting with my kids. Making coffee. Good strong coffee. Cooking a delicious meal for my family and enjoying it with them. Listening to music. Walking around New York City on a sunny day. Reading books. Listening to my mom tell stories about her childhood. Being in the ocean.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

Drawing pages upon pages of imaginary characters in a sketchbook on my bedroom floor at the age of five or six. I remember my room had burgundy wall-to-wall carpeting and I would often lay there on the floor, getting lost drawing in my sketchbook with a pencil for hours. I remember that I eventually got bored of drawing these figures with my left hand (I’m a leftie) so I started a new series where all the characters were drawn with my right hand. They all had a shakiness to them, so when I revisited my sketchbooks in later years, I could tell them apart. I’m still trying to track those sketchbooks down. I hope they are still around in a storage box somewhere.

That feeling of being so lost in the creative act – where your sense of time and space is completely unimportant – is something I find harder to access in recent years. A goal of mine is to get back to that place of deep work – being purely immersed in something, creating solely for yourself, and not being distracted or preoccupied with what the external world might think about it. That’s one thing about starting a creative agency I didn’t realize. So much of your time is taken up with a million other tasks that are not creative.

What is your biggest regret?

Not taking action because I was worried about what people would think. I’m proud of the risks I have taken, but maybe I could have been a bit braver and bolder earlier on. I was shy and could get in my own head as a youngster. Sometimes your biggest obstacle is yourself. I’ve learned through time that it’s best to aim your focus on what’s next and not to spend too much time looking back.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

Time and reflection always help. Surround yourself with family and friends that love and support you. Processing heartbreak is important. Don’t suppress your feelings even if they are painful at first. I’ve learned from experience that sometimes the best art comes out of heartbreak. Lastly, doing pushups while listening to “Purple Rain” by Prince also helps a lot.

What makes you cry?

I’m not a big cryer but it always feels good after I have a good cry. The things that make me cry are certain childhood memories with my father, seeing my kids accomplish something great in front of my eyes, and that time I watched A Star is Born with Bradley Cooper on an airplane.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

Unfortunately, it usually only lasts for a few minutes before I begin to pick it all apart, imposter syndrome kicks in, or my inner voice immediately becomes self-critical. It’s something I know isn’t healthy mentally and it’s a constant work in progress. I think it’s important to be proud of your accomplishments and remind yourself of them to give you the confidence to go on to achieve bigger and better things. Too much self-criticism will ultimately prevent you from taking risks. Another thing I learned is that failure is the best teacher. You learn so much from failure.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

I don’t spend very much time thinking about that question, to be honest. I try to stay focused on the present and make the most of my time while I’m here. Getting better at what I’m doing every day, whether that’s through my relationships, kids, work, or leaving behind a cohesive and substantive body of work. My grandfather was a sculptor and my father was a painter. They both left so much work behind, and I feel that I am constantly interacting and in conversation with them through their artwork even though they are no longer around. I’m constantly unearthing all these amazing artworks they left behind. This remains a big inspiration for me.

What do you hate most about yourself?

Hate is a strong word, but I dislike how I can get into a pattern of self-doubt and second-guessing my instincts from time to time. I constantly have to remind myself that my thoughts and opinions are valid.
It’s important to remind yourself of your successes and not focus too much on your failures.

What do you love most about yourself?

I love that I’ve inherited a great sense of humor by growing up in a really funny family, and nothing brings me more joy than being able to make my wife and kids laugh.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

Steak au poivre with French fries from Raoul’s in Soho.

The post What Matters to Danny Miller appeared first on PRINT Magazine.

Kim Tidwell is the managing editor for PRINT Magazine and an independent writer and creative strategist based in Austin, TX.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

Writing. I’ve always written since I was young (poetry, angsty teen journals, silly short stories). But for most of my professional life, I’ve written for others. Over the last decade, I’ve embraced a creative writing practice, which has changed my life. Writing is my path into my psyche, allowing me to ask questions and make sense of the world around me. It’s done more for my anxiety and self-confidence than any prescription on the market. I hope, eventually, that my writing will help others or at least provide an escape and a laugh. But even if I remain “pre-published,” I’d still write.  

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

Weirdly enough, it was in math—specifically, algebra, my most dreaded subject. I remember figuring out how to work a formula in a way I could visualize—a path that painted a picture for me. I got the correct answer, too. However, I didn’t get credit because I didn’t follow the formula. 

I remember feeling like such an outsider. Like, why can’t I make this work when everyone else seems to find it so easy to do so? I wish 12-year-old me had a vocabulary around creativity, but in 1986, I only knew I was “bad at math.” I hope that kids today have an extended frame of what creativity is and how to embrace that part of themselves. Now, I can appreciate that what made me feel like an outsider for most of my childhood is precisely what defines my creativity and my particular way of showing up in the world.

What is your biggest regret?

I regret not throwing out the script until my forties. I spent too much time building my life around others.  

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

I have to lean into it, honestly. Not forever, of course, but I need to feel the feels; I need to rage, cry, and wallow for a bit. There’s nothing like a good cry. Even better? Crying to a great playlist as a soundtrack. Better still, crying to a great playlist on a road trip with the Rocky Mountains or the Pacific Ocean outside your window.

What makes you cry?

A lot. I cry when I’m sad, happy, angry, frustrated… Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr., the scene in Castaway when Wilson floats away, animal cruelty, goodbyes, realizing your country would elect an amoral misogynist over an impressively qualified and experienced woman, whenever the Texas legislature chips away at reproductive and transgender rights, hate, the subjugation of other humans, how we treat the earth. 

I’ll stop now before I get too far down the rabbit hole.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

Not long enough! In a rare quiet moment, I might well up about something I’d not thought of in a long time. But, I’ve adopted a practice I learned from wise writing friends: save all the bits of feedback that make you feel good and resonate with you in a folder, a document, or in Evernote. These can be accomplishments, compliments, client feedback, or glowing comments from creative collaborators. Refer back as often as you need to. This helps me bypass that inner critic and remind myself of all the wins, however small.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

Growing up in a Catholic household, I was always taught that our loved ones watched us from on high. Which, frankly, is terrifying! Instead, I like to imagine that we return to the energy of the universe and, hopefully, in some Interstellar-like way, we might be able to tap into all our parallel possibilities.

What do you hate most about yourself?

I spent too much of my life hating parts of myself, and I’ve since learned to love and recognize these things as strengths. But, the one area I continue to battle is that I’m a leader, an organizer, and an eager volunteer, yet my tendency to raise my hand causes friction with my introversion. I don’t always have the energy or emotional capacity for everything I’d like to do. Sometimes, I overcommit and don’t give myself enough space to care for myself and my mental health. 

I’m imagining a support group for fellow ambiverts. Who’s in?  

What do you love most about yourself?

I’m a connector. I see connections in things, ideas, and people. I get goosebumps when something connects. I’m weird like that.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

All good things in life are born around a table with good people sharing a meal. My absolute favorite meal was with two of my sisters at a tiny four-table restaurant in Venice. We asked the chef, who looked like my friend’s Nonna, in terrible traveler Italian, to serve us what she’d love to eat. We didn’t know what half of the dishes were (there was definitely squid ink pasta and seabream in there). The food tasted like it was made with love, and we were enthusiastic participants. I’d love to be able to recommend this place to others, but I don’t remember the name or even where it was. We were lost, and it was raining, and there this place was. Isn’t that how all magical memories begin?

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Dan Crowder is the founder and managing director of design recruitment agency Craft, founded in 2014. With its global network of the best creatives in the industry, the Craft ambition is simple: to enhance the studios, careers and lives of everybody they partner with.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

I’ve realized recently that getting in a truly creative or productive zone really brings me joy. Whether that’s a house project or a ‘flow state’ at work, if I feel accomplished about creating something, I feel happy.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

Drawing Hulk Hogan, age 4. I drew his moustache above his nose, rather than below it.

What is your biggest regret?

I used to regret not applying myself. That’s not so much of a problem anymore.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

I’d say I’ve only experienced heartbreak as a sports fan. I deal with it the same way I celebrate. “This too shall pass.”

