Jürgen Schepers

Jürgen Schepers is a trained journalist, with a proper internship and editorial work. And because that wasn’t enough, he also started doing PR, Marketing and events for film studios and distributors, TV, fashion, clubs and lifestyle magazines. Today, he’s responsible for the creative industry at the Chamber of Commerce in Berlin and heads a committee with approx. 40 entrepreneurs aiming to position their interests in politics and administration. Which makes him something like the advocate of the DNA of Berlin. In the magazine Berliner Wirtschaft, he regularly writes about exciting companies (like MMW) and entrepreneurs (like our Julia), he hosts, he gives talks, he plans and organises events, specialist conferences and exhibitions.  And on top of all this, he is founder and chairman of the Medienliga Berlin-Brandenburg (a media football league), in which 32 teams – from Flux FM to Vice Magazine, Der Tagesspiegel to X-Filme – play football in two leagues, fighting for promotion or against relegation, for the championship and the cup. And last, not least he heads the Peter-Christian-Schlüschen-Stiftung, a foundation for young photographers in sports, one of the highest paying awards (10.000 €) in Germany. A word, Mr. Schepers.

Name: Jürgen Schepers
Age: Baby-boomer-generation
Home: Berlin
Profession: Journalist
Shoe size: 41
Favourite author: M. Houllebecq, B. Vian, T. Mann, R. Willemsen… and currently Kate Tempest („The Bricks That Built The Houses „), a terrific book.
Contact: j.schepers@web.de

How creative are Berlin’s entrepreneurs?
With over 30,000 companies and an annual turnover of around 16 billion euros, Berlin’s creative industry belongs to the supporting pillars of our economy. That is, by the way, more than the digital industry and the start-ups. That says it all, really.

The most exciting celebrity you’ve ever met?
Mick Jagger as a film producer and Helmut Newton as set photographer.

What would you do without a computer?
I would enjoy being offline, relax and realise that life works without a computer as well. From experience I can say that’s really true and everyone should take some time off like that now and then.

Which moment changed everything?
When I returned from Spain and landed in Berlin, more or less by chance.

Which problem would you like to solve?
That in Berlin – despite the economic boom – every third child is still living below the poverty line. That poverty among the elderly has been existing for years, but isn’t being actively tackled… and the aggressiveness of drivers in Berlin (I ride a scooter).

A penguin wearing a sombrero comes into a bar and says:
Can you change your whole life in a day? (based loosely on Edward Norton in „25th hour“)

Your favourite swear word?
Vollpfosten (German for something like a total spoon)

How can someone impress you?
By not taking themselves too seriously and not succumbing to every hype, but questioning things – especially regarding spreading opinions in digital media.

What would you like to be better at?
Being more patient and cooking. I can hack the basics, though.

What would you cook for us if we came to visit you at home?
Because I will have run out of basics, I would take you out for the (in my opinion) best sushi in Berlin made by the probably only Turkish sushi-chef of the city.

What are you most afraid of?
That our thinking is too black and white and we might forget that beside the digital world there is an analogue world on which our cognitive capabilities, for example, are based.

When was the last time you tried something new and what was it?
At the beginning of this month, I went to Ireland to learn to surf. It was fantastic and I’m going to keep practising. Straight away, but somewhere warmer… However, Ireland really is a beautiful Island.

What should no one know about you?
It’s enough if only a few people know that.

Which question should we have asked you?
Why the avant-garde / subculture is so important for Berlin in general and particularly for the creative industry. Because it is the breeding ground for new things and without it, Berlin wouldn’t be where the city is today – we have to preserve that!

Last words:
I like people who don’t need to have the last word.

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Kategorien: People | Autor: | Datum: 30. Dezember 2016 | Tags: , , |  Keine Kommentare

Brando

The 2 Minute Interview

Brando is actually called Marlon, who would have thought! Ok, so tall, dark, handsome…, we’ll take him! What’s much more important, the boy can sing! About things, with words, humour and brains. Born in Berlin, raised at Lake Constance, now back home, at the Boxi (Boxhagener Platz) and its surroundings.  That’s were his first album „Nur der Anfang“ (Just the beginning) was created, which we’re playing up and down here every day because it is full of text and poetry, because it makes us think, hope and feel in the now. So now we want to know more and are going to ask. Bring it on!

