MEET #5037 CHRIS CARBONI

MEET #5037 CHRIS CARBONI

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Director • New York, NY

WNW Member #5037 Chris Carboni has directed work for a wide range of clients including Adult Swim, Coca Cola, Showtime, and many more. He's an elite animator whose vibrant style combines the colors and contrasts of pop art and graphic novels, while infusing his own indelible flair. We asked Chris if his parents understand what he does for a living: "Nowadays, yes they really do. In the past, though, 'working on an Apple commercial' would translate into 'inventing the next iPhone.'" Chris also delivers some tweetable advice to fellow creatives: "Work hard, be nice."

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1. How long have you been freelancing?

I've been freelance for six years.

2. Is there a time or place that you feel most creative/have the best ideas?

I think any place has potential to inspire. For me, a change in environment often sparks a change in perspective - sometimes it simply has to do with the physical act of moving. I tend to get my best ideas when I'm away from my computer, out in the world, focusing on something non-digital.

3. What's your ideal Working:Not Working ratio?

I think this depends on the kind of work I'm doing, but on average I try to keep things 70/30.

4. Do your parents understand what you do?

Nowadays, yes they really do. In the past, though, "working on an Apple commercial" would translate into "inventing the next iPhone."

5. What scene from a movie makes you laugh just thinking about it? 

The scene in Wet Hot American Summer where Paul Rudd has to clean up the plate he knocked on the floor.

6. If you were stranded on a desert island, with your computer, what 3 websites would you take with you? 

I guess NY Times, G-Mail, and Netflix. Web MD would be helpful, but survival is less appealing if I can't watch the new season of House of Cards.

7. What do you do when Not Working?

I chill. And I travel. And I eat food, lots of it.

8. Do you have a hidden talent?

I can rap.. kinda.. When I was a kid my friends and I would freestyle all the time. It's been a while, but I like to think I could still hold my own in a cypher. Hopefully this is never tested...

9. Any tips or advice for fellow freelancers?

Work hard, be nice.

10. What's your favorite thing on the internet this week?

I came across a new Boston Dynamics robot video which is pretty sweet. I love the ones of quadrupeds that walk over precarious terrain while their human overlords kick them in the back. When Judgement Day is upon us, we will only have ourselves to blame..

11. Who are some other WNW members whose work you admire, and why?

So many, hard to whittle it down! Today I've been admiring the work of Alex Trochut and Julia Pott.

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More of Chris's Work

Man Seeking Woman - FXX

Circular

Animation for a Cause

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Persol

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Sprout

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Remaark

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Are you a WNW Member with new work, exhibits, products, or news to share? Email us.

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PROFILES OF THE WEEK: APRIL 13TH

PROFILES OF THE WEEK: APRIL 13TH

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Cun Shi, Illustrator. Brooklyn.

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Mike Bodge, Creative Technologist. New York.

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Ebru Yildiz, Photographer. New York.

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S C, Art Director. New York.

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Leonardo Betti, Designer. Florence.

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Emily Blaine (aka Strand), Copywriter. New York.

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Summer Ortiz, Illustrator. Austin.

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Think your profile should be featured? Email us!

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MANAGER PROFILE: CHRISTINA MAZUROWSKI

MANAGER PROFILE:
CHRISTINA MAZUROWSKI

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One of Working Not Working's very first managers, Christina Mazurowski (or "Maz" as she's sometimes called), is a rockstar recruiter at R/GA, working with Dan de Lord, overseeing creative recruitment in London. Maybe what makes her such a stellar recruiter is her ability to empathize with creatives. While she received a BFA in fine art, Christina eschewed the artist path and became a recruiter through a series of happy accidents. Though she still paints on the side, Christina cherishes that her role as a recruiter surrounds her with creatively inspired people every day, 

"I've always seen my career as a long-term goal to facilitate my ability to be a painter. I'd been an artist's assistant for a while at school and it taught me that you don't necessarily have to be an art star in your early twenties in NYC to call yourself an artist. The people who create a life as an artist see it more as a marathon than as a race. I'm just really grateful that I have a career where I'm constantly inspired by the people around me. And that those I meet in the industry will give me advice someday when I need it. You get what you give! 

Many recruiters I know come from a similar background, and I think it helps us to come at it from an empathetic place rather than just filling a seat."

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How did you start your career?

I knew I wanted to work in the arts but I didn't necessarily want to to do that for a living. The only real plan I had was to get a BFA, move to New York, do the whole starving artist thing and maybe go to grad school to become a professor. But then the recession happened. I was a receptionist at Artisan when one of the associate recruiters ended up leaving. I took her position and had an epiphany: I can help creative people AND get paid! 

I learned this business in an unusual time when no one was getting work. I started staffing people when there were more candidates than jobs. For me, I was just so young that I remember wanting to learn as much as I could from all the creatives. I felt like they were helping me just as much as I was helping them.  

From there I moved on to the Solomon Page Group creative marketing division. After about a year, I had the opportunity to launch the creative hiring division of JBC Connect, a fashion staffing startup. It was there that I first learned about Working Not Working. Justin and Adam had recently published a press release and I remember saying to my business partner, "Man, this is totally going to put us out of business!" A mutual friend showed me the product and honestly, I was pissed they came up with the idea before I did.

 

How did you make the move to R/GA?

I was a third party recruiter for R/GA for almost three years.  I started at R/GA in January 2014, where I oversaw freelance for North America. This was an amazing opportunity as I got to see all offices across the U.S., getting a real sense of the culture.

Even though joining R/GA was my first time coming in-house, I knew the culture would work well for me after being at a startup for three years. I had been in the third party industry for six years but everything I loved about recruiting was what you do in an internal role and everything I hated (the money, hitting numbers, etc), was in the third party role. I had kind of been waiting to make that change.

At R/GA you get a lot of responsibility and with that, a lot of freedom. As long as you're producing and being innovative and creative, you can pretty much do anything you need to do to get there. Despite its size, its not like any other corporate environment I've worked in.

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You recently moved to R/GA London for the year. Tell us about the transition.

I didn't want to leave New York -  I joked that i was tricked into it by the London office!  When they sent me out there it was originally for a week in June, and then 2 weeks in October. That turned into two months, and I had fallen in love with the culture of the office out there. I'd rather live in New York as a city (I really love my neighborhood), but I find the experience in our London office is really good for me right now.

My style of recruiting doesn't change now that I'm in England since I was already working globally. I didn't have much of network here though so its new and exciting to build that. A challenge all over again!

What's your favorite thing about what you do? 

I like that I get to be around creative people every day. Especially at R/GA where everyone is so talented. Also, I don't get burned out creatively at the end of my day. When I come home I still want to paint because I've been inspired by what I've seen at the office. Being around inspirational people is really key.

Given your background in fine art, did you consider being an artist full-time? 

I've always seen my career as a long-term goal to facilitate my ability to be a painter. I'd been an artist's assistant for a while at school and it taught me that you don't necessarily have to be an art star in your early twenties in NYC to call yourself an artist. The people who create a life as an artist see it more as a marathon than as a race. I'm just really grateful that I have a career where I'm constantly inspired by the people around me. And that those I meet in the industry will give me advice someday when I need it. You get what you give! 

Many recruiters I know come from a similar background, and I think it helps us to come at it from an empathetic place rather than just filling a seat.

Describe R/GA in 3 words

Innovative. Global. Top shelf. 

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What is it about the culture of R/GA that makes it an ideal place to work?