What makes you cry?

Aside from the obvious, I watch a lot of films and try to switch off and really tune in. Any well told story can get me going.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

Not long enough. I tend to be too focused on the next thing, no matter how big or small, and don’t spend anywhere near enough time in the present. I suppose it’s a blessing and a curse.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

I’d like to. If I said yes, it would be to hedge my bets. 

I recently read ‘A Short Stay In Hell’, by Steven L. Peck, a terrifying exploration of the concept of living for eternity, and haven’t stopped thinking about it since. It’s short, impactful and highly thought provoking. It kind of put me off the idea of living forever…

What do you hate most about yourself?

Hate’s a strong word. Let’s keep this positive…

What do you love most about yourself?

My questioning approach… a philosophy degree coupled with building a business from nothing has made me into somebody who always asks, ‘Why?’ Every idea I’ve had or change in the business has been driven by a ‘why’ – and always will be. 

Occasionally asking ‘why not’ is fun too.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

Unashamedly, steak frites from Bistro Paul Bert in Paris and a bottle of claret.

The post What Matters to Dan Crowder appeared first on PRINT Magazine.

TB Ward is a multi-disciplinary artist living in New York.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

I love being with people that I love. Beyond that, I also love anything that makes me live in the moment – making paintings, writing songs, riding a bike, playing table tennis.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

I remember, on my first ever day at school, mixing red paint with white paint and being amazed that I got pink.

What is your biggest regret?

I don’t have regrets. Sometimes I am curious as to what might have happened if I’d made a different choice at certain points in my life.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

By sitting alone being miserable, then going out and getting loose, then sitting alone being miserable, then going out and getting loose, repeat to fade.

What makes you cry?

Leaving behind people that I love. Watching high-level sporting achievements. Winning bike races.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

Anything from one minute to several decades.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

Well, I used to be a Roman Centurion, but I didn’t envisage turning up as a painter in 21st-century USA.

What do you hate most about yourself?

Not being able to wake up early.

What do you love most about yourself?

Having faith in what I strive to achieve.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

A breakfast that involves pastries e due cappuccini.

The post What Matters to TB Ward appeared first on PRINT Magazine.

Amy Globus is the co-founder and creative director of Team, an award-winning strategy and design studio that has received significant accolades, including a nomination for Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards for their 2021 rebranding of Pfizer and the 365: AIGA Year in Design award in 2023 for their work with The Bronx Museum. A celebrated visual artist, her work has been showcased at renowned institutions like the Whitney Museum of American Art and The New Museum, and she has been featured in prominent publications such as the New York Times and Architectural Digest.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

Hanging with my family, traveling, new/unique experiences, and working on personal creative projects.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

Having my first art show on the roof of my preschool. I was prouder than anything, holding my first boyfriend’s hand — age 4

Creating personal paper maché projects at home — age 6

Drawing cartoon cards for my family — age 7

Drawing a pagoda for social studies class (that was huge) —  age 9

Copying a Bob Ross painting with my first oil set — age 11 

Taking my first photograph I titled “Metamorphosis.” I painted my best friend to blend into a black and white tiled floor and photographed it with my father’s Hasselblad. — age 13                                                                                                                                  

What is your biggest regret?

Not staying in touch with all the amazing creatives I’ve known in my life. Not allowing myself to make more mistakes and be more prolific when I was younger, rather than having a ‘masterpiece complex’

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

By understanding that I just have to walk through it, knowing that it won’t last forever, allowing myself to grieve with a time limit, and leaning on great friends and family. 

What makes you cry?

Too many things. A great film, seeing my children thrive, listening to their troubles, completing an intense project, laughing too hard…

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

Not very long. Sometimes, the pride and joy return after time has passed and I’m reflecting. But, by the time a project is completed, all I can think about is how it could have been better, and that’s when I start a new project.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

I believe in string theory more than I believe in an afterlife. Although, I would love to be cryogenically frozen eventually and wake up in 100 years or so and take a look around. 

What do you hate most about yourself?

My impatience. Nothing is ever done fast enough.

What do you love most about yourself?

My fearlessness when it comes to chasing my dreams. Regardless of how many times I fail, I always seem to get back up and keep going. 

What is your absolute favorite meal?

Anything my husband cooks. He’s amazing. 

The post What Matters to Amy Globus appeared first on PRINT Magazine.

Taylor Cinalli is an artist, creator, and managing partner at Once Upon a Time Hospitality, where she executes brand & marketing initiatives for award-winning hotels, resorts, and internationally recognized design brands.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

Saturday or Sunday mornings – having an excellent breakfast and reading a book. Two eggs over medium, sourdough toast with butter, bacon, and English breakfast tea (extra sugar). The book is usually something like The Power of Habit, I’ve probably already read it at least once, and I’m making margin notes on top of my older notes.  I also love having an entire day with nothing on the calendar where I can paint (oils usually) without any rush or pressure. At the same time, a full and productive day — taking my dog to the beach, going for a walk, taking pictures, running errands, a steaming hot outdoor shower, having a beautiful dinner with my husband and friends, finding a great movie to watch in the first 5 minutes of looking, going to bed early – you know, the simple stuff. Quality time with my family. A visit to an art museum. Done. 

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

I was probably 7 or 8 – I remember writing, illustrating, and binding books that were all about exploring the world. I think the first time I did this, it was for a school assignment. And then I just did it for fun. I loved the idea of being the one who made every single part of something. It came from my hands. Maybe it wasn’t the best, but it came from my brain. That was cool. And the traveling the world thing — I guess I manifested that one. 

What is your biggest regret?

I don’t really have any. Except maybe not taking finance in college and learning to master Excel. If I get really granular about it, there are small things I wish I would have approached differently or reprioritized in my day. Lessons learned more than regrets. By nature, I always lead with asking “why,” to learn more about anything and everything, but even so, I would ask more questions to certain people I’ve worked with or known, who had a lot more wisdom to pass down. I would pick their brains until they told me to stop. 

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

I’ll answer this from a non-romantic perspective because I’ve been with my husband for 14 years. Getting over heartbreak in life – by listening to sad or angry music, trying to see the silver lining, and knowing it’s only temporary. Then, thinking of it like an opportunity. The more heartbreak you experience, the more you learn about yourself and about the world. It gives you a fire to reinvent. It builds resilience. It adds character. This too shall pass. If you’re really upset about something – write it down. Write someone a scathing letter that you never send. I find that cathartic. 

What makes you cry?

Easy. The Google Superbowl “Parisian Love” commercial from 2010. I go and watch it every now and then just for a nice emotional moment. I see now in the YouTube comments that some author referenced it in their book and there’s a ton of fresh buzz about it — for the record, I remember it from the first time I saw it air live. It cuts to the core and simplifies life so beautifully, showing you how one decision can change the whole trajectory of your life, and how the small things become the big things. I’m a sucker for stuff like that. Also, anything to do with sick or dying dogs. Happy things also get me on occasion. Acts of kindness. Anything that restores faith in the world. 

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

There are small wins every day and I try to celebrate them and hold onto them – at least for the day. I wish I soaked it in longer, but ultimately, we just have to get on with it and move onto the next thing. Celebrating too long feels dangerous and too comfortable. When we deliver an amazing piece of strategy and branding work, we land a big new project that took a year to sign, we finish an exhausting week-long trip to Australia, a hotel’s first email blast goes out, the signage goes up, the paper samples arrive, we present a risky idea that the client loves and runs with — those are fulfilling moments. But, they are momentary. The bigger stuff — finishing a 2-year project that we envisaged from dirt and then seeing its success in room rate and reputation many years later and being able to reference back to it — that’s gratifying and always fills my cup. I take a lot of pride in the work that we do, so when other people remember it or appreciate it, that’s when the joyful feeling lasts the longest. 

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

I don’t really know. I guess I like to believe in reincarnation and that we see signs from those we’ve lost when we need them most. It’s a nice thought. I try to focus on the now – there is plenty to do in this life. I can’t begin to think about the agenda for my afterlife.

What do you hate most about yourself?

