Interview
Jeremy Keith
What are some things you do to help yourself into the state of mind necessary for creative work?
Get enough sleep the night before. Eat greens. Drink coffee. If that doesn't work, beer or wine.
Do you follow a strict daily (or weekly, etc.) routine with regard to workflow, or is every day (or week) different?
The word routine is not in my dictionary.
I really need a new dictionary.
Do you prefer to work in a closed, private environment free from other people and distractions, or in a more open, collaborative environment?
I like to mix'n'match. Sometimes I need some "me" time to get stuff done. At other times, I really want to be able to bounce ideas off other people.
What do you do to get your day(s) started in the right direction?
Again, plenty of sleep. I'm not kidding; there's nothing worse than trying to do stuff on a few hours' sleep. In the IT/creative business, there's sometimes a weird pride associated with pulling all-nighters and getting by on very little sleep. It's bullshit. We all need sleep and, more importantly, we all need to dream.
What task management technique do you use?
The wha'? Now you're just blinding me with science. What is this "task management" of which you speak.
What things tend to disrupt your workflow?
Shiny things. I have trouble concentrating.
What previous experiences have influenced your workflow?
Experiences like getting paid for previous work have been hugely influential to my current workflow.
What other disciplines influence the way you work?
I don't know. I mean, it may be that walking to work or listening to music or going out for lunch all influence the way I work but I'm not sure I want to analyze it too much.
Is there anyone in particular you have learned from?
No-one in particular. I've learned from many, many generous people.
What things help keep you focused on the work at hand?
Deadlines. And the gun currently being held to my head.