Name: Brando
Age: 30
Home: Berlin
Profession: Musician
Shoe size: big
Favourite quote: „The more lavish the plan, the more complicated the deed.“ Erich Kästner
Contact: brando.audio | Youtube

What does Berlin sound like?
Always different.

If your album is just the beginning, what’s next?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

A decision you’ll never regret:
Having recorded this album. Despite all the difficulties, the detours and the long time it all took – all the hassle was so worth it.

Who or what inspires you?
A lot of my music is about stories and the description of a world of images in which they all take place. A lot of inspiration comes from films that combine a fascinating story with strong images. From independent and underground to mainstream – from ‚Jess Franco‘ to ‚Tony Scott‘ or ‚Christopher Nolan‘ – from ‚City of God‘ and ‚She Killed in Ecstasy‘ to ‚Star Wars‘ or ‚Blade Runner‘.

What do you sing under the shower?
Now matter how hard I listen every day – it’s just so loud in there, I can never understand. Really.

Island, iPod, just three songs. Which ones?
If I ever end up on an island, nothing will matter anymore anyway. So: „Billie Holiday – Warpaint“; „Sugar Man – Rodriguez“; „Crimson – Morcheeba“ or „Maggot brain – Funkadelic“.

What did you dream of last night?
That Russel Westbrook and Oklahoma City Thunder won the NBA-Championship. But I have that dream every night.

Which characteristics do you appreciate in a person?
Honesty & loyalty.

What did you want to grow up to be as a child?
Something fun that I’m good at.

With which famous person would you like to go out for drinks?
Marlon Brando or Cara Delevigne.

What would you cook for us if we came to visit you?
Spaghetti à la reality TV. When are you coming? Tell me quick!

What are you afraid of?
Prejudices

When was last time you tried something new and what was it?
I recorded an album recently.

What should no one know about you?
I can be a really disgusting nerd when it comes to music and films.

What question should we have asked?
What questions? Why isn’t there a synonym for synonym? How much does a house weigh? Can Gargamel really turn Smurfs into gold?

Last words:
Cordon Sport.

Photo: Caspar Hees

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Kategorien: People | Autor: | Datum: 18. Mai 2016 | Tags: , , , |  Keine Kommentare

Malte & Enno

 

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Malte & Enno

The 2 Minute-Interview

Official debut: For the first time ever, we’ve interviewed two genuine shit advisors aka loo entrepreneurs – and about time it was! Malte Schremmer and Enno Schröder are the mind and heart (and butt) behind Goldeimer – the cleanest business concerning human needs. Goldeimer toilets are used at festivals, are always clean, always offer enough toilet paper, light and a good read. They’re designed to work without any chemicals or water and the remains are composted. The greater part of the profits go towards WASH (Water, Sanitation Hygiene) projects of our friends Viva con Agua. Oh, and most recently the gents have started making toilet paper, too. We shamelessly interrupted the two of them during their Gameboy session in the powder room and boldly asked them about their business.

 

Name: Malte Schremmer | Enno Schröder
Age: 28 | 33
City: here today, gone tomorrow | Hamburg
Job: Shit Advisor | Loo Entrepreneur
Shoe size: 44 | 46, sometimes 47
Favourite loo: Well that’s a stupid question. Goldeimer, of course!  | Goldeimer without a door and with a view
Contact: malte@goldeimer.de | www.goldeimer.de

 

How do you make money from shit?
M: Years of practice. If you keep trying, you’ll be rewarded eventually.
E: Have a good look at what exactly is needed. People visiting big events would give everything for a clean toilet! So, if you can offer them sanitary facilities that are clean, entertaining, eco-friendly and informative, they will love you for it and gladly pay for a trip to the loo.

 

Reading, playing Gameboy, surfing the web… what is your favourite pastime on the toilet?
M: Playing Tetris on the Gameboy Color until my left leg has fallen asleep or the rocket appears on the display.
E: Reading and using my phone. By the way, I’m going to give a design award to whoever invents a toilet seat that prevents your legs from falling asleep.

