“Love your work. Work your love.” The simple, refreshing motto that drives the creative agency and daily inspiration blog Holiday Matinee. Founded in 1999 by Dave Brown, the company does everything from brand consulting to designing their own line of t-shirts, books and posters. Holiday Matinee’s unusual spirit is often captured and shaped by Kiran Umapathy, one of their writers whose daily blog posts range from coverage of Japanese refrigerated underwear to Blog Action Day. Dave and Kiran’s dynamism has prompted many creative firsts, including today’s first double interview. Enjoy their thought-provoking 10 ANSWERS below.
Dave Brown
1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Do epic shit.
2. Who is your creative role model?
Marc Johns, George Carlin, Wes Anderson, Hall & Oates and this guy.
3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Promote more awesome people with great ideas such as Holstee, Work Is Not A Job, Feelgoodz, Collective Good and Project M.
4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
The Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas. There’s no other movie theater like it.
5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
My grandfather drove a cab in NYC for over 35 years and I remember tagging along in the front-seat for several trips. He always had the best stories because he met such interesting people. I’d love to experience that.
6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
Mixtapes. Falling in love with music never gets old. Neither does sharing the love.
7. What is your favorite object in your home?
Work Hard & Be Nice To People – signed poster by Anthony Burrill.
8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Read Frank Chimero.
9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
Fresh Bump, imgfave, Helmut Smits, Notebook Doodles, , QCS,
Piccsy, GorillavsBear…
10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
When it makes someone else’s day.
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Kiran Umapathy
1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Make Things Happen.
2. Who is your creative role model?
Right now it’s Donald Glover. The dude does so many things well (writing, acting, music, stand-up) and works extremely hard to get what he has. He doesn’t let anyone tell him he CAN’T do something, he just gives it a shot and works to get better. Seth Godin is also like a sage for me.
3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
I’d spend it disconnected from technology. Write with just a pen and some paper or spend the time talking face to face with another human being. I don’t really need another hour though. You just reminded me I need to make time for the important things in life.
4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
I’m partial to Lake Chamberlain in Connecticut where I grew up. Something about running those pine needle trails helps me figure things out and come away refreshed.
5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
The USPS fascinates me and for some reason I think it’s amazing the system works so well. I’d be a mail carrier for the day, walk around neighborhoods sporting a sweet uni and people-watching. You’d see a lot of things.
6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
Writing a handwritten letter to someone in script and getting creative with the design. It’s fun and they’re also really awesome to receive because you know that person has taken time out of their day just for you. You gotta give to get though.
7. What is your favorite object in your home?
My Porous Walker poster that says “Nobody Is Watching You. Do Whatever You Want.” It’s a little bit of mischief, but also a whole lot of truth. Just go after whatever you want in life.
8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Probably my mom telling me to stop trying to be so perfect, you’ll wear yourself out. That and what my good friend Ashley Lyons said when I told her I didn’t know what I wanted to do in life: “Just do ONE of the things you are interested in. See where it takes you.”
9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
Zen Habits, RCRDLBL, Photojojo, I Will Teach You To Be Rich, Seth Godin’s blog.
10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
When I’m sick of looking at it anymore. It’s usually pretty thorough if that happens.
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