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.
Stephen Niedzwiecki is the creative co-founder of award-winning YARD NYC. Niedzwiecki lives in Brooklyn; he is a father of two and husband of one, and he believes music is everything. He also believes ideas and inspiration can come from anywhere and anyone, and what you make of something will define it, so make it great.
What is the thing you like doing most in the world?
From a personal view, I love thinking of new places to explore and watching my kids open their minds to them – seeing the joy in travel, meeting people from around the world, and seeing some of the beautiful things they create. From a professional view, I like making work that moves our clients’ business- and if we happen to win awards for it, that’s a nice-to-have.
What is the first memory you have of being creative?
Since I was a young kid – the fact that I enjoyed spending time in my room making art more than playing team sports or entering drawing competitions and creating Godzilla comic books, then selling them for 50 cents in school. The fact that my music taste wasn’t the same as everyone else’s. The fact that I was attracted to people who stood out based on them beating their own drum and how they thought, dressed – what their creation of choice was, and how they got it out into the world – made me want to be part of that. `
What is your biggest regret?
Where do I start? How much time do you have? LOL. kidding but not kidding. Seriously though, it would be that I didn’t learn early on not to have any. I’m happy to have finally learned. Regrets get in the way of creating great work and a great life.
How have you gotten over heartbreak?
There are many types of heartbreaks. I’ve learned over the years that I have been able to heal or move on from most, like girlfriends, friends, things work-related, through engaging in creative projects. But heartbreak over the loss of a loved one… not much has gotten me over that. Maybe not supposed to.
What makes you cry?
Almost everything, from a personal triumph or tragedy to America’s Got Talent! I have a bald head, and I’m covered in tattoos, and I grew up boxing, but I will cry on a dime. I’ve never been able to get through a personal speech no matter the occasion – I last about two sentences tops!
How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?
The initial feeling stays for a moment, but as time goes on, that feeling revisits and brings joy back again as if it was Groundhog Day, the gift that keeps giving. And that goes for work and personal accomplishments that I’m proud of, from co-creating an agency to co-creating two beautiful sons.
Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?
Yes, I believe in the beforelife first and foremost and the afterlife being the afterparty. I think it’s going to be fun starting over.
What do you hate most about yourself?
Not always appreciating what is right in front of me.
What do you love most about yourself?
Oh geez…. not a lot… my bald head, height, shoe size, teeth, size of ears, my big heart, empathetic, kind, caring, mentoring, funny, collaborative, agency creator, partner, promoter of others, ambitious, mistake maker, anxious, neurotic, worrier, bad sleeper, complainer, confident, unconfident, aches and pains, emotional, angry, happy, social butterfly, good cook, loved by many, hated by few, love many, hate few, tattoo lover, music lover, art lover, talented, untalented, always healing, role model, meditator, boxer, father, husband …
What is your absolute favorite meal?
Hard one, I love food, all types. The kind that promotes sharing, family style, tearing bread apart, eating with your hands, and amazing desserts. I’m a big fan of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food: hummus, labne, babaganoush, Haloumi, falafel, big bowls of fresh pasta, eggplant parm, salad, etc.
The post What Matters to Stephen Niedzwiecki appeared first on PRINT Magazine.