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.
As Chief Creative Officer and partner at Day One Agency, Jamie Falkowski helps to grow and inspire an agency that’s built for the next 10 years and 24 hours. Since joining the agency as one of the early employees in 2015, Falkowski’s leadership and creative vision have helped Day One attract and grow creative assignments for clients like American Express, Pacifico, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Converse, L.L. Bean, and Nike. Founded in 2014, Day One Agency is a creative connection agency with the ambition of helping brands to build long-lasting legacies through relevance. Every. Single. Day.
What is the thing you like doing most in the world?
If I have a free day, anywhere in the world, I’m finding a way to get to a golf course. I’ve played since I was 16, and I wish I had started sooner. Golf is the perfect game in that it can never truly be beat, and you can play it forever. I’m OK at it, not great, but it doesn’t matter. It is the only time in my life in which I’m off or away from my phone for 4 hours at a time, and outside. It could rain and be 40 or perfect and 80, and I’m excited to get the mental break. I could be with friends I’ve known for years or complete strangers. Even in a competition or a match, it’s really me vs me. Seeing what I can pull off that day, where I fell short, and sometimes surprising myself along the way. Tranquility and challenge all rolled into one.
What is the first memory you have of being creative?
Growing up, I always loved to draw and sketch. I was raised on Saturday-morning cartoons and comic books, and I think being around all that animation and imagination was really inspiring. I’m sure I drew or painted a bit in school before this, but my most vivid memories of creativity were around 11 or 12 years old, and spending hours recreating images from the shows and comics I loved. When I got a bit older and into high school, I had more opportunities to make in different mediums and loved painting—being able to ‘feel’ a piece come to life through broad brushstrokes and wipes of a brush, and rarely through small, detailed movements. It’s a practice I miss and already look forward to revisiting in retirement.
What is your biggest regret?
There isn’t one major screw-up or missed opportunity that comes to mind. Sure, there are plenty of small things I wish I had another go at, but I look at even the biggest losses as learning moments. Emails I probably shouldn’t have sent. Things I should have bit my tongue on and not said. But still, they all have probably taught me more in failure and defeat than any easy win. There will always be decisions made that aren’t perfect, but it’s more about looking forward than getting too stuck in the past.
How have you gotten over heartbreak?
Listening to really sad, melodic music until it’s out of your system and then getting anywhere but here. When I’m feeling down, I chase a reset. Take me to a warm beach, a new city, a corner of my own neighborhood I’ve never been before. I find the easy way to get over any loss is to unlock something new.
What makes you cry?
Whatever I’m watching on a plane after an insanely long work trip away. But not all crying is bad. I love the feeling of laughing so hard you can’t help but cry. Maybe the best feeling in the world.
How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?
It’s short. Not because I don’t appreciate accomplishment, but I think it’s hard for me to sit in ego or glory for too long, and either not want to keep getting better or want to figure out what comes next. I’ll try to mark the moment and the feeling, but it is easy for me to move on quickly.
Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?
It’s not something I’ve tried to spend too much time overthinking. When I do think of the end, I try to think more about what that means for the now. I can’t control what comes after this—in all aspects of life. All I can do is try to make the most of the moment right now.
What do you hate most about yourself?
I often take care of others before myself. Anything on my to-do list that is for me tends to come last. I’m constantly trying to be just a little bit more selfish.
What do you love most about yourself?
I have a fairly vivid imagination and reasonable recall. When I’m in a creative flow state, it feels easy, and to get there, all it usually takes is to turn off distractions and just get going.
What is your absolute favorite meal?
I’ve had some amazing meals all over the world, but I also just got a grill for the first time, and I really enjoy the simplicity of making something at home, in the backyard on a warm summer evening. Beer in hand and good people around. Don’t care what we’re eating, I’m more excited about who we’re eating with.
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