What is your spirit animal?
Fried Chicken.
If you could breed two animals together, what would they be?
Monkeys and bats, to help them defy gravity. Fly, my pretties, fly!
If you had a superpower?
Infinite patience (And something to bring about world peace).
What is your most unusual talent?
It’s more unexpected than unusual, as I’m rather clumsy and heavy-handed, but I can do a bit of calligraphy. Which only really gets used in the birthday & Christmas cards I write.
On what occasions do you lie?
When asked to comment on how cute someone’s cat is. (Except yours Sarah, I really like yours…).
If not yourself, who would you be?
Can I say one of my dogs? If so, definitely one of them. Honestly, I think they live a far better life. Long walks, all the snacks and cuddles with someone else cleaning up after them all day. Along with constant validation and everyone telling you how cute you are.
If it has to be a person, I’d say Saul Bass. He was an American Graphic Designer that was best known for his amazing title sequences and film posters. In a time where everyone else was producing elaborate painted pieces he was challenging the status quo by employing abstracted marks and cut outs.
If you could jump into a pool of something, what would it be?
My brain shouted “mayonnaise” when I read this question. So I’m going with that. Would cushion my fall and be delicious.
What would you do if you got stuck in an elevator?
If I had a cup to hand, I’d finally perfect my rendition of ‘The Cup Song” made famous by Anna Kendrick in Pitch Perfect. Then break it out at every party I go to in the future.
What is your favorite drink?
I’m relatively certain I’m more coffee than person, but there’s nothing more satisfying then a cold pint after playing a muddy game of rugby with my team.
If a movie were made about your career, what would be the title?
The man behind the chicken wings.
You’ve been given an elephant. What do you do?
As much as I’d want to go all ‘Joe Exotic’ on this answer, I’d be overly sensible and take it to an elephant sanctuary to be with its people and live out the best life I could afford it.
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I have typed and deleted ‘fried chicken’ more times than I care to admit, so I’ll say sushi. It’s amazing and I’d feel better about myself.
Your most treasured possession?
I still have the first toy I was ever given. It’s a monkey missing an eye and the tail is pretty manky, but it has a special place in my heart just as it is for some reason.
What’s the greatest length you’ve gone to for a client?
Hand making a pop-up book for a Despicable Me 2 pitch. On finishing it I was asked to produce two more.
Do you have any superstitions?
I’m realising crossing your fingers is superstitious just this very minute.
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
The 70’s and straight into the disco scene, with its roots in funk, soul and R&B. I’ve always loved the music and fashion from this era.
What is something you hate but wish you loved?
Passion Fruit. Yuck.
Garden gnomes — what do you think?
Up to something and not to be trusted. Obviously.
If you joined the circus, what would your circus act be?
The bearded lady.
What one object do you take with you on a desert island (you have water and food already)?
The South African in me tells me I’d want a big ol’ knife. Come at me nature.
Who inspires you?
My friends who are like family to me.
What is something you get wrong every time you try?
Until January 2020 my answer would have been baking bread, but I finally got this right. Now, baking macarons is back on the top spot.
Who would you like to sit next to on a 10 hour flight?
Two empty seats. Living the dream.
What was the last gift you got someone?
An online course in French Patisserie for my housemate to practice his choux pastry. For context, he’s applied to be on the Great British Bake Off 2021 —fingers crossed!
If you could talk to one species of animals, which one would it be?
I would prefer to speak to plants, I’d love to know why I keep killing my pot plants. Enthusiasm does not equate to a green thumb apparently.
If NJI were a television show or movie, what would it be?
The Powers Rangers. Bright and colourful, slightly less athletic (speaking for myself here) and coming together to make something incredible. Spandex optional.