Hate? Nothing. Find irritating? My desire to always want something to be the best it can. It can get in the way and slow things down. Also, my tendency to over explain something because I want to make sure the person on the other side fully understands my perspective and sees my logic. Brevity is not my strong suit. I work on it every day. 

What do you love most about yourself?

My tenacity. My willingness to do any job and go above and beyond. I don’t fear hard work. Never have, never will. Also, I have a photographic memory (a blessing and a curse).  

What is your absolute favorite meal?

I am so lucky that my travels allow me to eat the most incredible dishes from the most accomplished chefs across the globe. But it is impossible to choose something in that realm. Plus, I would be a liar if I said anything other than a Philly cheesesteak with cheese fries – I could have this at any time and be completely content. Or, a perfectly seasoned filet (medium rare) with some kind of crunchy potato. Bread and butter. Margarita with Casamigos Blanco and a sugar rim. I’m not that hard to please. Just don’t forget the sugar

The post What Matters to Taylor Cinalli appeared first on PRINT Magazine.

Dave Snyder is Head of Design at product innovation studio Siberia. He is an award-winning design executive with 25 years of experience developing high-performance in-house and agency teams, focused on building modern brands and products for multi-billion dollar companies. His design and creative work is wide-ranging, from digital-first, integrated marketing campaigns, content, and e-commerce to immersive interactive experiences in VR and AR; to digital products for L’Oreal, PepsiCo, Beats, Slice, and Twitter.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

Cooking.

I love cooking for people. It’s one of the few things where time melts away, and I’m completely in the moment. Am I great at cooking with others? No. It’s definitely a solo endeavor for me. Grilling a high-quality steak, slowly, over hardwood charcoal is perhaps what I enjoy most. There you are, cooking this significant piece of meat that costs a lot—friends eagerly waiting. You can’t fuck it up. I love that pressure. Then, sharing the bounty together. Pure magic—the ultimate gift, to be honest.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

Well, it certainly wasn’t in math class.

I was lucky to get a computer in 5th grade, an Apple IIgs (I’ll let you do the math on that). I remember falling in love with a game called King’s Quest. That game may have sparked my love for interactive experiences. You had to type out commands back then, which forced a different type of thinking that suited my brain. I remember realizing the game world wasn’t infinite and would loop at a certain number of screens both up and down. So, I mapped out the world on paper and documented key actions for those screens. It covered my wall. I rescued the princess.

What is your biggest regret?

I’m not one to dwell on the past; I’m far too busy being anxious about the maybe-possibly-happening future. Ha.

But my wife and I often talk about how we wish we had moved to NYC earlier (we’re into our 16th year here now). NYC made me a better human, a better (bigger) thinker. It pushed me to be a better designer and creative. We raised a kid here. NYC makes you strong in ways you didn’t know you needed.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

Yes. When my son quit skateboarding. This wasn’t just about him quitting something I love and loved doing with him—skateboarding. It was more about realizing he is growing up and pulling away. Each day, we’d spend a little less time together. It’s the natural order, but man does it suck when that day arrives. 

That said, once a skater, always a skater. Recently, on vacation in northern Italy, he pointed out a pretty dope street spot: “Dad, did you see that perfect double-set?” He hadn’t mentioned skating in a year. I was stoked (though I didn’t show it). I gave my wife a wink. Once you’re a skater, you see the world through a different lens, and he’s blessed with that for life, whether he realizes how rad that is or not.

What makes you cry?

The above.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

​​I’m trying hard to find pride and joy in accomplishment—whatever that means. I’ve never been good at taking compliments; it’s something I still struggle with. I get awkward.

I tend to finish something and want to immediately move on—to its next iteration or the next problem. I’m restless that way.

Only now, with time, do I look back and think, “Holy shit. I actually did some rad things. Some special things. Fourteen design patents even. I’ve been on remote oil platforms deep in the Gulf. I’ve raced Bristol Motor Speedway. I’ve snowboarded in the backcountry with Olympians.”

Getting old is funny. You start to appreciate all the things you’d long forgotten until someone asks you to remember.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

I’m not entirely sure. I tend to be more pragmatic. I often joke that you can ‘toss me in the burn barrel when I die.’

The idea that as one door closes, another opens is compelling. I’ve done the Ayahuasca thing. In the foothills below Mount Potosi in Bolivia. Quite the intense experience, I must say. The next morning, the shaman guide said I visited “hell.” After puking a bit, I was sucked into a vortex of darkness. I felt every cell of my body stripped away, like being de-particalized except for my awareness of self—my mind still present—floating as nothing. Amongst infinite nothingness. Hearing—feeling—the screams and suffering of every soul that came before. And after me. Their tears of love and happiness too, before getting sucked back out of the darkness into the warm fire lit glow of the kiva I lay in.

If that’s any indication of what comes next, I’d rather pass.

So while I feel faith, a belief in an afterlife is ultimately a crutch to get us through today—and worse, a reason to justify harm tomorrow—I don’t hate the idea that after we die, we transition to something else entirely, much like moving from one room to another. Or a child leaving his mother’s womb. But I’m quite content knowing that I’ll likely just be a pile of ash and a memory soon forgotten.

What do you hate most about yourself?

I hate that I’ve spent so much of my 47 years worrying about everything. That said, I have to appreciate that my anxiety helped shape who I am. Anxiety made me grow, made me better, but it didn’t make me happy deep down. I can be very hard on myself in the most unpleasant ways. But I always wore a smile. I always had a joke. But if you bury enough garbage, it eventually spills out of the landfill.

In the last couple of years, something finally clicked. And I’m happy. I just like making great things and being with great people. If that’s not in the equation, bye.

What do you love most about yourself?

I like to think I’m there for people—friends, coworkers (past and present). I’ve been lucky to see a lot of interesting experiences in my career. So when people ask for life or career advice, or just want to share something, to catch up over a drink, I’m there. I don’t know if I have answers, but I most likely have an interesting story. And now, finally, I feel like I’m here for myself too.

I’m definitely a ride-or-die homie. To a fault!

What is your absolute favorite meal?

A Beefeater martini with a twist and steak tartare with frites. The tartare is classically French. So are the frites. Aioli for dipping. We can sub the tartare for a classic cheeseburger, as long as I’m splitting it with someone—preferably my wife of 20 years. A good bottle of red wine nearby.

It’s an early reservation. 5:30 pm is fine by me. We’re seated at the bar, ideally in a corner spot so we can dine and chat with two friends. My teenage son is there, 50% less occupied with his phone than normal. 75% fewer “bruhs.”

I’m not a dessert person, but I am an amaro person. So as the conversations roll on, we sip something appropriate.

The post What Matters to Dave Snyder appeared first on PRINT Magazine.

Laura Stein (she/her) is Chief Creative Officer of the Toronto-based, multidisciplinary brand and design studio Bruce Mau Design (BMD). A strategically minded design leader and culture builder, Laura is particularly passionate about environmental design, branding, and storytelling in the context of climate change.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

When I’m traveling for work, I like to make time to get a coffee and make my way to an art gallery or museum. I typically love wandering through a city, and seeing things I haven’t seen before. But on a work trip, it’s extra special – a bit of alone time, a bit of playing hooky, a bit of being lost in a very different space. I remember a presentation in Minneapolis that didn’t go as planned. As I felt everything start to go south, part of my brain was already calculating how much time I had to get to the Walker.

On a more low-fi level, just walking my poodle, Fig, and letting her loose in the dog park. Again, getting coffee at the same time.  

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

I loved drawing from an early age. I used to make little books about different kinds of trees.

What is your biggest regret?

This is a very personal question! I asked my partner what my biggest regret was and he said, “not marrying that other guy”. I’ll go with that. 

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

Running. Running makes everything better. 

What makes you cry?

Other people crying. 

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

I would like to say a full day, but it’s probably more like an hour. Annoyingly, I’m on to the next challenge almost immediately. And I see all the flaws in the thing I just accomplished. I try to be more celebratory, especially at the end of projects, especially with my team, but honestly, it’s not natural to me and it takes work. I have to tell myself to do it.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

I don’t believe in the afterlife. Mostly I don’t think about it. But if I did stop and think about it, it might look something like the Nice Aunties Instagram account. I would like that.