 

How do explain to your parents that you’ve become a toilet paper manufacturer?
M: We’re not toilet paper manufacturers, we’re ambassadors from a forgotten world for a natural resource that has been underestimated far too long. Pooping was something completely normal in our family. My grandfather was a plumber and I grew up watching Werner movies.
E: Same as the above. I have nothing to add.

 

What can each individual do to help make the world a better place?
M: Get yourself a composting toilet and tell all your neighbours that you’re now composting your own shit. At the same time, call out a neighbourhood battle to find out who can grow the largest sunflower on the compost.
E: Be aware at all times of the effect your actions have. Respect and appreciate yourself, your environment and the people around you and live sufficiently.

 

What was the last thing that really moved you?
M: This documentation
E: Thinking of #Clausnitz and #Bautzen makes me absolutely speechless and very angry. We seem to be in a politically tense situation in general with various crises and a large country that will hopefully not vote for the idiot.

 

What is the most important invention of mankind?
M: The loo. No other invention in the history of mankind has saved that many lives.
E: The dishwasher.

 

What shouldn’t anyone put off till tomorrow?
M: Going to the toilet. Constipation can end badly…
E: Meetingpeople and having a good time.

 

Which famous personality would you like to meet for a glass of water?
M: Tony Hsieh from Zappos.
E: How about beer? I’d really like to knock back a few beers with Udo Lindenberg.

 

What would you cook for us if we visited you at home?
M: A Cambodian street food spin-off.
E: Tortellini or any other filled pasta with mushrooms and ham, Parmesan on top and some good wine.

 

What are you afraid of?
M: Boredom and stealth illnesses.

 

When did you last try something new and what was it?
M: I watched Star Wars in a 4DX cinema in Phnom Penh.
E: Tortellini or any other filled pasta with a mushroom and ham, Parmesan on top. Thanks Felix.

 

What should no one know about you?
M: The Internet really doesn’t need to know everything.
E: Right.

 

Which question should we have asked?
M: Which three animal or botanical skills would you like to have? My answers would be photosynthesis, gecko hands and making spider’s webs.
E: Why aren’t you a vegetarian yet?

 

Last Words:
M: Shit is beautiful.
E: Buy Goldeimer toilet paper, ride your bikes more often, be vegetarians and be kind to fellow human beings. Take your pick…

 

Photo: Noah Felk

 

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Kategorien: People | Autor: | Datum: 02. März 2016 | Tags: , , , |  Keine Kommentare

Tim Seiffert

 

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Tim Seiffert

The 2 Minute Interview

“Timmi” aka Tim Seiffert has friends. And they have friends, too. Friends of friends, so to speak. Freunde von Freunden is the name of the project Tim started a few years ago, together with his friends(!) and fellow campaigners Frede and Torsten. The idea: portrait real people surrounding them in their real homes, tell real stories about them to inspire other people. “Their surroundings” have grown a little – Freunde von Freunde is a global creative network with teams in more than 90 cities, a very own event space in Berlin-Mitte, two published books – which shouldn’t miss in any hip household from here to anywhere – and a whole bunch of smart concepts. FvF is a creative, exciting and very dynamic network that is constantly moving and evolving. We openly asked the glorious trio’s marketing whiz all sorts of things, forced him to move and raided his fridge. Tim, thank you very much. You are officially invited to come visit us.

 

Name: Tim Seifert
Age: 33 years old
City: Berlin
Job: Co-Founder Freunde von Freunden
Shoe size: 44.5 EU
Favourite place: Currently L.A. and the U.S. west coast
Contact: 

timmi@freundevonfreunden.com

What is your place like?
Not particularly unusual. I moved to Mitte about 6 years ago and nothing has changed since then. I’ll take interior design more seriously the next time I move. 

Are you good at keeping home and work separate?
Unfortunately not.