I always say that when I joined R/GA it felt like I was going back to college or university. I mean that in the most amazing and positive way possible. From the day I stepped foot in the door, I have been elevated, inspired, and empowered in ways I could never have imagined. I suddenly had those nervous butterflies when you realize that everyone in the room is more talented than you – and it was the most exciting thing I had experienced in a long time. 

It didn’t stop at day one. I have been given the opportunity to work nationally as well as globally in just my first year. The collaboration within the R/GA global community is something that I didn’t think could exist. 

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R/GA founder Bob Greenberg is inducted into the One Club Creative Hall of Fame

Describe your style of recruiting: how do you like to connect with talent?

I like when recruitment comes from natural, organic connections made from our own personal network. Great talent tends to know great talent – which is why I love using Working Not Working: it’s a network of great talent that vouches for one another. 

If you were stranded on a desert island, with your computer, what 3 websites would you take with you?

1. Four Pins

2. Airbnb

3. HYPTRACK

 

What's your creative outlet?

I got my BFA in painting and drawing at SUNY New Paltz, and I still have a studio in my Queens apartment. I paint and have small shows on the side within the Queens artist community. The Graff scene will always have a huge piece of my heart. I love a good hand style. – (RIP 5 Pointz). 

What's your favorite thing on the internet this week?

I know it’s not current – but the “LEFT SHARK” is still my favorite thing on the internet.

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Now let's get to the portfolios. 

How much time do you spend on each portfolio? And how long before you make a gut reaction on it?

The amount of time I spend on a portfolio is actually dependent on my gut reaction to it. I usually have a feeling within the first 5 seconds of looking at a portfolio. Even if my gut reaction is bad I will spend an additional 3-5 minutes with it just to double-check. I spend more time with those I like. If I find I am spending too much time on a portfolio because I can’t figure it out, that is usually a red flag. 

What kind of talent makes you warm inside?

Anyone from the Buffalo, Western New York region. Anyone that loves hockey. The type of candidate that understands our philosophy, and has done research about R/GA ahead of time. 

What are you looking for in a creative/portfolio that is unique to R/GA?

At R/GA we pride ourselves on making things easy and accessible for a user. If a creative candidate can’t present in a cohesive and clear manner, it usually won’t be a fit for us. This applies to all disciplines in our eyes. 

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What advice can you give to our creatives on how to best present themselves? 

It’s kind of like dating – don’t try too hard, you’ll look desperate (even if you are not). 

Has Working Not Working been helpful? 

What I love most about WNW is the talent level. Everyone truly is exceptionally talented. It is the fastest way to find folks who are definitively available. 

Any WNW Members whose work you admire?

WNW Member #1850 Guy Seese – he saved us in a pinch and I will forever be grateful. 

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R/GA New York

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R/GA London

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ON CHICAGO: AMY SCHWARTZ

ON CHICAGO:
AMY SCHWARTZ

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WNW Member #3868 Amy Schwartz's profile background pretty much sums her up: bubbly, colorful, with just the right amount of whimsy. A designer by day and professor at night, Amy is hugely involved in the Chicago creative scene, a supporter of AIGA and co-founder of Liminal Space, an open studio for design-focused programming. If you make it to our upcoming Drinking Not Drinking, be sure to give Amy a hug as she's been the force behind organizing it, along with Jen Serafini and Jenelle Huddleston. 

A lifelong midwesterner, Amy shares her love of Chicago and almost makes us forget the winters and want to move there. WNW Member #597 Lucy Hewett brings Chicago to life with her photographs.  

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Tell us a bit about yourself and what you're currently loving:

I’m a lifelong Midwesterner who is finally settled back in Chicago after a two year stint in Detroit. I am an interaction designer/graphic designer/illustrator by day and a professor at DePaul University by night. I recently received my MFA from the Cranbrook Academy of Art, which I mention because it was the most amazing experience of my life and I highly recommend it to anybody interested in deepening their studio practice. It definitely shaped the the way I work, how I think, and what I value.

Things I am currently loving, in no particular order:

1. The soundtrack to It Follows by Disasterpeace

2. Lusting over furniture by Eric Trine

3. Fresh carrot juice

4. Spider Gwen

5. The growing trend of self-initiated, unaffiliated design happenings and exhibitions.

Why did you move to Chicago?  

I grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago, so it has always been home to me. When college rolled around, I only applied to schools within Chicago– I knew that if I wanted to make it as a designer, then I had to connect with a vibrant creative community before graduation, not after. I wanted to meet working designers, attend AIGA events, be near all of the city’s amazing museums, and have a shot at great internships. I also loved coming to the city as a kid, because everything felt so lively and authentic. I knew I wanted to experience that every day. I moved back to Chicago after finishing my MFA because my husband is here, but I definitely loved my time in Detroit.

How does the city inspire you? 

Chicago is a classic, midwest city full of hardworking, honest people. I’m constantly inspired by the quality–and amount– of killer work that people are producing here. I feel like I need 30 hours in a day to keep up! The people here are genuine and they are so passionate about what they do, whatever field they are in. I’m also inspired by the city itself. Chicago is called a “city of neighborhoods”, and each neighborhood has a very distinct character. Even though I’ve lived here for 6 years, I still feel like there is so much left to explore.

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Tell us about Chicago’s creative scene.

Chicago’s creative scene is active, lively, and welcoming. It’s not a small scene by any means, but everyone here knows each other, or at least knows of each other. It’s inspiring, because anyone you admire is just one introduction away. Once you’re introduced to that person, they’re likely going to become one of your friends, mentors, or at the very least an ally in the community. 

There’s always some event going on, from designer talks to gallery shows, to city-wide programming like Chicago Ideas Week. There’s programming for everybody– and if you think there is something missing, it’s easy to make it happen yourself. That’s why I began Liminal Space, a series of programming focused on experimental design practice, last year with support from AIGA Chicago. If you put something out there, the community will support you and help it grow. 

What other creative organizations do you recommend?

AIGA Chicago is incredibly active and they strive to host a wide range of engaging events, from mentorship groups to studio tours.

The Society of Typographic Arts is Chicago’s oldest professional design association, and they also have some quality events.

Other amazing organizations here include:

Girl Develop It

UX Book Club

Black Girls Code

Code and Cupcakes

What are your favorite things about living there? What are some challenges?

My favorite things about Chicago:
The summers, the people, the juxtaposition of quiet neighborhoods and active strips of city, the ability to have any cuisine for any meal, the lakefront trail, the comfortable yet exciting pace of life.

My biggest challenges:
The winters, having to rely on a CTA bus, saying goodbye to everyone who moves to San Francisco.

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What are some neighborhood spots that you love?  

Rocking Horse is one of my favorite places to get dinner and a drink with friends. All of their food is amazing, they have a killer beer list, and they have chimichurri tater tots. What more could you want?

Ground Control is a vegetarian restaurant that I tried recently and fell completely in love with. I had smothered sweet potato tacos, and I want them to be my last meal before death. Highly recommended to all vegans and vegetarians.

Challengers Comics is a fantastic comic shop with a super friendly staff and great events, like artist signings. 

Gaslight is a great place to grab a coffee and some beans to bring home.

Boiler Room Pizza is my circle’s default party spot. Amazing pizza by the slice, Jameson on tap, and great beers.

Any WNW members whose work you admire?

Lucy Hewett, Mikey Burton, Leta Sobierajski, Chuck Anderson, Kate Bingaman-Burt and Shawna X.

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Hey WNW Chicago Members + Friends! Make sure to RSVP to Drinking Not Drinking next Thursday, April 16th. First round is on WNW so be sure to come early. 