What do you hate most about yourself?

I’m impatient with myself. I always feel like I should do better. This could be reframed as “I have high standards for myself”, and a potential answer for the next question. But that feels like cheating.

What do you love most about yourself?

A compassionate outlook. I was going to say “I’m compassionate” but I’m not always.  It’s an important value for me. I think I live it most days.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

Easiest question so far. Nachos and a bottle of beer.

The post What Matters to Laura Stein appeared first on PRINT Magazine.

Nimrod Vromen is the author of Prompting Happiness, which explores the intersection of happiness and AI. He is also a seasoned corporate lawyer and CEO of Consiglieri and Ark Empowerment Ltd., guiding startups through their financial and strategic journeys.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

Something unique to me is probably dancing salsa. I’m addicted to it and have been dancing for 16 years. On a more substantive note, I love forming new relationships and deepening existing ones, something you can also do through salsa.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

My earliest memory of being creative is drawing comics of the suicide bombings in Israel during the 1990s and writing a diary that included some essays.

What is your biggest regret?

Frankly, I don’t really have regrets. I believe in focusing on the present and not dwelling on the past. If I had to pick one, it might be not seeing Michael Jordan play when he returned to the Washington Wizards in 2001.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

By loving myself. It’s been the foundation of my healing process and has helped me move forward with strength.

What makes you cry?

Sports and documentaries have always been moving for me. Actually, since turning 40, a lot of things make me cry. I usually cry when I’m happy, not when I’m sad.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

The pride and joy of accomplishing something usually last mere seconds for me. Sometimes I get to bask in it for a bit longer, but it’s typically fleeting.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

I haven’t devoted much time to thinking about the afterlife. I prefer to stay focused on the present and my plans for this life.

What do you hate most about yourself?

I don’t experience hate and can’t connect with the concept of it. However, I do wish I had more confidence in myself and the courage to follow through on everything I want to do at a high level.

What do you love most about yourself?

I love that I care deeply and see the good intentions in almost every act, even if it causes me harm. This perspective makes me feel happy and safe in the world.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

I love almost all foods, so it’s hard to pick just one. If I had to choose, I’d go with a Big Mac meal and six nuggets at McDonald’s because it reminds me of childhood trips from Melbourne to Sydney. That said, my mother’s amazing Friday night dinners are also a strong contender.

The post What Matters to Nimrod Vromen appeared first on PRINT Magazine.

Gush Mundae is a proud immigrant, serial entrepreneur, obsessive collector, and founder of Bulletproof, a 400-strong brand agency with eight studios globally.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

Breaking bread with those I love the most. Good food, great people and questionable conversations. Belly laughs guaranteed.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

Painting a picture of a unicorn when I was seven, and the teacher putting it pride of place within the classroom.

What is your biggest regret?

Not having more children. I love my family and nothing makes me happier than my children. I was so obsessed with setting up the business and pouring my time into it that I didn’t consider much else in the initial years.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

I have experienced heartbreak through losing someone I loved more than I can express. I will live with this heartbreak for my entire life. The love and support of my family and friends is the only thing which helps heal my soul. Physical exertion and being outdoors helps calm my mind.

What makes you cry?

I don’t cry much anymore. When I experienced the loss I mentioned I cried every day for almost two years – I couldn’t control it. Now, I don’t find much else brings me to tears.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

Less than 24 hours. I’m not very good at celebrating accomplishments, but can beat myself up for days at mistakes I’ve made.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

I believe we are all energy and that energy does not die. It is released back into the ether. I walk a fine line between science and spirituality.

What do you hate most about yourself?

I don’t hate anything, but I dislike how hard I can be on myself. This leads to overthinking which leads to restlessness, which in turn leads to never switching off. I rarely relax and make time for myself. I’m working on it.

What do you love most about yourself?

I am a man of my word. If I say I will do something then I absolutely will no matter how difficult. I never let anyone down.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

The lamb koobideh from Berenjak, Soho. Accompanied by the kashke bademjoon and generous amounts of taftoon flat bread while sitting at the counter. All washed down with a spiked sharbat and finished off with their baklava ice cream sundae.

The post What Matters to Gush Mundae appeared first on PRINT Magazine.

Loo McNulty is an illustrator, mom, dog lover and vintage picture book collector. She is also the founder of Happy Just Happy, a design studio and greeting card company based in Collingwood, Canada. You can see more of her work here. 

What is the thing you like doing most in the world? 

Expanding my understanding of pretty much anything: learning a new creative technique, figuring out how to design my website (ouch), seeing the world through my kids’ eyes, seeing new landscapes, breaking old habits and learning new ones, hearing new music, reading new stories, meeting new people … I’m curious and I really love when something new presents itself.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

Growing up, my room was really small with green shag carpeting that looked like grass (I am the youngest of six, so the fact that I had my own room was really amazing). There weren’t many options for moving my bed and desk around but at least once every few months I would drag my things from corner to corner and create a new setup. My room overflowed with stuffed animals that I created names and personalities for. My walls were covered with posters from my National Geographic Kids magazine subscription (mostly animals and maps) and old Muppet calendars from years past. I had kites hanging from my ceiling and glow-in-the-dark stars I stared at from my bed (I have no idea how I managed to ever fall asleep in there). I spent hours and hours in that room completely lost in my own make-believe world. Today, my studio is filled with things that remind me of my childhood: old toys, picture books and pieces of art. If I can pinpoint a time or place where my imagination developed, I would say it was my childhood bedroom.

What is your biggest regret?

Not showing up at university in a way I would today. Don’t get me wrong, I had a great time at post-secondary school, but I didn’t take advantage of the academic opportunities, and that bugs me.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

Time. Patience. Trust. Lots of reminding myself that sad feelings are temporary—that there’s a big magical world beyond a broken heart just waiting for me to catch up and notice it. Listening to sad songs (why do we do this?). Eating ice cream (so predictable).

What makes you cry? 

Anything to do with my kids, videos of animals, memories of my dad, when people express their love, when the underdog wins. I’m pretty sensitive and I don’t mind crying—happy or sad.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you? 

For myself, not long enough, but I’m learning to rest in the feeling of pride and joy. I have no problem feeling it on behalf of others—I love cheering people on from the sidelines.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

I do, very much. I imagine being reunited with all my loved ones who have gone ahead, and we spend eternity in this permanent state of happiness doing all the things we loved to do when we were together. It sounds really childlike, but I truly believe that’s what’s next.

What do you hate most about yourself?

I don’t hate anything about myself because I’ve worked really hard to treat myself with the same love and kindness I show others. Hate is a strong word—I’d say I struggle some days to trust myself when doubt comes knocking, which messes with my confidence.

What do you love most about yourself? 

I have a really big heart and I show my love to others without hesitation. 

What is your absolute favorite meal? 

My favorite meal is any meal that someone has prepared for me. I think cooking for others is a sign of love (even making a sandwich or scrambling an egg). Oh, and chocolate. I LOVE chocolate anything and, yes, I consider it a meal (chocolate cake for breakfast is highly recommended).

The post What Matters to Loo McNulty appeared first on PRINT Magazine.

Dr. Pardis Shafafi is a British Iranian anthropologist and Global Responsible Business Lead at Designit. With over 15 years of cross-sectoral experience ranging from scrubbing into clinical care and managing humanitarian programmes in active war zones, Dr. Shafafi comes at creativity from a unique perspective. Concerned with the ripple effect of creative decisions in everyday life, Dr. Shafafi champions a framework called Do No Harm, which acknowledges the ability creatives have to shape the world around us and looks to impart responsibility on the field akin to the Hippocratic Oath.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

Waking up without an alarm clock prompt on a Saturday and rolling into a long, luxurious strong, coffee paired breakfast with my family.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

I remember being very keen to learn to tie my own shoelaces and to hold a pen and write. Being the youngest in the household made me feel like I was always behind, and these two skills represented something important that I needed to unlock.

