Debbie Millman’s ongoing project “What Matters,” an effort to understand the interior life of artists, designers, and creative thinkers, is now in its third year. Each respondent is invited to answer ten identical questions and submit a nonprofessional photograph.
Kevin Steele is currently a creative director at Someplace in Los Angeles. Before joining Someplace, he worked on the Nike account for nine years at Wieden + Kennedy in Portland, where his work was recognized by Cannes, The One Show, D&AD, Muse by Clio, Ad Age, Campaign, and others.
What is the thing you like doing most in the world?
I’d have to say anything that involves hanging out with my three-year-old son, Bo. We’re pretty into bouncy house shenanigans, backyard basketball, soccer, wrestling, eating ice cream, catching bugs, and the occasional science experiment. It’s refreshing—not just having an excuse to be a kid again, but getting to see the world through his eyes. It really makes me realize how much of the stuff I stress about day-to-day doesn’t actually matter.
What is the first memory you have of being creative?
My cousins and I used to spend hours making really bad movies on my grandpa’s camcorder. I was always the director—I’d come up with the story, set the scenes, and tell everyone exactly what to do. It was my one chance to be the boss, and honestly, I think it probably went to my head. My cousins were the actors, always playing at least five different characters each. We had epic chase scenes, dramatic slow-motion fights, and lots of very serious zoom-ins.
What is your biggest regret?
When I was about three or four years old, I was playing G.I. Joes with my friend. Naturally, we felt that in the make-believe world we were creating, it should be snowing. So, I managed to open up a framed autograph from Michael Jordan that my grandfather had gotten me and ripped it into a million pieces. Problem solved. We had snow. I still think about this at least once a week.
How have you gotten over heartbreak?
I think the only way you can – time.
What makes you cry?
Really bad movies about pets. Not the good ones that actually earn your tears—no, I’m talking about the overly sentimental, low-budget, emotionally-manipulative ones where the dog inevitably runs into traffic in slow motion. They get me every time.
How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?
I try to celebrate the wins—they don’t come around as often—but I’m definitely guilty of always chasing what’s next and moving on too fast instead of really soaking it in.
Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?
I’m not sure what exactly it looks like, but I do really hope there’s a beach of some sort.
What do you hate most about yourself?
I don’t like tomatoes, and honestly, it’s been a lifelong burden. I wish I could magically wake up and love them, but no—still a fraud at salad bars, still scraping them off sandwiches like a four-year-old. It haunts me daily. I actually really hate that about myself.
What do you love most about yourself?
I wasn’t gifted with many things, but one I’m grateful for is the ability to care just enough. I don’t take my job too seriously, and I think that’s helped me a lot in my career because I rarely stress about a project or assignment—I just know that somehow, some way, it’ll get done and hopefully be good. I do care, but not too much, and that distinction has let me stay loose. I really believe that’s when you come up with your best ideas—when you’re not trying to.
What is your absolute favorite meal?
My grandma’s country-style steak with mashed potatoes, gravy, collard greens, and maybe a little side of mac and cheese.
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