 

What’s the nicest apartment you’ve ever been to?
My parent’s apartment in Berlin-Grunewald. Not just because of the way it’s done up, but also because the feelings and memories I have of the apartment, the house and the garden. I love Grunewald, and without taking regular trips there to counterbalance urban life, I’d probably no longer be in Berlin.

 

How do you get to have so many interesting and creative friends with nice apartments?
We started with our closest friends in Berlin and now we work with local teams in more than 90 cities and have published over 550 portraits. Of course, these are not all our closest friends anymore :) But Fred, Torsten and I have the obligation to maintain high quality standards and to treat the people we get to know and the content we share respectfully.

 

You HAVE to move. Where to?
If I had to, probably somewhere by the sea.

In future, what will you do less?
Smoke.

 

What are your three fridge-essentials?
Parmesan, grapes and water.

 

How would your parents describe you?
Spoilt.

 

What would you never do for money?
Let down my friends and family.

 

Which personality would you like to visit at home?
Keith Richards.

 

Would you like to say hello to anyone?
Frederik Frede and Torsten Bergler.

 

What are you afraid of?
Serious illness.

 

What would you cook for us if we visited you at home?
Spaghetti Carbonara.

 

Something you absolutely must do before you die?
Live by the sea and start a family.

 

What should no one know about you?
My bank pin number.

 

Which question should we have asked?
Whether I’ve lost my marbles yet.

 

Last Words:
Thanks for the kind questions.

 

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Kategorien: People | Autor: | Datum: 10. Februar 2016 | Tags: , , , |  Keine Kommentare

Nina Klein

 

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Nina Klein

The 2 Minute-Interview

Nina Klein is a real whizz kid. A stylist at heart, she started her own agency and earned universal fame, then launched a jewellery label and recently created her very own app. What?! Exactly. It’s about time to ask Nina some serious questions about her workload – on a friendly basis, of course. After all, she is part of our highly appreciated clientele and therefore practically family. Fun fact: Our dear senior PR expert Nina Z. got married a while ago. Her new surname: Klein. Confused? That’s what we thought.

 

Name: Nina Klein
Age: 45
City: Berlin
Job: entrepreneuse and business coach for women
Shoe size: 42
Favourite time of day: Any time after 8:00 am.
Contact: mail@nina-klein.de
 
Agency, jewellery label, and now an app – trouble making up your mind or what?
Definitely not. The combination is what makes every day exciting. The different stages of all of my projects and companies keep me curious and on my toes, and help me to stay humble. This way all of my companies can benefit from each other as well.

 

What is your definition of beauty?
Authenticity.

 

What do you see when you look in the mirror?
Most of the time, I see a person full of zest for life.

 

The Queen invites you to tea – what do you wear?
I would consult one of my stylists first. Or I’d decline. Tea with the Queen…hmmm… I’d prefer tea with Charles…

 

Your three most important tools?
Mobile, laptop, mascara.

 

What is your definition of success?
Being able to earn money with what you’re good at and really like doing. Or the moment everything just falls into place just like you had planned in the beginning – when it was still an idea.

 

What are you currently struggling with?
With the cold in Berlin and with the fact that this year, I won’t be opening a pop-up office in the sun for my agency in February but during autumn instead.

 

What should everyone have done in his or her life at least once?
Paragliding from Lion’s Head in Cape Town.

 What is your favourite place in Berlin (besides your home)?
My secret little garden – right around the corner from my place. No one is ever there at the weekends!

 

With whom would you like to go out for gin&tonics?
Bobby Dekeyser.

 

If we visited you at home, what would you cook for us?
Käsespätzle (cheese spaetzle) – or quinoa with spinach, peas and Shitake mushrooms.

 

What would you do if you were afraid of absolutely nothing at all?
Already live in the sun by the sea.

 

If you could change the world, where would you start?
Find a solution for the still existing hunger in the world.

 

What should no one know about you?
That I know almost every „Sex and the City“ scene by heart.

 

Which question should we have asked?
Whether I use my new app climbr productivity myself, or when the new Charity Collection by Nadja Auermann for my jewellery label Besafeangel will appear or where am I going to open a pop-up office for my agency this year?

 

Last words:
It’s all a matter of intention.