At some point I decided that my parents and older brother were simply too slow in teaching me and I have a distinct memory of sitting indoors with a shoe on while everyone milled around me and coming up with my own way of tying a little double looped knot and of holding my pen steady in my hand to write. Years later I noticed that my methodology for both processes was starkly different to others, but the outcome is largely the same (except maybe that I get a little sore from holding the pen between the third and fourth finger, but that was a small price to pay for starting early with the writing).

What is your biggest regret?

I feel that I could and should have been more present and maybe even reckless as a teenager. Sometimes I think I missed the experience of being, fifteen or eighteen, and unsure but still defiantly participating in the world beyond the educational institutions that held me and my time. It’s something I think about more as I get older.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

With extensive retroactive analysis and eventually, acceptance. It helps to be in a very content life phase now because you can weave a convenient narrative of cumulative life events (including the less enjoyable bits) which led you to your current state.

What makes you cry?

The state of the world, the political dynamics which govern us versus the stories we are told about how things work.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

Until the next challenge comes up, sadly. Although as an anthropologist I’m highly critical of any sentence starting with ‘it’s human nature to…’, I do think that we are trained to focus more on critical and negative emotional states then the moments of validation and positive affirmation that come with accomplishing things. This can feel lopsided in life and often does get translated into a skewed narrative of more failures than successes.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

I believe in an afterlife in an abstract way, which is not to say I’m belittling it at all. I think our energies and imprints live beyond us and that this means a capacity to exist in the world through moments, feelings and the reflections of others–less as ghostly apparitions and more as post life manifestings from those who live on beyond us.

I’m lucky enough to come from an academic discipline that values and explores a breadth of ideas about life after death across history and geographies. It humbles me to acknowledge just how much we as human beings have invested in the creative premise of imagining ‘the beyond’ in our lowest moments. It connects me to legions of people before and after me who are driven by the same feelings- feelings of love and loss. If I’m honest, it’s this connection that continues to inspire me to keep an open mind and heart to otherworldly possibilities, and I try to use that feeling to drive my curiosity and engagement with the world even in the darkest chapters of climate emergency, conflict, and continued inequity.

What do you hate most about yourself?

Losing myself in connections and patterns which take me away from slow burning, deep dives and favor broader engagements across multiple realms.

What do you love most about yourself?

Again, losing myself in connections and patterns which take me away from slow burning, deep dives and favor broader engagements across multiple realms.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

Less a meal and more a style of eating, I like things stuffed with other things and I love canapes. So, in an ideal world, it would be me versus an endless selection of tiny stuffed things: dumplings, samosas, pupusas, empanadas, filled doughnuts, mini pies…you name it and put it on a canape tray, hand me a glass of something and I’m having a great time, every time.

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New York-based Latin-Australian set designer Julio Himede founded Yellow Studio in 2006. Drawing on his decades of experience in television and theater, he has built the company into a multi-platform design studio that works across broadcast, music performance, and immersive events.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

Disconnecting from my work. As much as I love what I do, and I am passionate about every project we create in our studio, I truly benefit from taking a break, going on holidays and shutting down. It’s a habit I repeat a few times a year. It’s therapeutic in a way that keeps my life balanced and complete.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

I was 5 years old. At Christmas, my parents always had a rather large nativity scene under the Christmas tree. I used to create scenic pieces and redecorate the nativity scene to look different almost every day. Then I was introduced to Legos, which helped me to understand shape, form and composition when building little houses and buildings.

What is your biggest regret?

This is tough as I cannot think of one, however I have always wanted to learn other languages, apart from English and Spanish. Italian and French are on my bucket list.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

By surrounding myself with good close friends, and flirting along the way.

What makes you cry?

Seeing children suffering around certain parts of the world makes me cry.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

I take pride in successful projects we design around the world and like to celebrate with my team back in NYC after returning from the project. We are usually so busy on other projects that we have to move on rather quickly from celebrating. However, I believe it is crucial to acknowledge the success. I recently won a BAFTA award for Eurovision, I am still getting compliments about it from people I ran into a few weeks later.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

I certainly do. It appears very colorful in a harmonious, non-chaotic manner.

What do you hate most about yourself?

I am very glad to not have an answer for this…

What do you love most about yourself?

I love being a tall person, I keep myself healthy and fit no matter how busy my life is, and I am a humble individual along the way.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

Usually a dinner with fresh ingredients. I am a good cook, and make healthy salads complimented with a delicious protein. Also, at dinner, I have a good excuse to have a cocktail a couple of times a week, like a margarita or an aviation.

The post What Matters to Julio Himede appeared first on PRINT Magazine.

Michael Ian Kaye is the Chief Design Officer at SYLVAIN, working with clients including Walmart, Meta and The Information. Kaye has designed book covers for the likes of Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point and Chuck Palahniuk’s Fight Club, and has earned numerous accolades, with some pieces residing in the permanent collection of the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?


Creating spaces for exploration and discovery.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?


Wrapping my brain around string art.


What is your biggest regret?


Never learning how to use hand tools with precision.


How have you gotten over heartbreak?


By remaining open to heartbreak again and again.

What makes you cry?


Heartbreak. 


How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?


It dissipates quickly as my self-critical nature kicks in. But it always returns a few years later (and sometimes sooner).

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?


I know that the energy I put into the world through my work, teaching, actions, and relationships will live on in perpetuity.

What do you hate most about yourself?


My propensity to collect things. Having so much weighs me down and keeps me from engaging in the world more broadly.


What do you love most about yourself?


My propensity to collect things. I love to surround myself with items that inspire me and others with whom I share my life.

What is your absolute favorite meal?


A meal that consists entirely of things I have grown.

The post What Matters to Michael Ian Kaye appeared first on PRINT Magazine.

Ria Shah is an Indian brand strategist and designer now based in Brooklyn, New York. By the day, she brings her knack for translating facts, cultures, and experiences into compelling stories at Interbrand. By night, her love for cooking, discovering new recipes, and binge-watching food shows like it’s a sport takes center stage.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

It’s nearly impossible for me to single out just one thing. I adore taking long, aimless walks and just having a conversation. I live for the feeling of nostalgia when I go through my 30,000 photos collection built over the last 10 years, reminiscing about every detail. Seeing families, friends, and people being happy on the train. I love watching sports fans being their true whole selves. But if I had to pick just one thing, it’s talking to my mum, sister, dad and friends, in India every day, even when there’s not much to say. And, of course, cooking.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

My earliest memory takes me back to the Diwali Break of 2004/2005. It was a time when Nani (grandma) brought out diyas (earthen pots) for my cousins and me to paint. We spent countless hours mixing gold, silver, and every other metallic color, and highlight every piece with Nani’s beads and embellishments from Nani’s meticulously organized collection which were reserved exclusively for Diwali.

What is your biggest regret?

Not coming out of my shell soon-enough.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

Heartbreak, to me, is feeling powerless, unable to change the situation for myself or others. In those moments, I seek solace in spending time alone, reflecting, and expressing my emotions to those closest to me.

What makes you cry?

I cried when a friend tied my shoelaces for me, I cried when I got a job rejection, I cried when I had to leave home, I cried when I had to go back home, I cried when I got a job. I cry, easy and fast (and I would have it no other way).

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

Lately, I’ve noticed a change in how I handle my achievements. Before, I’d hit a goal, feel the rush, then quickly move on. But now, I’m lingering in those moments. I’m deliberately taking time to soak it in, to really appreciate where I’m at. However, the best part isn’t just achieving something—it’s sharing it with my dad. His excitement and pride make everything feel so much more meaningful.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

I don’t believe so much in afterlife, as much as I do in going to a better place.

What do you hate most about yourself?

I find myself saying this more often than I’d like, but there’s one thing I really dislike (not hate). I often wish I could just keep my brain outside for a day, and exist without the constant stream of thoughts. It’s tough to pause, and take a moment.

What do you love most about yourself?

I love that I care deeply about everything, want to make everything work all the time.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

I couldn’t settle on just one thing, so I did a whole 100-day project in search of this answer. More than getting an answer, I realized I loved a lot of dishes, and now I feel like I’m offending my other favorite dishes by choosing just one. It’s a delicious dilemma, to say the least!