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ON AMERICANA: CHRISTOPHER LANE

ON AMERICANA:
CHRISTOPHER LANE

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Fun fact: WNW Member #1439 Christopher Lane came to the United States from England in 1995 to pursue a professional golf career. He ended up playing golf for the Savannah College of Art and Design, but soon after shifted his focus to photography. He's an ADC Young Gun, specializing in documentary and portrait photography, with a real draw to all things Americana. 

Christopher was kind of enough to sit down with us in person and walk us through the inspiration and process behind some of his photographs. Accompanying each image is a sound clip, so you can hear Christopher's stories behind the shoot, in his own words. He's negotiated image prices with Jerry Seinfeld, developed friendships with the Ms. Senior America contestants, and bossed around President Barack Obama.

As a Brit living in the US, Christopher is particularly fascinated by Americana and the access being a photographer affords him: "The amazing thing is when you have the camera, sometimes you can end up in the White House or end up in a cell. It's pretty fascinating sometimes. That spectrum really is an amazing privilege."

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ON STREET PHOTOGRAPHY 

Sometimes you can go around the city of New York and everyone will say, 'No, I don't want my picture taken.' But I think it's a feeling that people get from you, how approachable you are. If you’re in a happy good mood, usually people can pick up on that. It's a weird kind of aura. 

I ask a lot of questions like, "What did you dream last night? And what's the greatest invention in your lifetime?"

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ON NAILING THE SHOT

It was pretty amazing when we asked Jerry to perform. He did the shot where the coffee is spilling out. It was the the first shot, the first time we tried it. We sort of got it in one take and he saw that. Jerry was like, "Great, we got it!" It's always nice to do a few but I didn’t want to destroy the studio too much.

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ON PHOTOGRAPHING THE PRESIDENT

When he arrived, I wasn’t ready. He says, “You’ve got 10 minutes and you can do whatever you want." I did push the boundaries a bit. But I think it was good.

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Before you go into a shoot, do you already have an idea of the essence you want to capture? 

I’m finding nowadays there’s a lot more art direction, a bit too much even. Before, they’d let you do whatever you liked. With creative freedom, I used to do a lot of research, looking at paintings, going to museums, looking at old newspapers and magazines. I used to kind of be a hoarder and collect old New York Times Magazines. Inspiration comes from everywhere. I like to look at a lot of older photographs. One of my favorite photographers is August Sander.

How do you adjust your approach to match your subject's energy?

It's a lot more controlled these days. I frequently find the subject will say, “I’m not going to do this, I’m not going to do that.” So I find it's important to have several ideas and there will always be one that they’re willing to do. Sometimes you just have to go with what you’re given.

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ON NOT GETTING STAR-STRUCK

I find it's a lot easier with actors since they’re used to the camera, to the performance. A lot of times you only have a few minutes with the subject, especially celebrities. It's rare that you get more than twenty minutes, sometimes you literally get 20 seconds. So you have to have something ready to go. It depends if they’re willing to interact with you as well.

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Do you get nervous photographing celebrities, or does nothing phase you at this point?

I think they’d pick up on the nervousness. I guess you become a little bit heightened, but it's important not to get nervous and to make them as comfortable as possible. It's the one time that they’re not in control, and you get to boss them around. If you’re confident about doing that in the nicest way, I think they actually appreciate it. Basically everyone’s kissing their ass. So they do live in this kind of fantasy bubble and it’s nice just to have that reality check and just be a bit more normal to them.

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ON PERSONAL PROJECTS

I like to at least do one or two personal projects a year. I feel you get the most reward out of doing your own personal work. It’s so hard to do especially when you’re bombarded with commercial work, but I think it’s always the most gratifying for me and it’s where I can be the most artistic as well. I don’t have to answer to anyone, no deadlines and I don’t have to get the images the next day. I can relax and then can really enjoy the subjects.

I usually find inspiration from going out onto the street and especially in New York it’s pretty amazing. If you’re stuck for ideas, just to walk down 5th Avenue and see all the different characters. I always find it’s really good just to walk with the camera to find different subjects or different ideas for a new project.

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ON MS. SENIOR AMERICA

It's for 60+ ladies who like to have a good time. It's a bit like the dog show, but for seniors. I went down on a whim but then I became friends with some of these ladies and they wanted me to come back. 

Ms. Nebraska did this charity thing where she rode a bicycle from Nebraska to New Jersey and she got run over by a garbage truck... she nearly didn't make it.

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ON PHOTOGRAPHY AS DOCUMENTARY 

The prison system has become a Wall Street corporation. It's easy to get prisoners, and there's a dollar bill on their head. People are making profits out of this. They use the prisoners as circus acts, they make them do bull riding. So six or seven times a year they put on these performances where the prisoners are the bull riders. But they’re horrible bull riders since they never get to practice. And many of them end up injured or in the hospital... they risk their life. But I think they can earn over a $100 or $500 which in prison, is like winning the lottery.

Photographs taken at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola.

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Are you a WNW Member with new work, exhibits, products, or news to share? Email us.

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MEET #1538 JANE CRONK

MEET #1538 JANE CRONK

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Copywriter • New York, NY

Meet Texas-born, Brooklyn-based WNW Member #1538 Jane Cronk. Jane left Austin to attend the School of Visual Arts, and in her senior year began working as a copywriter for top brands. She has since earned several awards from the One Show, Young Guns, Webbys, FIAP, and Graphis. Most recently, she worked on Converse's brand new Oculus 360° Experience + App. With every campaign Jane has had a hand in, there's an irresistible blend of vivacity, sharp wit, and oftentimes absurdity. Jane gives us one of our funniest interviews, but also offers some free and timely tax advice: "I would also say, this one is boring, but save all of your receipts. Almost everything is tax deductible as a freelancer. Did you buy a pencil one time that you used to write ideas and ate a granola bar at the same time? Both deductible."

Converse - In Their Chucks : Oculus 360° Experience + App

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1. How long have you been freelancing?

Around a year and a half. I started because I wanted to try a few different places before deciding where I wanted to go full-time. 

2. Is there a time or place that you feel most creative/have the best ideas?

I would say 100% I feel most creative in the bath with a glass of wine. It’s the quietest place in the house and no one can bother me. 

3. What's your ideal Working:Not Working ratio?

I actually love working and being active. So I would say 80/20. 80% working on cool projects I love and 19% traveling with friends and family. 1% in the bath that I mentioned above. 

4. Do your parents understand what you do?

I know everyone says “no” but I actually think they get it. They are my biggest fans and love everything I do, even if it sucks. 

5. What scene from a movie makes you laugh just thinking about it? 

This is pretty gross, but whatever. I think the scene from Superbad where Jonah Hill is bumping and grinding on the dancefloor with the girl who gets her period on his pants. Then he runs into another guy that also has blood on his pants and says “We’re blood brothers”. So cringeworthy. So hilarious. 

6. If you were stranded on a desert island, with your computer, what 3 websites would you take with you? 

Gawker for the news and for a laugh. Instagram to stay connected with my real and fake friends. And Netflix because I’ll have a lot of hours to burn watching trash TV out alone on that desert. 

7. What do you do when Not Working?

I love working out, but I’m really not that great at it so I try to improve on that. I also travel and visit friends that I’m missing in other states. I also do a lot more sleeping—since I finally have the time to. 

8. Do you have a hidden talent?

I’m actually a pretty good artist. It’s something I like to do in my off time that relaxes me and I think I’ve gotten better at it over the years. 

