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.
James Glover is the managing director of Fluid, founded with long-term business partner Neil Roddis in 1995. With a degree in Visual Communication, Glover’s passion for branding has seen him lead creative projects for the world’s biggest names in entertainment, including Disney, Universal, Sony PlayStation, Xbox, 20th Century Fox, Sony Music, Universal Music, Netflix, MTV, and many more.
What is the thing you like doing most in the world?
Real world? Or a parallel universe… in the latter, I’m traveling through Asia – heading off to Bali, Vietnam, Thailand – some of my absolute favourite places in the world. I’ll be back – when there’s time. My real-world indulgence is music. Second-hand record shopping, going to gigs, and collecting vintage Bang & Olufsen systems (the aesthetics, the audio quality – both impeccable, second to none). So heaven is meandering round record stores or digging through dusty record bins at the back of charity shops to turn up some rare psychedelic soul or old-school rap, then heading to a gig – Alabama Shakes or Black Pumas should do the trick.
What is the first memory you have of being creative?
I’m three or thereabouts… pencil in my hand, drawing Spider-Man. Always Spider-Man – he was the one. And I think about that still, because we’ve come full circle: the dream client was always Marvel, so working with their IP, as we now do, is a three-year-old’s dream come true. Marvel, Star Wars, Warner Bros, and so many more – my inner kid’s creative ambition brought to life.
What is your biggest regret?
My musical self deeply regrets not taking the opportunity to see Prince, or David Bowie, perform live.
How have you gotten over heartbreak?
Real-life heartbreak? Somehow, that’s never happened. Maybe I haven’t got a heart to break?!
What makes you cry?
I can’t remember having cried since I was a kid… so maybe the above is true?!
How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?
10 minutes – until the next thing comes along. My energy and workflow propel me pretty relentlessly toward the next project at a pretty brisk pace. There’s little time to reflect on a job once it’s complete.
Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?
No – I do believe in aliens, but not the afterlife. Quite what that says about me, I’m not sure. Other life forms seem like a scientific likelihood. The afterlife? That’s just wistful thinking.
What do you hate most about yourself?
I just can’t relax. Even on holiday, I’m either standing around or itching to move on. I’m either asleep or upright and moving. There’s absolutely no in-between.
What do you love most about yourself?
That’s a tricky one. Nothing springs to mind – I can’t compliment myself. I could make something up, but I’d like to be honest. Maybe that’s a strength, but not something I could claim I love.
What is your absolute favorite meal?
A good Sunday roast—beef, roast potatoes, yorkshires—just cannot be beaten. Except, perhaps, by a Thai red duck curry. It’s neck and neck. I’d struggle to pick a winner.
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