(I think it’s green moong dal and rice with papad that mum makes after a long day).

The post What Matters to Ria Shah appeared first on PRINT Magazine.

Mandi Bright is the Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder at Magic Camp, at newly launched independent creative agency Magic Camp. Mandi lives in Chicago with her husband, two children and dog Ella.

PRINT recently interviewed Mandi and Magic Camp co-founder Holly Willis about their mission to redefine agency culture. Read it here.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

Being near a large body of water. Sitting and looking at it, hanging out in the sand, walking along the shore, being on some kind of watercraft, just being present around water, where you can’t see land on the other side, brings me ultimate peace. It grounds me in a way nothing else does. Makes me feel like we’re all connected in a way that is so much greater than anything else.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

Obsessively picking out outfits and shoes in the 80s. Red tights, blue boots, yes. Two mismatched Punky Brewster high tops, also yes. When I was a smidge bigger, I’d close myself in my bedroom for hours and move all the furniture around until it felt right. I did it every couple of months, so that it felt different and intentional, changing my mood or perspective. The way in which surroundings and visuals affect feelings and behaviors has always been a focus of mine.

What is your biggest regret?

That’s a hard one. I’m fortunate to not have any huge regrets yet. I do wish I traveled more before needing to be so fiscally responsible and raise a family. It seems like when you have the time you don’t have the money, and when you might have the money, you don’t have the time. I never knew how to navigate that. Hopefully someday soon. And I don’t know if this is a regret yet, but I have a big looming thought of needing to live somewhere other than the Midwest. I want new and diverse experiences but the community, culture, food scene and people around me are just so good I don’t want to leave yet.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

Realizing it’s an unavoidable part of life. And that nothing lasts forever, the good feelings nor the bad feelings. There is always something to be learned, or a reason for it all, even if it takes a while to see it.

What makes you cry?

Any of my kids’ singing performances at their elementary school. Regardless of the subject matter, tears will make their way into my eyes.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

One to two days. But now that you’ve asked the question, I don’t know what to think about my answer. Going to dig into that a bit more…

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

I do, of sorts. I’m not sure exactly what it “looks” like, but I think one’s soul or essence somehow lives on. But only those that are accepting and open to it. I’ve spoken to a ghost, and my dog’s eyes and facial expressions bring my Grandma Olga right back here with me, so I’m a believer.

What do you hate most about yourself?

How much I overthink. I get in my own way more than I should. Oh, and that I am chronically late. Like 99% of the time.

What do you love most about yourself?

I overthink. And feel for others, a lot. I love helping and serving others, though probably give more than I should at times.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

This might be controversial, but I stand with Oliver Putnam- a meal of dips is my favorite. The options are endless – almost any dish can be made into a dip and with so many “vessel” options it’s never boring. It feels welcoming and conversational. And you can go all out with different flavor combinations and surprising ingredients. Dill pickle dip, Reuben Dip, white bean hummus, elote dip, Crab Rangoon dip – yes, yes, yes, yes and yes!

The post What Matters to Mandi Bright appeared first on PRINT Magazine.

Nick Sonderup is an award winning executive creative director (writer) at StrawberryFrog. He’s an avid cyclist, music junkie, wannabe screenwriter and lives in Brooklyn with his wife and tween twin daughters.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

Making things. The thing could be a movie, or a commercial, or a comedy festival, or a science project with my daughter. It could be a doodle during a meeting. The act of starting with nothing and then having something to hold, share, or just file away, never gets old. My all-time favorite writer Kurt Vonnegut said it best, “Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.”

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

Staying up until the wee hours, drawing with friends, until I fell asleep with a pencil in my hand. This would be entire playdates before they were called playdates. Drawing. Anything and everything. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Rock Stars. The Metallica logo. Video game characters. Whole worlds I wanted to see but had never seen. Drawing for me is what I imagine A.I. to be for the youth of today. But instead of prompting a computer with “Create a castle on a cliff overlooking a city,” I would spend six hours drawing it. It’s a bit of a mystery to me how I became a writer.

What is your biggest regret?

Never learning another language or how to read music.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

I once drove five hours to see a girl who wasn’t excited that I showed up unannounced. So having to turn around and driving five hours back with a heavy heart sucked. There were no podcasts back then. I can’t recommend that as a remedy. I can recommend video games, or a long bike ride, or going to the movies. Distractions, basically. To me getting over heartbreak is about moving on, and the best way to do that is to do something else. Time will take care of the rest.

What makes you cry?

The National. Radiohead. And sometimes Prince. Not only his music, but just the fact that his genius was even available to us.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

If it’s a creative accomplishment, maybe a day? Half a day? A few hours? Creatives are never happy for very long. It’s always on to the next thing. I’m already upset with how I answered this question, but a minute ago I was feeling good about it. See what I mean?

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

I don’t know that I believe in an afterlife, but if it is a thing, I hope it includes all of the people I love. And great pizza.

What do you hate most about yourself?

That I don’t have a good answer to questions like this.

What do you love most about yourself?

Being a completist. If I start something, I have to finish it. It’s also kinds of what I hate about myself but has served me pretty well so far personally and professionally.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

French fries. Yes, they can be a meal. They probably shouldn’t be. But a more perfect food item, I have not found in this world. Go order a burger and fries then tell me what part of that meal you take a bite of first.

Photo of Nick Sonderup by Andres Cevallos.

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Astha Avinash is a creative strategist, illustrator and textile artist based out of Brooklyn, NY. She relocated to the United States in 2022 to pursue her career in strategy. She is an arts and crafts enthusiast, a home chef, and loves to people-watch on the MTA.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

I love going to places that remind me how small we are in the grand scheme of things. Whether it’s Mehrangarh Fort in Rajasthan or the Grand Canyon in Arizona, these trips make me stop and think. It’s
that feeling when you see something and can’t believe how old, or how magnificent, or how humbling it is that I really enjoy.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

I was less than six years old when I remember my mother didn’t repaint the house until I had scribbled on every single wall. Those scribbles gradually turned into small stories, taking on some strange forms that seemed like they could be alive.

What is your biggest regret?

I often think about alternate outcomes of my decisions, like staying in India instead of moving to the States or whether I should have chosen a creative field or economics on the other hand. I envision both the best and worst scenarios for each choice, but ultimately, I don’t think I have any major regrets.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

I center my attention on the positive aspects of my life, I try to be grateful for them everyday. I also find myself speaking to my closest friends a lot more and that helps immensely.

What makes you cry?

Many things make me cry without fail. The Lion King inevitably brings tears to my eyes. Some songs
that share a core memory make me cry too. More recently, I’ve found that cinematic moments between a mother and daughter, a father and child, and the simple joys of being with my family make me teary-eyed.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

Much of my life is recorded on social media now. So when you share your accomplishments out there, the high from the 24-hour story highlight, or the surge in likes and comments makes me joyous for a day or two. However, when I look back at the event and feel inspired by my younger self, I feel pride almost always.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

Not really, but I do believe strongly that animals and pets in our life have a strong reason to be just like in the movie A Dog’s Purpose.

What do you hate most about yourself?

I’m really impatient when it comes to seeing results. It’s something I’m working on but waiting for things to happen is really tough for me.

What do you love most about yourself?

That I don’t linger on failures for long, usually just a day or so. I’m always pragmatically focused on what’s next.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

This meal is my mom’s specialty: khichdi (lentils and rice) with ghee on top, flat bean sabzi, and buttermilk. It is a family tradition to have it on exhausting days, especially travel days. This meal is the equivalent of home.

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Richard Taylor is the founder of Brandon, a creative consultancy focused on helping clients scale and grow.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?


Playing Padel tennis is where I could spend most of my days without a care in the world. In my early childhood I played tennis every day and often night whilst living in Kuwait, Saudi and the United Arab Emirates. When I came back to the UK, I carried on playing regularly and coached kids in my late teens.

I’ve just reached my first half century in life and am now hooked on Padel tennis, which is getting increasingly popular over in the UK. When on the court I can just be in the moment and not have to think (worry) about anything else outside of those four glass walls. The court and the cinema are the two places where I live in the now.
 
What is the first memory you have of being creative?