 

 

 

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Kategorien: People | Autor: | Datum: 27. Januar 2016 | Tags: , , , , |  Keine Kommentare

Camilla Rando

 

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Camilla Rando

The 2 Minute-Interview

As a mum you develop superpowers. This idea certainly comes to mind once you’ve met Camilla Rando, publisher and senior editor of the blog and magazine Mummy Mag. Perhaps she’s one of the most famous Mummies in the city. And perhaps she’s also the stylish showcase Mummy that just seems to make everything work. She most definitely is one of the wittiest power women we’ve ever had the chance to speak to. Together with her team, Camilla is currently releasing the 4th issue of the Mummy Mag Paper „Home sweet home“ that features The Knots, SNUG, home stories and takes a look at home offices of great Mummies. And even Daddies get a word in edge ways this time, too. Reasons enough for us to finally have a little chat with Camilla.

 

Name: Camilla
Age: 32
City: Berlin
Job: Blog-Consultant & Editor
Shoe size: 40
Favourite colour: Varies according to mood
Contact: camilla@mummy-mag.de
Early bird or morning grouch?
Morning grouch, I’m afraid. But after about two cups of coffee, I’m a new person!

 

What part of life changes the most after having a child?
Definitely your sleeping routine. Apart from that, you just need to get yourself organised. But at the end of the day, life is simply a whole lot better.

 

Who do you call most frequently?
Saskia & Janine (my mummies in crime).

 

Are Mummies better people?
No way! They might be more resilient or efficient. But unfortunately that is not universally valid.

 

What is an absolute parenting no-go?
Punishing children! And maybe growing up?

 

What makes you realize that you’re all grown up?
When I sound like my mother. It keeps happening more often.

 

What would you do without a computer?
Probably something that requires craftsmanship.

 

How do you switch off from your daily routine?
By leaving my computer and iPhone at home.

 Share a magical place!
My home. Seriously! Apart from that, I’ve found Sri Lanka to be a truly magical country.

 

What are you proud of?
A lot of things. Professionally, I’m proud of the MUMMY MAG and my wonderful team.

 

What would you cook for us if we visited you at home?
If you came to visit? Definitely a 4-course meal. I love cooking for guests.

 

What are you afraid of?
Nothing! Except…

 

When was the last time you tried something new and what was it?
This month. A vegan diet. I managed to persevere for three whole days. But with children, you’re always trying new things anyway.

 

What should no one know about you?
That I’m hooked on American TV series.

 

Which question should we have asked?
What is my latest project?

 

Last Words:
We’ll get it right!

 

 

 

 

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Kategorien: People | Autor: | Datum: 20. Januar 2016 | Tags: , , , , |  Keine Kommentare

Ugur Orhanoglu

 

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Ugur Orhanoglu

The 2 Minutes-Interview

Ugur Orhanoglu is part of Berlin’s In Crowd. He seems to know just about everyone and everyone knows him. Either as a photographer – his actual profession – or because of his legendary vegetarian 27-course dinners that he organizes in different locations throughout the city. We were lucky enough to have a taste of one of his latest coups at the leogant Loft where his current exhibition „Water“ is still on show till tomorrow and have been fans ever since.  We talked to Ugur about man and nature, a Q&A with Buddha, Jesus, Moses and Mohammed and about the Mona Lisa. The good news: you are a work of art!

 

Name: Ugur Orhanoglu
Age: 46
City: Berlin
Job: Photographer
Shoe size: Depending on the make, between 42,5 and 44 2/3
Favourite water: filtered from the tap
Contact: mail@ugur-boss.de
Why are you a photographer?
By accident! The first time I looked through a camera lens, everything was in focus all of a sudden (I hadn’t realised I was short-sighted until then). Photography enables me to capture moments that touch and move me and share them with others.

 

What makes a good photograph?
A photograph should touch me, no matter by what means.

 

Who or what inspires you?
In short: man and nature.

 

Which piece of art would you like to own?
If it were a matter of getting a lot of money for it, I would probably choose Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. But basically, it’s just oil on canvas. Every one of us is a work of art made from a hundred billion cells that unite to become even more. So I already own a piece of art: myself.