9. Any tips or advice for fellow freelancers?

I would say my biggest tip is learn be your own manager. Managing your time and your schedule is key to freelancing. You always want to make sure you have a job coming up after your current job, but make sure you don’t piss anyone off in the process by overbooking or breaking commitments. I would also say, this one is boring, but save all of your receipts. Almost everything is tax deductible as a freelancer. Did you buy a pencil one time that you used to write ideas and ate a granola bar at the same time? Both deductible.

10. What's your favorite thing on the internet this week?

This week... this.

11. Who are some other WNW members whose work you admire, and why?

Two members I really admire are Tara Lawall and Peèle Lemos. Tara, helped me get into freelancing and she gave me a lot of great advice and tips. Peele is an old friend that always blows me away with his creativity. He’s the kind of AD you want to work with as a writer. 

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Are you a WNW Member with new work, exhibits, products, or news to share? Email us.

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PROFILES OF THE WEEK: APRIL 6TH

PROFILES OF THE WEEK:
APRIL 6TH

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Yema Yema, Illustrator • Atlanta

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Tom Wysocki, Designer • London

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Jenny Zych, Illustrator • Brooklyn

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Daniel Redwood, UX/IA Designer • Los Angeles

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Leanna Perry, Designer • Brooklyn

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Romain Laurent, Photographer • Brooklyn

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Quique Rivera, Animator • Santa Clarita

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Helena Price, Photographer • San Francisco

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Think your profile should be featured? Email us!

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HOW TO HUNT A UNICORN: JUSTIN CONE

HOW TO HUNT A UNICORN:
JUSTIN CONE

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As a professional network, we get the request a lot for "unicorns." This elusive bunch, unicorns are typically thought of as left and right brainers, uber talented people who straddle the seemingly separate worlds of art and tech. Justin Cone, founder of Motionographer and the F5 festival, traffics in unicorns. Given his focus on motion designers (where code is craft), Justin is well versed in the do's and don'ts of how to approach this rarified breed. He shares with us a little tutorial on how to identify unicorns in the wild and best practices in appealing to them.

Hint: Don't call them unicorns. 

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If you were hunting a mythical unicorn — the kind that Lisa Frank made famous on Trapper Keepers — you’d know there are some handy guidelines that’ll help you nab the prize. Everyone knows, for example, that unicorns will only allow chaste (read: virgin) ladies to touch them.

But did you know that said virgin should also be naked? And seated beneath a tree?

(Unicorns suddenly seem more like a creepy billionaires, no?)

SO WHAT EXACTLY IS A UNICORN? 

In the context of digital agencies, a unicorn is a person who can use both halves of their brain — the analytic left and the creative right — with equal ease. They might take the form of a project manager who can craft advanced Excel formulae in one breath and extol the virtues of responsive web design to a bewildered client the next. Or maybe they’re a CEO who’s virtuosic grasp of UX design is outshined only by her penchant for corporate finance.

But more often, “unicorn” refers to a special breed of designer/developer. Think of that slash as the unicorn’s horn. We’re not talking about designers who can copy and paste some shoddy JavaScript from Stack Overflow; we’re talking about designers who can actually think in code and build awesome stuff worthy of some serious tire-kicking. These are people who often don’t make a distinction between making something functional and making something pretty — because they do both at the same time.

Sounds pretty bad ass, right?

Working Not Working has an unusually high number of unicorns grazing its digital meadows. People like Michelle Higa Fox, Sougwen Chen, Mike Bodge, Jonnie Hallman, Shane Mielke and Alex Kaminsky probably shop for horseshoes and horn polish regularly.  

 

3 TIPS FOR HUNTING UNICORNS

 

Tip 1: A true unicorn will never refer to itself as a unicorn.

True unicorns seem blithely unaware of their unicorniness. The likely explanation for this is that, as children of two worlds (design and code), they naturally understand that they could spend an entire lifetime trying to maintain a solid foothold in either world, let alone both. This humility makes it difficult for them to proclaim mastery over both spheres of knowledge, and so they humbly dodge tidy aggrandizements like “unicorn.” (This humility is also what makes many unicorns likable.)

Also: Describing oneself as a unicorn is just tacky. It’s the professional equivalent of calling yourself a guru or a ninja. A title like that must be implicitly conferred by one’s peers, not worn like a bedazzled nametag. Anyone who lists “experienced unicorn” as a bullet point on their résumé should be regarded with extreme suspicion (unless, of course, you’re hiring furries).

Common titles unicorns may use:

1. Front-end developer

2. Creative developer

2. Interactive designer

3. Creative technologist

4. (Interactive) art director

Take note! Only a small portion of people using these titles is, in fact, unicorn-worthy. Not all front-end developers, for example, are unicorns. (And not all unicorns are front-end developers.)

 

Tip 2: Do you really need a unicorn?

When I start digging into employers’ expectations for unicorns, I almost always find the same nugget of truth buried beneath alternating layers of ignorance and self-delusion: the real reason people want a unicorn is because they can’t afford two (or three) people to do the same work.

That’s a pretty terrible reason to go hunting for a unicorn. Even if you do find a unicorn and somehow cajole them into working for you, you will likely burn them out and tarnish your reputation in the process. You will be a unicorn slayer. Do you really want that hanging over your head?

So what’s a noble reason for pursuing a unicorn? Unicorns are not managers, but their inherently hybrid approach to technical and creative problems means they can naturally bring teams together, given the right conditions. If you’re hoping that a unicorn can function as a corpus callosum, organically binding the two halves of your organization’s collective brain, you might be on the right path.

Unicorns are also fantastic at making stuff quickly. Prototyping, product development, and focused experimentation come naturally to unicorns. It’s what they live for.

If you’re really not sure about all this, and you just want someone who can magically do everything for you without making your life so damned complicated, what you need is a wizard, not a unicorn.

Wizards, unfortunately, don’t exist.

Tip 3: Stop calling them unicorns.

(Yes, this tip contradicts the entire post. But if you weren’t comfortable with a little contradiction, you wouldn’t be hunting unicorns, right?)

Possibly the only thing worse than directly addressing someone as a unicorn is calling them a “ninja.” It’s embarrassing, and it feels like you’re trying too hard. In your mind, feel free to think, “I’m talking to a unicorn!” But with your mouth, use the person’s human name or, if you’re old college buddies, their mildly derogatory nickname.

Unicorns are people, too.

As rare, magical creatures, unicorns have the right to be a little persnickety and very selective. Regard them with the respect they deserve, and you just might find yourself galloping into the sunset astride one.

Wait, that didn’t come out right.

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Justin Cone is the Founder of Motionographer, a leading source of inspiration and news for motion designers, animators and filmmakers. In addition, Justin co-founded F5, a cutting-edge creativity festival exploring the intersection of art, design and entertainment. He's also one of the nicest guys we know.

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MEET #1397 ANTHONY LANE

MEET #1397 ANTHONY LANE

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Designer • Minneapolis, MN

WNW Member #1397 Anthony Lane specializes in logo and brand design. He cites Brandon Oxendine, Nick Brue, and Matt Chase as fellow designers and WNW members whom he admires. Anthony's appreciation extends to the craft: "Be grateful for what you do—we as designers have the privilege of making design and solving problems for other people who rely on us. This shouldn't be work, if it feels like work find a way to get over it or do something else. Remember, you could always be pushing paper somewhere."

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1. How long have you been freelancing?

I started freelancing December of 2009, so 5 years. I've been working full-time as well over that period of time, but spend a lot of time freelancing outside of full-time work.