I fell in love with the creative world when I picked up a ‘Carrera’ typographic badge that fell off the back of a Porsche 911. It is a beautifully scripted font that hasn’t changed much over the years.

I remember sticking that black Carrera badge on my bedroom wall as a kid, alongside a Lamborghini Countach and Porsche 959 poster. I’m a sucker for typography and the beauty and artistry that surrounds sports cars. That combination has stuck with me and led me to explore the beauty and power of design in business, the form and function that surrounds our every being.

What is your biggest regret?


I don’t tend to regret that many things as I am a great believer in serendipity and a dose of hard graft to take you places. But, if I could look back, my biggest regret was not setting up Brandon with my wife Abi sooner. 

I realized quite early on from previous jobs that I didn’t want to play the corporate game. My skills are much more suited to being my own leader and working with amazing people that are more akin to the entrepreneurial spirit that imbues everything I do. It is fair to say that I think people need to find their own way in life and that is often zigging whilst others zag.
 
How have you gotten over heartbreak?


I’m from a working-class family in Yorkshire, albeit one that spent most of its life in and around the Middle East – with my father being seconded out to the region as a Civil & Structural Engineer.

With that I’ve had a pretty thick skin, and most things just bounce off me and I move onto the next. I’ve recently been diagnosed as having ADHD and have always felt a little bit like I live on outskirts of the world. So, I’ve never really felt that much heartbreak, I’ve always focused on the next thing and just worked hard to get there.

Too often I see people dwell in their own self-pity. We live one life, it’s important to crack on and grasp each and every opportunity that comes your way.  
 
What makes you cry?

I’ve just asked my wife this one and she laughed, the short answer back was “nothing”. Who said love is dead?

The last time I cried was 16 years ago when we were living in Dubai and I heard that my grandfather had passed away back in England. I was close to my grandfather, who was a real working gentleman in life, he taught me about laughter, humility, manners and just taking each day as it comes. That loss hit hard, and was made even harder by the distance.
 

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?


Now herein lies the problem and in part why my ADHD prognosis makes so much sense. I celebrate wins of any kind for a nanosecond and then move onto the next thing.

My team at Brandon say it’s in part what makes me what I’ve become which, reflecting back on the ADHD diagnosis, makes me that little bit different to the mainstay of people I come across. 

My working life has mainly been focused on winning business, but once the bell has been rung and whilst the champagne is being popped, I’m stood in the room thinking ‘what’s next’ whilst everyone else is in the moment relishing the win. I wish I could! That relentless pursuit and the thrill of the chase are what get me out of bed in the morning and I guess are a big part of my DNA.
 
Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?


I have enough problem believing in life without having to think about the afterlife. As an atheist, I have little belief in the afterlife and little time to exert my energy in even thinking about it.

I’d dearly love there to be some form of happy ending beyond this world, but it is what it is. Not much I can do to change the day after I take my last breath on this planet. Live every day like it’s your last, one day it will be!
 
What do you hate most about yourself?


My short attention span can cause me to have a short fuse when people don’t bring clarity and speed to my table. I just don’t have time to waste talking around subjects.

I’m very straight forward to the point and can’t be doing with dilly-dallying. My team often ask me how I can just ‘tell it like it is’ to client partners – straightforward and without the fluff. I had to force myself to put on an act in past roles, but never again. 

Tell it like it is with radical candor and respect. People pay me for my expertise and views, they can then either take it or leave it – but it is who I am, and I wouldn’t change that for the world. 
 
What do you love most about yourself?


I tried to always be kind in my life, which is why I no doubt beat myself up about the ‘short fuse’ from the last question. I recall my grandfather always used to say “How-do!?” in his strong Sheffield accent to anyone he walked past on the street, it was his small gesture of love and it’s always with me in every daily encounter.

The late actor and comedic icon Robin Williams’ quote “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always” has always stuck with me. Just be kind to the human in front of you as everyone is battling something in life.

No truer words have been spoken and it led to ‘humankind’ being a value we have embedded into Brandon and how we deal with everyone that crosses the threshold.
 
What is your absolute favorite meal?


There is a restaurant in London’s Soho called Bone Daddies that does some of the best Ramen in the UK, I can often be found there in my own thoughts chomping into Korean Fried Wings, Pig Bones and a Tokyo Cock Cock. 

My favorite dessert was from a visit my family had to Miami too many years ago to remember (but probably pre-Miami Vice) it was a coconut fried ice cream. That reminds me, I must go back and dig that place out!

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Ginny McReynolds is a 72-year-old lesbian, writer and longtime community college English, journalism and communications teacher. Retired now, she writes about how women are reinventing themselves and finding new meaning and purpose in retirement. Read her blog at: www.finallytimeforthis.com

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

It’s been said many times before, but I love having written. I actually really enjoy writing when I have an idea and it’s working, but during the slogging portion of writing, I often feel tortured. I feel so happy when something I’m writing comes together as I imagined it might and then readers will comment that they see themselves in what I’ve written. That means more than anything. I also love spending time with my partner, when she is working on her creative pursuits and I am engaged in mine.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

I was in 7th grade in 1963, when President Kennedy was assassinated. At the time, it was such a profound event—the dramatic murder of this man who seemed to my 12-year-old self to be the best president we’d ever had (he was actually only the second president in my life). I was so shaken and disturbed by the event that I wrote a poem about it. I had never written anything like that before, and I’m sure it was more prose than poetry since I am not a poet at all. But the words just poured out of me. I showed it to my aunt, who liked it so much she sent it in to the local newspaper, which was publishing people’s responses and comments following the assassination. The paper finally published a book of many of them, including mine, and the book eventually made its way to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston. The experience certainly didn’t change my life, but it planted a seed in me that has remained. It is always writing that I turn to when I want to understand what I feel and what’s happening in my life.

What is your biggest regret?

My biggest regret is that it took me so long to feel brave. For much of my life I valued not making waves or drawing attention to myself over exploration, vulnerability, and simply standing proudly in the world as I am. That lack of courage kept me from applying for certain jobs, living in new places, taking myself more seriously as a writer, and just enjoying who I was all of those years. I’m so much more confident now, and I have to remind myself that it’s not too late to believe this fully in myself.

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

In some ways, I think we don’t really get over heartbreak. For me, after days or weeks or months of feeling sorry for myself, or wallowing in loneliness, I realize that I just end up moving forward. But the sadness, the loss, and the what-ifs remain as part of who I am. I have been fortunate to have much more joy than heartbreak, but those very hard times helped me uncover other sides of me and to bring those out into the light.

What makes you cry?

I’ve never been a big crier, and Prozac has made me even less of one, so I know that when I do cry it is such a real feeling. These days, it is almost always something sentimental that makes me cry—an old song, reading my mother’s words in a journal I found of hers after she died, a movie that ends with a twist, something great happening to someone I love dearly.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

In its fullest form, maybe a good 36 hours. After that, I start picking it apart, determining I could have done better. Or, I wait for the other shoe to drop, to learn that what I thought I accomplished wasn’t that great after all. I’m working on being in the moment much more than when I was younger and reminding myself that everything is a kind of accomplishment—that it’s me being alive in the world and thriving. And for that, I’m trying to remember to pat myself on the back.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

I definitely believe there is something after this. Sometimes I think it’s just a whole new life experience—in a different place at a different time. Other times I think it doesn’t look anything like this and that we will have no sense of anything except being where we are. I don’t believe it’s good or bad, though, any more than this life is.

What do you hate most about yourself?

I hate it that I have spent a huge amount of time in my life trying to prevent something bad from happening. I grew up in an emotionally tenuous family and it made me watchful from an early age. Even with lots of therapy, it took me years to understand that I couldn’t control things outside myself, that focusing on what might happen is fruitless, and that I will actually be fine no matter what occurs. I still go there with some regularity, but I don’t travel nearly as far down that road as I used to. I practice equanimity now whenever I possibly can.

What do you love most about yourself?

