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.
Prior to joining Forsman, Sarah Anderson worked for Goodby Silverstein & Partners, Mekanism, a handful of startups and tech brands you might know, Ogilvy, and Rakuten Rewards. Some of her notable past clients include Cheetos, SONIC Drive-In, Comcast, method, Franzia, Alaska Airlines, Samsung, Häagen-Dazs, Everlane and Peloton. Her work has been recognized by the Shorty Awards, the Webby Awards, The One Show and the OBIES, to name a few.
What is the thing you like doing most in the world?
I like being completely lost in what is in front of me. Whether that is writing 7000 words without opening a single Google tab or reading something smart and literary (and definitely not dragon smut) cover to cover in one day or forgetting to blink while I watch a beautiful movie, I love being so engaged with something that I lose all sense of time and place.
What is the first memory you have of being creative?
I remember getting my first diary when I was four or five and rejecting the concept of it. Instead, I filled it with poems and short stories I made up, because writing about my actual little person life felt so boring when I could write about what my cat or Hulk Hogan or aliens or dinosaurs might be doing instead. These remain big sources of inspiration to this day.
What is your biggest regret?
My biggest regret is not spending more time with my dad before he died.
How have you gotten over heartbreak?
I don’t think I ever have or ever will, but I’m infinitely grateful for time generally and time specifically spent with people I love, which have smoothed the sharpness of it.
What makes you cry?
Honestly, I love to cry and do it early and often. Blame it on my Venus in Pisces. An incomplete list of things that have made me cry recently:
Thinking about my cat’s mortality. The ending of Red Dead Redemption 2. The song “Beth” by Kiss. Eating something really delicious. Intense frustration. Injustices large and small. That I don’t have enough time in my life to read all the books I want to read. Looking out the window of a plane. Realizing how lucky I am to be loved by amazing people. Being proud of my friend for buying an apartment. Seeing my cat after being away on production.
How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?
Maybe a week? Then, I’m ready to accomplish something new. I thrive in novelty and always need a new little side quest.
Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?
I absolutely do. The law of conservation of energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed. And the human body is simply energy in the form of a bunch of swirling atoms. I think all that energy just changes forms when we die. If I get a choice, I either want my energy to propel itself into space and power a star, or to stick around and lightly haunt people I love.
What do you hate most about yourself?
I don’t hate anything about myself. My therapist will be very pleased to read that. However, I am working diligently on being more flexible with my very high standards for myself and for others. We all deserve a little grace.
What do you love most about yourself?
My work ethic. I might not be the best or the smartest, but I will outwork you until I seem like I am.
What is your absolute favorite meal?
The skate wing at Cervo’s.
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