2. Is there a time or place that you feel most creative/have the best ideas?

Right after I look at great work from my favorite designers/studios or see something I really like. It could be an old piece of design (or anything really), that seems to trigger the desire to be creative. Driving in the car or doing something completely opposite of being in the studio also seem to be places where ideas come. 

3. What's your ideal Working:Not Working ratio?

Now that I have a couple of children and a family, something like 80/20 feels close to ideal. Before that I felt like I wasn't being productive if I didn't always have something on my plate, I still feel that way, but have learned a whole lot about appreciating time away from design and that in turn, has helped me be a better designer and person. 

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4. Do your parents understand what you do?

They do, but I don't think they grasp the ins and outs of being a designer; I think they still think I just make logos.

5. What scene from a movie makes you laugh just thinking about it? 

Buzz Lightyear tea drinking scene in Toy Story 1. Having a small child in the house, I've probably seen the movie a dozen times in the last month so it's immediately memorable. I'm just now appreciating the adult humor in that movie.

6. If you were stranded on a desert island, with your computer, what 3 websites would you take with you? 

1. Wikipedia

2. Google

3. The Atlantic

7. What do you do when Not Working?

Depends on the season. I spend a lot of time indoors doing fun stuff with my two boys and wife in the Winter and in the Summer I mix that with being outside as much as possible riding/fixing my motorcycle and doing housework. 

8. Do you have a hidden talent?

Does juggling count?

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9. Any tips or advice for fellow freelancers?

Try to have fun with what you're doing and don't try to perfect everything—a lot of great things are found in the imperfections. Establish practices upfront that help with the management side of things to give you more time to spend on being creative. Be a master of setting expectations and asking questions. And remember why you were hired. 

10. What's your favorite thing on the internet this week?

Spending lots of time going through high-res satellite images of our Earth from the European Space Agency. What an amazing world we live in.

11. Who are some other WNW members whose work you admire, and why?

Brandon Oxendine has a very neat approach, smart, weird, and always a little off—in a good way.

Nick Brue because he's a good Minnesotan and a really really talented designer.

Matt Chase has an incredible sense of wit and his range of execution in his illustrations are incredible, seems like a nice guy too. 

12. Anything else you'd like to add that we haven't asked?

It's been said many times before, but be grateful for what you do—we as designers have the privilege of making design and solving problems for other people who rely on us. This shouldn't be work, if it feels like work find a way to get over it or do something else. Remember, you could always be pushing paper somewhere.

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More of Anthony's Work

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Are you a WNW Member with new work, exhibits, products, or news to share? Email us.

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EATING NOT EATING: LAUREN HOM

EATING NOT EATING: LAUREN HOM

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If you weren't hungry before, you will be now. With our members writing reviews of their favorite TV shows, why not add restaurants to the mix? WNW Member #2245 Lauren Hom was, of course, the natural choice to be our resident food critic. Courtesy of her Will Letter for Lunch project, Lauren has become a professional foodie, drawing - and eating - her way through New York City. As an illustrator, Lauren offers her lettering skills to restaurants in exchange for food, producing the stuff of Pinterest dreams. To kick off Eating Not Eating, a series on restaurants that inspire us, Lauren gives us the low-down on a Lower East side Greek spot that has us salivating for spanakopita and souvlaki. 

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Nestled near the Essex Street Market, Souvlaki GR serves everything Greek from buttery, flaky spanakopita (phyllo dough stuffed with feta and spiced spinach) to glasses of fine liquors you can usually only find on the other side of the world. With it’s white walls, blue windows and doors, and authentic Greek food, Souvlaki GR truly is a little taste of Mykonos in the Lower East Side. 

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Since I eat mostly vegetarian and decided to pass on the lamb chops I lettered, the kind folks at Souvlaki GR whipped me up a spread of their best Greek veggie options: Kolokithokeftedes (zucchini croquettes with carrots, scallions and mint with a side of tzatziki sauce, a spread of delicious homemade dips: spicy feta, roasted eggplant, and garlic potato), tangy Revidosalata salads with chickpeas, feta, red onions, tomato, and cucumber, and grilled veggie souvlaki pita wraps. Oh, and of course, a glass of white wine. It's not like it was 2pm or anything...

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This meal was so tasty and hearty that I almost forgot it didn't have any meat. The zucchini fritters were hot, crispy, and perfect with a dollop of creamy yogurt sauce on top. All of the homemade dips were good, but the standout one was definitely the spicy feta; a tart, rich, and zesty spread that was borderline addicting on top of chewy pita bread. The salad was recommended by the owner herself, and it definitely lived up to my expectations. There had to be at least a cup of chickpeas on top of the salad, making it one of the most satisfying ones I've ever had. And of course, I couldn't leave Souvlaki GR without trying the dish they're named after: souvlaki (anything Greek, grilled, and on a skewer)! I had a mixed vegetable souvlaki inside a pita. Sweet grilled vegetables, crispy french fries, and creamy tzatziki sauce all wrapped up inside of a warm pita? Yes please.

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Soulvaki GR: 116 Stanton St, New York, NY. 10am-11pm. 

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Want to write about restaurants in your city? Email us.

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MEET #4148 JORDAN FRIPP

MEET #4148 JORDAN FRIPP

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Art Director • Atlanta, GA

If we were stuck on a desert island, we'd want WNW Member #4148 Jordan Fripp with us. Having spent half a year backpacking around the world, Jordan collected outdoorsman skills along the way as well as some serious wanderlust. When he's not building fires, Jordan's providing art direction, design, and motion for such clients as Nike, Puma, Beats by Dre, and Land Rover. 

He also has advice for fellow creatives, "Enjoy the ride. Most people know this industry is a proverbial roller coaster. Sometimes you are busting your ass and other times it is smooth sailing. Figure out how to manage either situation and you will be golden. Also, respect yourself and your work. "

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1. How long have you been freelancing?

I've been freelancing In some capacity for the past 10 years. I've had a few short full-time jobs in that span as well, but I always come back to freelancing. It suits my lifestyle and gives me the freedom I enjoy.

2. Is there a time or place that you feel most creative/have the best ideas? 

I like taking long walks, especially in the woods, to help clear my mind. A lot of the time just stepping away from things is a great way to let new thoughts in. 

 

3. What's your ideal Working:Not Working ratio? 

There is no mathematical formula that applies to everyone, it's definitely more of an individual thing. For me even when I'm not actually in my studio working, I'm thinking about future projects I want to do. As a creative, working is important to not only pay the bills but to satisfy that creative part of our lives that urges the soul to make something. At the same time if we are always working and not learning or exploring the world around us, we can become closed off and unable to grow as creators and people.

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4. Do your parents understand what you do? 

For the most part. My dad is not the most technically savvy guy but my mom dabbles in a lot of creative, always trying new things even though she doesn't have any technical training. I can say I definitely get my work ethic from them. They are some of the hardest working people I know and I'm thankful to have gotten that from them.

5. What scene from a movie makes you laugh just thinking about it? 

Anything from "Screwed". A low budget comedy with Dave Chappelle, Danny DeVito and Norm McDonald. Not any specific scenes, just all the goofy craziness they get into and their over-the-top character performances. Anything from that or Half-Baked. Chappelle was always my favorite well before he had his show on Comedy Central.

6. If you were stranded on a desert island, with your computer, what 3 websites would you take with you? 

Ha, well if I were on a desert island, internet probably wouldn't work, but after allowing myself ample time to explore and relax? I would say Spotify for music, Hypebeast for inspiration and Wikipedia to teach myself to make some shit to get the hell off the island! ...Or maybe I would just stay.