I love that I feel hopeful. I haven’t always. In fact, it almost seems that I have felt the most hope when I gave up looking for it. But I truly believe that things will work out for us all and that means we will survive whatever happens. This seems like a crazy time in the world to hold on to hope, but on a personal level, I believe we are good and that we will find connection when we need it. We really aren’t alone.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

My absolute favorite meal is one prepared by me and my partner and any set of our close friends. I used to hate “potlucks” because they were such a lesbian cliché, but now I love a meal constructed by several of us, with attention to the way the foods connect to the occasion and to each of us. It’s such a symbol of how we have all grown together over the years.

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John Geletka is a founder of Geletka+, an independent agency based in Chicago. He makes content, experiences, films, poems, books, designs, stories, products and that thing that hasn’t even been a thing yet.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

Trying and learning new things is what I enjoy most in the world. New processes, new techniques and new tools are always a good rush for me. More than that, it helps me thrive in an ever-evolving creative landscape. 

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

When I was in grade school, I loved to make up my own cartoon characters. By 5th grade I’d designed an entire set of new villains that spawned out of my favorite video game, Mega Man. I can remember starting with the bubbly eyes and working my way down, out and around into tons of different characters. I’d write about their powers, build out attributes and pit them against each other. 

How have you gotten over heartbreak?

No, and I’m very thankful for that. Heartbreak, as painful as it is helps define who you are. It builds character and gives you the superpower to move forward in different and new directions. There was once a time in my life, in my late twenties, where everything I had was taken from me. I had little over a thousand dollars to my name after working for 10 years. Being at that financial and personal bottom, taught me what it was like and how to move away from it. I never fear taking risks, because I know how to bounce back. 

What is your biggest regret?

I have a constant regret and it’s this. I never express how grateful I am to the people around me. I’ve had so much help and support along the years from an amazing network of friends who always have my back. 

What makes you cry?

So, I try to laugh about it. Cover it all up with lies. ‘Cause boys don’t cry. 


How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

It lasts a long time for me, and really never goes away…. but the reason I take pride changes over time with perspective. What that means is, I used to look back and be proud if my design was published in a magazine, or put on a sign, or something else. Now I look back at the people I worked with to make it happen, the tools we used, the time we put in, the debates we had had and the way we delivered the work. That matters more to me these days. 

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

An afterlife would be quite boring to me. The same baggage, the same memories, the same mistakes. Plus, after so much time there, would I still be learning and evolving? Or would I just get tired. I expect the afterlife to be the same as the beforelife, but I’d be open to coming back as another form with a new perspective.

What do you hate most about yourself?

I compartmentalize things, bury things and never look back. This is a strength for sure in moving forward in the world, but it can also be a real weakness because I have buried, forgotten and moved well away from people for what most would consider minor infractions.

What do you love most about yourself?

I love that at 40 I’m still learning, still evolving and still caring about the world around me.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

Shrimp Fantastic. It was an old Bennigan’s special I used to get in school as a kid. It was basically shrimp tempura serviced on a skewer shaped like a crown. There was nothing better and I felt like the king of the world when I ate it.

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Luis Uribe is a multi-award-winning Mexican designer based in Cologne, Germany, with over a decade of experience in digital and interactive design. Currently, he is the Design Director at borabora studios – the real-time creative studio, specializing in art, games and immersive brand experiences for retail, events and permanent installations.

What is the thing you like doing most in the world?

What do I truly cherish most in life? Apart from warm showers, cozying up with my cats on the couch, and eating massive amounts of spicy food, I have to say, I really like it when I’m in front of the computer screen. 

This is where I feel most comfortable, exploring new ways to visualize and graphic design, from crafting intricate interfaces to experimenting with digital installations. As far back as I can remember, I’ve been visually driven, and continue to keep learning and finding things.

What is the first memory you have of being creative?

This takes me back to my early school days when I first laid eyes on Microsoft Paint. Oh, the wonders of those pixelated masterpieces! Despite my initial attempts which resulted in some less-than-stellar artworks, I was completely hooked.

Next came the revolutionary Microsoft 95 WOW and with it a whole new world of graphics. I vividly remember the mesmerizing animated wallpapers/screensavers and especially the one with tubes of ever-changing colors. It was like watching art come to life and I couldn’t figure out how it worked.

And the games! DOOM, Age of Empires, Prince of Persia… I was convinced those graphics were crafted in Paint! This misconception fueled my determination, and soon enough, I found something like Photoshop_ver3.12636_craked_trojan.zip.exe (Yes, you are right, questionable downloads!).

But, it was Adobe Flash that really changed things for me. The versatility of that tool was unmatched — from vector files to animations to websites, you name it. The good old days!

What is your biggest regret?

Ah, regrets…Well, I’m a firm believer in looking forward rather than dwelling on past missteps. Each decision, even the ones that didn’t quite pan out as planned, has ultimately shaped the path that led me to where I am today.

If I were to give my younger self some advice, I’d say, “Hey LU, when you’re stuck between A and B, go for option C.”

Thinking outside the box has worked well for me. Maybe, it’s a dash of luck.


How have you gotten over heartbreak?

Ah, thinking back to that first heartbreak, huh? Man, being a teenager and dealing with all that drama… I remember. So, when things went south with my first girlfriend, I’ll be honest, it hit me hard. I’d crawl into bed, blast some seriously emo music, and let myself wallow in it all. Classic move, right? Like many other creative types, I’d bury myself in work to distract myself.

But you know what really got me through? It was having my buddies around, just reminding me that life goes on. Having friends makes it all a little more bearable, you know? And let’s not forget the power of emo music (not real EMO, I’m a METAL guy but there is a lot of sad metal too). It’s like… finding solace in the sadness, you feel me?

What makes you cry?

Nothing gets me riled up like seeing people being jerks to animals. I mean, seriously, animals don’t have a mean bone in their bodies, and yet here we are, humans being all mean and nasty. 
I’m a pretty chill guy, but there’s definitely a part of me that’s very misanthropic. Yeah animals being hurt and the Grave of The Fireflies movie – that one’s a real soul destroyer.

How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?

When it comes to feeling proud of my accomplishments, I’ve been humble. I mean, sure, it’s awesome to achieve something great and celebrate success for a moment. But for me, that feeling tends to fade pretty quickly. I’m usually onto the next project or challenge before I even have time to fully appreciate what I’ve accomplished. It’s how I’m wired, I guess. I mean there is always a next step and something bigger.

Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?

That’s some deep stuff right there. I’ve always had this feeling that it’s nothing like what religion or movies have led us to believe. If I were to imagine an afterlife, I’d picture it kinda like this life, you know? Except without all the worries and pains that come with it. It’s a place where everyone can kick back and live forever, no strings attached.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about ancestry. Who were my ancestors, what were their stories, where did they come from? Being Mexican makes these things important. So, in this hypothetical afterlife, I like to think that all those ancestors are waiting for me, waiting to be discovered.

What do you hate most about yourself?

When I think about the things I’m not too fond of about myself, there’s a whole laundry list that comes to mind. Sometimes, I wish I were a bit smarter or maybe a little less lazy. And don’t get me started on how easily distracted I can be. Plus, being vertically challenged has its moments.

But, if there’s one thing that really gets under my skin, it’s this feeling of not being brave enough. I wish I could be more outgoing and fearless in facing life head-on. It’s just all these insecurities. I’m certain we all have some.

And after thinking about it, it doesn’t bother me that much.


What do you love most about yourself?

One thing I’ve really grown to love about myself is how I’ve learned to be kind and protective of me.

It might sound strange, but there are times when I catch myself having these little chats in my head, almost in the third person – giving myself a friendly reminder to stay on track and be good to myself.

What is your absolute favorite meal?

Honestly, when it comes to food, I’m all about variety. I love spicy food. Everything with strong flavors. But, if I had to pick favorites it would need to be Mexican Mole.

Mole is all flavors and colors together. Everything that makes memories of home cozy is in it. It can have a hundred ingredients and they all match perfectly. Sometimes it tastes like warm chocolate and others like the spiciest salsa. Mole is just perfect. In fact Mole, even though sauce is the main ingredient and it’s normally served with rice or protein – in my region, it’s very common to find cooked Mole with Platanos Machos. It sounds weird but oh my.

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