As an Elder Millennial and someone who knows the meaning of the word “Nexopia” I know a thing or two about copy-paste internet quizzes. I’m talking before facebook messenger (the MSN Days), pre-snapchat, way before even TikTok’s predecessor Vine. Early internet was a hot mess of learning basic HTML, animated cursor trails and of course Angelfire visitor counters. But most importantly, we sent each other long questionnaires back and forth and answered questions cagey enough for our crush to question if our answers were about them. For today’s blog I thought I would take it back, waaaay back to when I first waited for my brother to get off the phone so I could connect to the internet.
Here are 45 questions about Wild Slide Design, why I started it and what my motivation is, and a few silly questions all about your new favourite designer…me!
Strictly Business
- What do you do at Wild Slide and in what circumstances would I come to you for something?
I focus on making your presentation beautiful and unique to your needs. From concept, flow and design, to event technical support, I cover it all. If you have a big pitch to make, new hires to onboard, or are getting prepared for the return of trade shows, I’m here for you from digital to print.
- What’s one professional skill you’re currently working on?
Animation and 3D!
- What’s your go-to productivity trick?
Write a to-do list first thing in the morning, get the satisfaction of crossing things off.
- Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Neither without some coffee!
- Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?
I am constantly astounded by the breadth and depth of the artistic community in Penticton. Jenny Long, and Skyler Punnett are huge influences and it’s a pleasure to know them personally.
- What behaviour or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?
As soon as someone thinks I can’t do something, I will do everything to prove them wrong. 😛
- How do you prefer to start your day?
Coffee, a bowl of cereal and a podcast.
- How do you prefer to end your day?
A quick check in with Animal Crossing island.
- What was your first job?
A true Sandwich Artist at Subway
- What’s the worst job you’ve ever had, and what did you learn from it?
Working the basement of an HMV. I had a lot of early morning to late shifts and missed a lot of sunlight during the day. I learned to get outside and get that vitamin D, and to never make my interactions too “corporate” and cold.
- What’s a mistake you made early on in your career, and what did you learn from it?
Diversifying too far in design and thinking I had to know how to do everything all at once overwhelmed me. Pairing down to something specific makes my clients happier, and lets me focus of putting out my best work.
- What led you to this career?
I find layout design the most interesting subsection of graphic design, and I have always had a passion for public speaking. Over the course of the pandemic I wanted to work towards a freelance career, and after taking a few online courses I noticed a distinct issue with how information was presented in various webinars I had seen. I knew that these kinds of virtual meetings and events won’t be going anywhere anytime soon pandemic or not, and I saw a niche area and problem I could solve.
- What energizes you at work?
When you get into that design flow state and elements finally come together, it’s a beautiful feeling of accomplishment.
- What drains you at work?
Invoicing (thankfully these days there are so many helpful resources for small business owners!)
- What’s one thing that surprised you about working at Wild Slide Design?
The community support has been wonderful, especially since I joined the Penticton Chamber of Commerce.
- What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?
I worked through incorporation Wild Slide all by myself and got myself certified in Digital Marketing to push my SEO. I have seen steady growth which makes me feel like I must be doing something right!
- What’s your biggest work pet peeve?
I used to do this myself, but I don’t like when Graphic Designer’s look down on people using Canva. There is no reason to gate-keep design, and I think anyone who wants to learn graphic design is an awesome thing. As long as you are motivated and constantly trying to improve, it shouldn’t matter what software you are working with. Most designers don’t really consider Powerpoint a design tool. but it’s so powerful and highly underrated.
- What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position?
That there is no need for a presentation designer with the vast amount of free templates available online. Sure, they are a great starting off point, but I have heard and seen many horror stories of those with less PPT experience still struggling to get their information correctly placed. They often feel un personalized, and mis matched to the message presented. Plus, many templates online use flashy shapes and lines that actually take away from your message rather than compliment it.
- If you could add one thing to Wild Slide Design’s office, what would it be?
A bigger desk! And maybe if the office wasn’t also a spare room for my partner’s music equipment. Haha!
Just for Fun
20. Are you a dog person or a cat person (or neither)?
Both!
21. Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I can look at dinner leftovers and without a doubt without measuring choose the exact right Tupperware to fit what I have left.
22. If you could choose a name for yourself, what would it be?
I think I look like a Chelsea, so I’m pretty okay with that.
23. If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation. Flight is cool, but this is faster.
24. If you could only eat one item for every meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Burritos.
25. If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick?
Spotify, Reddit, Shoppylist.
26. If you were the only human left on Earth, what would you do?
Cry, then start learning how to keep the electricity on!
27. What book are you reading now?
Sylvia Plath – The Bell Jar
28. What’s your favourite sport to watch and which team do you root for?
Hockey. GO VEE’S GO!
29. What trend do you hope makes a comeback?
“Athleisure” was just wearing comfy clothes all the time and feeling cool about it.
30. What’s one hobby you’d love to get into?
Wood burning art
31. What’s one item you can’t leave your house or apartment without?
My phone.
32. What’s one item you want to own that you don’t?
A moped scooter.
33. What’s one song or artist that you’re embarrassed to admit you like?
I don’t think you should ever feel ashamed of liking an artist, but I guess it’s unexpected how much I like Harry Styles. 😛
34. What’s one song you have completely memorized?
Manu Chao – Bongo Bong
35. What’s one totally irrational fear that you have?
Raisins. Yuck. I hate when they are secretly in my delicious cookies.
36. What’s the first concert you ever went to?
Sum-41!
37. What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?
Japan.
38. What fictional place would you most like to visit?
Hogwarts.
39. What’s your favourite place to eat around your town?
40. What’s your favourite TV show—the one you’re always watching on repeat?
Parks & Recreation
41. What’s your go-to karaoke song?
I am more of a behind the scenes cheering others on kind of karaoke gal. 😛
42. What’s your most hated household chore?
Dishes.
43. What’s your most used emoji?
Just your regular everyday smiley. 🙂
44. Which season is your favourite?
Fall.
45. What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?
A live ant, but that wasn’t on purpose! Haha!
Cheers,
Chelsea
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