7. What do you do when Not Working? 

My wife and I love to travel and explore. We took half a year to backpack around the world and ever since then we try and create little expeditions whenever we can. Hiking intense mountains or lying on a beach, trying new food and just living as close to local as possible, wherever that may be. Life is short, you have to live it to the fullest.

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8. Do you have a hidden talent? 

I guess I'm a bit of an outdoorsman, so stuff like building fires, shooting and navigating are all hidden talents I suppose. 

9. Any tips or advice for fellow freelancers? 

Enjoy the ride. Most people know this industry is a proverbial roller coaster. Sometimes you are busting your ass and other times it is smooth sailing. Figure out how to manage either situation and you will be golden. Also, respect yourself and your work. We provide a unique, valuable, high end service and sometimes people try to take advantage of that, misunderstanding or not appreciating the good we can contribute. 

10. What's your favorite thing on the internet this week? 

I create hype graphics for the NBA on the side, and am a basketball fan. This past weekend was the All-Star weekend with lots going on, in NYC no less. There is a lot of culture and art being shared in the form of fashion, sneakers and performance in the sport. So I have had my eye on a lot of that.

11. Anything else you'd like to add that we haven't asked?

I have been doing a lot of traveling for work lately and have done remote work for years. I love that the internet and technology today allows people to connect and work from anywhere, which has helped create a better work / life balance. This is something that all companies and clients should embrace as it leads to happier employees, more creative work and just all around positiveness. 

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Jordan's Work

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Jordan's Workspace

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Are you a WNW Member with new work, exhibits, products, or news to share? Email us.

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Profiles of the Week: March 30th

Profiles of the Week:
March 30th

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Laura Austin, Photographer • Los Angeles

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Sebastian Onufszak, Designer • Augsburg, Germany

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Elias Stein, Illustrator • Decatur, Illinois

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Yvonne Cheng, Art Director • Brooklyn

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Antonin Brault Guilleaume, Art Director • Montréal, Canada

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Oliver Barrett, Illustrator • Cleveland

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Mary Kate McDevitt, Designer • Brooklyn

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Tara Lawall, Copywriter • New York

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Think your profile should be featured? Email us!

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ON SAO PAULO: PAOLA SALIBY

ON SAO PAULO: PAOLA SALIBY

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Some of our favorite stories are about those who started down a certain career path only to realize that it's not for them. And then they have the clarity - and the guts - to embrace what they really should be doing. WNW Member #4745 Paola Saliby experienced such a crossroads, starting as a fashion designer before becoming an illustrator. The complicated and beautiful city of São Paulo is her home of choice with the burgeoning artist community integral to her growth as an independent creative. 

Paola previously shared her "creative brain" with us; now she takes us through the streets of São Paulo, making us hungry for pastel and sugar cane juice. And WNW Member #6106 Leonardo Sang brings Brazil (and Paola's writing) to life through his vivid photography.

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Tell us a little bit about yourself and your creative background.

I graduated in fashion design, and it was during my time at college that I fell in love with drawing and illustration. I’d been working as a fashion designer for a major Brazilian brand, but I was unhappy. At the same time, I started taking a drawing course and became more and more involved with it, until one day I decided to drop my career in fashion and pursue illustration. Things were very difficult at first, but I worked hard and now I know this was the best thing I ever did in my life.

What are you currently working on? Any dream projects?

I've been illustrating for three years in publishing and advertising. I also work on my personal projects and create custom illustrations and portraits.

I’m currently working on a custom wedding invitation, creating some things for a kid’s room, and I’m also doing illustrations for a digital publication.

In terms of dream projects, my goal is to one day publish my own illustrated book and next year I’ll try to get a master’s degree scholarship in Europe or the US. I really want to expand my work worldwide!

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What are you into these days, culturally? What are you reading, watching, etc?

I really enjoy cooking and I like watching cooking programs on the Internet or on a Brazilian TV channel called GNT. I follow the Brazilian chef Rita Lobo but I also love Jamie Oliver recipes very much.

I’m a big fan of TV series and my favorites at the moment are Downton Abbey, Better Call Saul, Orange is the New Black, Game of Thrones and House of Cards (not necessarily in that order.) My husband and I also love watching cartoons like Adventure Time and Gumball.

The last exhibition I visited here in Brazil was Ron Mueck’s at Pinacoteca and I found it amazing. It was great to see the sculptures up close and the video of his working process is very impressive. 

I also loved Lina Bo Bardi’s exhibition I saw at Sesc Pompéia. Lina was Italian but she also embraced Brazil and did incredible architecture projects like MASP. Lina was also a great illustrator and collaborated with many publications.

I’m currently reading (and loving) Haruki Murakami’s book Colorless TskuruTazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage.

Some websites and blogs I like and follow on the internet: It’s Nice That, Wrap Magazine Tumblr, Dazed, Present and Correct Blog, No Culture Icons, 50 Watts, Nowness, Freunde von Freunden, and Follow the Colours. 

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Why did you move to São Paulo?

I was born in a country city called Ribeirão Preto and I moved to São Paulo in 2007 to study Fashion Design.

After that, I never really thought about going back to my hometown for real or moving to another city because I believe if you're are a creative professional here in Brazil, things are better if you live in São Paulo. Here we have not only have more jobs opportunities, we also have a stronger design scene and community.

Of course Brazil has other great cities that are more beautiful and peaceful than São Paulo and with good opportunities for other people, but as an illustrator, I believe São Paulo is a better option.

What are your favorite things about living there? Biggest challenges?

What’s great about São Paulo is that finally the city is starting to progress in some cultural aspects. New events are popping up, like independent publications and small creative entrepreneur fairs, food parks and big art exhibitions.

Being a creative professional here is such a big challenge and I believe we still have to achieve much more space and respect, but it makes me happy that some things are beginning to work out for us. It’s great to see young, creative people come together in order to bring new things and improve the city culturally. It’s a great step!

The challenge is that São Paulo is a very expensive city, with very high rents and abusive taxes. Besides, it’s still a violent city because of all the social inequality. The truth is: If you’re not rich, life in São Paulo can be very hard.

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What are some neighborhood spots you love?

I live in a neighborhood called Vila Pompéia and that’s my favorite here in São Paulo because it’s a very cozy place, with those little old houses inhabited by elderly people. It’s a place where you can find many street markets with fresh fruits and vegetables. You can stop and eat a pastel or drink sugar cane juice.

I really enjoy walking around here, finding myself in a small stationery store to buy something I don’t need or those little places that sell a bit of everything and those magical candy shops with all those candies I used to eat I when I was a kid...

To avoid São Paulo’s traffic, my husband and I usually go out to eat somewhere near our apartment and we really don’t care because here we can always find good options like the traditional restaurant. ‘Degas’, where we go to eat beef parmigiana, and ‘Santa Fé Cervejaria’ that serves this marvelous dish called cupim casqueirado na telha com mandioca (Crispy hump served on a tile with cooked cassava.) 

We are not big fans of Brazilian pizza but we are very fond of this Neapolitan pizza restaurant called ‘Leggera’.

The ‘Água Branca’ Park is a nice place for a walk, read a book or buy organic products in the fair that takes place every Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday.

One of the best things about the neighborhood I live in is ‘Sesc Pompéia’. It’s a very nice place, where you can have a lunch for a fair price and there is always a lot of free activities, courses, big concerts and exhibitions.

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What's the creative scene like? 

Unfortunately we don’t have anything organized like Working Not Working here in São Paulo to help freelance illustrators and designers find jobs.

We do however have a thrilling creative scene.  As I already mentioned, independent publications and fanzine events (like Feira Plana and Feira Tijuana) are growing and there are many young and creative people working on amazing projects.

Centro is a project that celebrates the creative scene through architecture. Created by Luiz Romero, Murilo Fonseca, and WNW Members #6106 Leonardo Sang and #4710 Felipe Rocha.  

One of the buildings they feature is ‘Farol'. The building is shared by four enterprises: the journalism studio Fluxo, an educational center focused on public art ‘Instituto Choque Cultural’, a design and art studio ‘Líquen’ and ‘Balsa’, a space for events, workshops, parties, etc. Together, the four enterprises collaborate to stimulate cultural production and the public and night life of downtown São Paulo.

Centro also tracks the action of ‘Voodoohop’, a party that celebrates art and music, playing a large part in the revival of the downtown creative scene.

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Any WNW members whose work you admire?

Jean Jullien, Roman Muradov, Monica Ramos, Andrés Lozano, Julianna Brion, Sam Kalda, Danielle Kroll, Marco Goran Romano, Felipe Rocha, Jessica Hische, Bill Rebholz...

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Want to see your city featured? Email us.

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CREATIVE COUPLE: NATE & MICHELLE

CREATIVE COUPLE: NATE & MICHELLE

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Getting to know our Creative Couples gives us the dual benefit of both personal and professional advice. Married for 10 years, WNW Members #1153 Michelle Hirschberg and #2592 Nate Able, recently teamed up as freelancers, taking both their careers and their relationship to the next level. A few fun facts about our latest Creative Couple:

1. Friends first, Nate and Michelle didn't become a couple until one fateful night in Atlanta's oldest strip club.

2. Their first official day working together happened on a road trip to LA. Michelle was on the phone with a client and upon realizing her art-director husband was in the car with her, the client responded, “Yeah whatever, he’s in the car with you? And can start now? Cool.”

3. All of their friends are creative couples. (Shout out to The Dietzes, The Sharkeys and Joe Sayaman & Luis Iglesias!)

Nate and Michelle say that working as a husband-wife team helps convince people to let them work remotely, “We’re already together, do we REALLY need to come to your office? Let’s skip all that inefficient commuting time."

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Hi guys! Tell us a bit about yourself, where you're from and what you're currently loving:

For the second year in a row, we’re “wintering” in LA. Now that we’re both freelance, we take advantage of our freedom and swap the snow of NYC for the beaches of California. We’re loving it (even through all of our NY friends are hating us.) Funny thing is, we’ve wound up working with New York agencies the whole time.

We’re currently cracking out on The Americans through Amazon Prime. The place we’re renting has no DVR or On Demand. It’s like watching TV in the '70s.

MICHELLE 

Describe your partner

Funny. Smart. Handy. Good at building things. Likes fruit “flavored” desserts (i.e. key lime pie) but hates fruit “based” ones (i.e. apple pie). 

What do you admire about him?

He’s constantly thinking of new ideas and art projects. He’s an amazing “dog” dad. He can also make a mean egg sandwich.

Through working together, I have discovered...

...Concepting together is just as seamless as when we have conversations about anything else. And we get off topic just as easily. From a car client to a DIY home project, often in the same breath.

NATE

Describe your partner

Pretty. Smart. Cool. Foodie. Yogi. Traveller. Puppy whipped.

What do you admire about her?

Her general positive outlook on life. Also, how she can spend twenty plus minutes arranging things on a shelf to be just right.

Through working together, I have discovered...

...She doesn’t get stressed about work or let it get to her. In fact, her positivity can occasionally drive me nuts. Collaborative bitching can be very important. 

MICHELLE & NATE

What came first, romance or work?

We met at the Creative Circus. We were friends first and then one magical night at the Clermont Lounge, Nate confessed his interest in Michelle. There’s nothing that says “happily ever after” like cans of PBR and 60-year-old strippers. While we always had “bounce sessions” where we talked what each of us was working on, we never officially worked together until a year ago. For some reason, it’s always easier to come up with ideas for someone else’s project.

How did you start working together? What was that transition like?

Nate had just gone freelance last winter and we were in the car on our way to LA. Michelle had been on a project and they wanted to extend her. She mentioned that she just happened to be traveling with her incredibly talented, art director husband. They were like, “Yeah whatever, he’s in the car with you? And can start now? Cool.” So our first day officially working together was on a highway in Tennessee.  

Do you have work/personal boundaries? If so, how do you draw that line?

We talk about it. Is this a working lunch or non-working lunch? Or we slowly transition, like if we’re concepting at night, Nate will write up our ideas while Michelle makes dinner. One thing we’ve learned is that the first thing you say when you wake up should never start with, “What if for that one idea…”

Ideal Coupling: Not Coupling ratio

Six thirds? We’re not good at math.

Do you find that it helps to promote the fact that you’re married? Ever hide it?

We don’t promote or hide it and it doesn’t seem to have much bearing on whether we get a job or not. If anything, it helps convince people to let us work remotely. “We’re already together, do we REALLY need to come to your office?” Let’s skip all that inefficient commuting time.

Favorite thing about working together. Hardest thing.

Our favorite thing about working together is that it allows us to have flexible schedules. We can take time off for vacation and our schedules are synced. Or if the job is remote, being able to work from wherever we are, whether that’s from home or in the car or from the beach. The best ideas for us never happen in an office. In fact, we’ve found we’re most prolific on long walks with our dog.

The hardest thing about working together is deciding where to go for lunch. 

As a couple: how have you seen your work evolve? As a professional, how has your relationship evolved? 

Like working with any partner, you learn how the other thinks and reacts to things and you get more efficient working together. We’ve been married for 10 years but our relationship really got serious last year when we became freelance partners. 

Are you friends with other creative couples? Why do you think people date each other in this field? 

All of our friends are creative couples. In the advertising field, we’re friends with The Dietzes and The Sharkeys and Joe Sayaman and Luis Iglesias. 

People in advertising date because:

Michelle: (stereotypical girl answer) For the same reason so many of us have friends in the field. A lot of us have similar sensibilities and interests and share an insatiable curiosity about the world. 

Nate: (stereotypical guy answer) Convenience. Especially early in an ad career, people never have time to do anything else so they wind up dating who is around the office. 

Do you have advice for other creative couples?

Date! (Each other, of course.) You don’t want to get so into the rhythm of being partners that you forget to be a couple. 

Anything we didn't ask you that you'd like to tell us about?

If you’re a freelance couple with a dog too big to take on airplanes and are looking to be bicoastal, get to know Sheraton Hotels (unpaid endorsement!) They all have nice rooms, gyms, decent restaurants and no pet fees. We can share our cross-country-by-Sheraton Google map with you. 

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Michelle's Work

Nate's Work

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Are you part of a creative couple and want to share your story? Email us.

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WOOLY: RUDY ADLER

WOOLY: RUDY ADLER

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WNW Member #4270 Rudy Adler is launching a brand new website today called Wooly. "Original things for original people," Wooly hunts for rare, beautiful objects in places most consumers may never look. Only one of each is sold, so it’s first come, first served. When a sale begins, Wooly members are notified through email and Instagram.

As the son of antiques dealers, you could say that Rudy was destined to create Wooly. However, it wasn't until his recent move from the Bay Area to New York that the lightbulb went off: “I started decorating my apartment and was put off by the sameness of everything. So I began looking for things in uncommon places and low and behold, I started discovering these uncommonly beautiful pieces.” Wooly is targeting a younger audience than traditional, high-end auction houses by offering an eclectic group of objects at different price points. Some items coming up for sale include a collection of rare 1960s Swedish rugs, vintage NASA photographs from the moon landing, a laughing ‘70s Japanese robot, and a NY Yankees hat from the ‘61 World Series.

Rudy offers Working Not Working some insight into the inspiration and intention behind Wooly. Debuting today at 12pm ET, the first object up for sale is a vintage novelty gun from the Sterling Magic Company in Detroit, circa 1950.  Remember: first come, first served.

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How’d you come up with the concept for Wooly?

It’s sort of an amalgamation of my life and interests. I’m the son of antique dealers and spent my childhood around curious objects. Most recently, I was doing the startup thing in Silicon Valley and learned a lot about building software. When I moved back to NYC last year, I was put off by the sameness of everything in the retail world. And so I had this idea: to build the equivalent of Sotheby’s but for my generation, both in taste level and use of technology.

How does Wooly work?

It’s really simple: we find rare, beautiful objects and offer them for sale. There’s only one of each. The first person to raise their hand gets it. Wooly members are notified through email and Instagram when an object goes on sale. Sales happen whenever we find something that meets our standards, which are very high. We probably only sell one of every 30,000 objects we see.  

What are your goals for the site?

One thing I’ve learned about building software is to start with the simplest thing possible. Our first goal is to create a brand and choose beautiful objects that people love. If we do that, we’ll be in a great position to grow.

We’re creating a brand for people that want more opportunities to buy things that aren’t sold at West Elm by the millions. Today’s retail environment is dominated by selling mass-produced goods, things that ultimately end up in the trash. I wanted to bring back the idea that everybody should own a few great things. Things with history, things that inspire you, things you might pass down to your children one day. These are objects that you probably never planned on owning, but once you do, you’ll never want to give up.

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Without giving away all your secrets, where do you find these unique items?

We look for beautiful objects in their best available condition and often times, a great story behind it. Some things come from friends’ collections, and others we find through auctions and private dealers. We’re really good at finding uncommon objects in places people don’t normally look. Most people don’t have the time and expertise to do what we do, so it’s a win-win. You won’t see anything on Wooly that’s easy to find.

Are there certain items you’ve discovered that are difficult to part with and put on the block?

Yes. Pretty much every object, actually. That’s kind of how we make decisions about what to sell–we ask ourselves if we’d put it in our own homes. If the answer is yes, we scoop it. But I’ll probably be most sad to part with one thing in particular: we have a beautiful black and white mosaic of four lunar surface photographs from Apollo 15. I wanted to frame it from the moment I saw it.

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Are you a WNW Member with new work, exhibits, products, or news to share? Email us.

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MAKING THE LIFE THAT FITS YOU

MAKING THE LIFE THAT FITS YOU

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This is the second installment of Living the Dream, a series by WNW Member #5670 Steven Skoczen on his experiences this year traveling - and working - all over the world. This week, we learn about the 'Steven Manual' and how the lack of structure can make us even more productive.

Read the first installment to learn how Steven sold everything he owned, left his life in Portland, and set out on the ultimate adventure. 

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One of the most striking things about my life here in Thailand is what it doesn’t have. No solicitors. No junk mail. No regular mail. No advertising (I can’t understand the stuff I do hear.) No social obligations. No set time I really have to be anywhere. No expectations of who I am, or what I do. No habits.

And in this space, I’m thriving like I’ve never thrived.

I write every day. I eat salad for breakfast. I work until I’ve accomplished a significant chunk of work, then I stop. I make projects and art. I exercise every day. I meditate. I give myself a break when I need one.

The result has been that I’m more productive at work than I was in Portland, on fewer hours. As a result, I now have the time and energy to pursue the creative projects that recharge me and keep me lit up. And time to explore a new country and learn a language.

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In Portland, I wrote The Steven Manual - software that tracks every bit of my life, and keeps an eye on if I’ve exercised lately, if I’m getting out of the house and seeing friends, all of those kind of things. I love the manual. It’s been a daily habit for more than two years, and it has single-handedly steered me out of depression, gotten me into nature when I really needed it, and generally been psychic, robotic best friend.

But here, even after a few conscious attempts, I just don’t use it. Here, it’s like I have a hand on all the knobs - seeing people, number of work hours, time with friends, number of new experiences - and when something feels out of balance, I’m just giving myself permission to just do whatever it is that needs done.

In a beautiful and powerful way, it’s working. I haven’t been as centered, fulfilled, as genuinely good as I feel here in a long time - and without propping myself up on love or someone else - maybe ever.

There’s an unacknowledged weight, an inescapable mold that presses on our regular lives. The space of our days defined by house, car, bills, life, friends. These mark every one of our minutes, cordoning off the truly free space in which we can move.

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But sell everything, move to a new country, culture, and time zone, and suddenly everything is opened up. The facts remain unchanged: I’m awake for sixteen hours every day. But only here, with everything stripped away, do they actually feel that plentiful.

Every one of us is different. Each of us has our own equilibriums and knobs, and our balances are sure to change with the seasons and the weather and all the passing tempests of our lives.

But there’s something to unhooking. Something powerful in that quiet, persistent voice: let’s not go to that show. Let’s not clean out the car. A pause. A space made. Waiting in it:

Let’s do what makes us come alive.

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Do you have travel stories you want to share? Email us!

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PROFILES OF THE WEEK: MARCH 23RD

PROFILES OF THE WEEK:
MARCH 23RD

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Eric Stevens, Art Director. Los Angeles.

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Thierno Bah, Animator. Los Angeles.

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Jonathan Bartlett, Illustrator. New York City.

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Leanna Perry, Designer. Brooklyn.

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Scarlet Page, Photographer. Reading, UK.

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Caitlin Guendelsberger, Art Director. Brooklyn.

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Jeff Greenspan, Copywriter. New York City.

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Think your profile should be featured? Email us!

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WORK: DARK IGLOO + ADC YOUNG GUNS

WORK: DARK IGLOO
+ ADC YOUNG GUNS

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WNW Members Dark Igloo, aka #1995 Mark Richard Miller and #2024 Dave Franzese, art directed this year’s ADC Young Guns Competition, one of the design world's most prestigious accolades. Its a tight knit community with Rich Tu even referring to it as "the mafia." A whole crew of WNW members count themselves among the YG elite, including but not limited to Jessica Hische, Will Bryant, Mikey Burton, Dan Savage, Shane Griffin, Jon Contino, Christine Gignac, even our WNW Founding Father Justin Gignac himself! 

Dark Igloo commissioned and animate a set of logos from thirteen past winners; they also collaborated with Chen&Kai on the cubes that will be awarded next fall. Be sure to mark your calendar for the YG deadline of March 31st. You can apply here.

Dark Igloo elaborated on what it means to win: "Winning Young Guns is more than a bullet point in your bio and a cube on your shelf. It’s access to an active, vibrant community of the most talented craftsman, biggest thinkers, and pushiest envelope-pushers of the last 13 years.

This competition is truly interdisciplinary - illustration, photography, furniture design, programming, creative direction. As long as you are 30 or under, bringing sharp ideas to life through beautiful work, and marching to the beat of your own drum, we want to hear from you. 

The cubes awarded next fall represent this community. Each cube is embedded with inspirational objects from 13 years of Young Guns; examples range from James Victore’s pencils, the tape measure Dana Tanamachi used on five years of murals, Brian Moore’s keyboard, inspirational trinkets from Will Bryant’s desk, family heirlooms, and essential pieces of key projects are all getting chopped into cubes."

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Are you a WNW Member with new work, exhibits, products, or news to share? Email us.

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