 

Do you prefer being a host or a guest?
I like being both. As a host I enjoy making sure my guests have a good time and as a guest I enjoy the attention.

 

Who was he most exciting guest at one of your dinner parties?
I can’t really say. There were certainly some people known from films and television, r are incredibly wealthy, artists or writers. But people who know me, know that things like that aren’t important to me – I try to value every moment. People are people, with all their strengths and weaknesses. Therefore everybody is exciting. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that everybody is equally likeable. :-D

 

Which qualities do you appreciate in people?
I greatly appreciate when people manage to maintain the ability to be unbiased and have empathy for others.

 

If you could change the world over night, where would you start?
Wow, what a question! I’d probably start where everybody should: with myself!

 

 Who or what were you in a former life?
I believe that I don’t believe in having a former life. And if I was something else, I probably was a person or an animal, or a stone, or maybe a grass stalk. See, I’m getting silly…

 

Share a magical place:
Take a right just behind the eyes. :-D

 

With which famous person would you like to have coffee?
I don’t drink coffee but I would like to meet all the religious founders (like Buddha, Moses, Jesus, Mohammed) to ask them whether they approve oft he deformation of man and nature that has been and still is being committed in their name. That would be interesting to know, wouldn’t it?

 

What would you cook for us if we visited you at home?
Whatever I have in the fridge. Always vegetarian, never with a recipe, usually tasty.

 

What are you afraid of?
Hopelessness / helplessness.

 

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it?
At the moment, I’m trying to part with things I once thought were important to have – a new experience I’m currently going through quite often. As you know, I like collecting things.

 

What should no one know about you?
Doesn’t that question contradict itself?

 

Which question should we have asked?
Maybe a question about my current exhibition and future exhibitions?

 

Last Words:
Come to my finissage tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Kategorien: People | Autor: | Datum: 13. Januar 2016 | Tags: , , , , |  Keine Kommentare

Laura Zumbaum

Laura Zumbaum

The 2 Minuten Interview

Charming Laura has certainly caused a stir with selosoda – a refreshing pick-me-up made from sundried coffee cherries. We’ve already told you about the selosoda winter tea selection; her crowd funding campaign is still running and the next big coup is already in the making, too. Quite the busy bee, Miss Zumbaum! We were wondering whether all this work even left any time for everyday things like grocery shopping or simply reading a book. We looked into it and managed to ask Laura Zumbaum a few questions about fears, addictions and the ideal contents of a refrigerator. Here is the essence of our investigative work summed up in 2 minutes.

 

Name: Laura Zumbaum
Age: 26
City: Berlin
Job: coffee-cherry-fanatic
Shoe size: 38
Favourite cocktail: Blonde Negroni // Gin, Vermouth, orange zest, selosoda
Contact: laura@selosoda.com

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  Do you always answer the question „How are you?“ honestly?
I try to!How are you?
Great. In 48 hours, I’ll be on my way home to Barcelona.

 

Your start to the day: Coffee or tea?
Coffeecherrytea.

 

What are your New Year resolutions for 2016?
1. Increase the value of the coffee plant – with a product that is not only sustainable, but also tastes fantastic, is healthy and out of the ordinary.
2. Go to the seaside. Last year, I only made it to the Müggelsee – in October, for the half marathon. Not a great accomplishment!

 

What can you never get enough of?
Good espresso. And Bon Jovi songs from the nineties. Kind of funny, but true.

 

Which three items belong in every fridge?
A Pinot Gris, butter and homemade blackberry jam.

 

A piece of advice you never thought would come in handy:
Don’t ask for too much advice.

 

Do you take more after your mother or your father?
That’s hard to say. The running joke in our family goes like this: “Child, we actually found you on the street.“
With which famous person would you like to have coffee?
Giovanni di Lorenzo, during my next visit to Hamburg.

 

What would you cook for us if we visited you at home?
Celery and apple soup, spicy sourdough bread.
Pumpkin and ricotta lasagne, chestnuts, sage.
Lukewarm Tarte Tatin with quince.

 

What are you afraid of?
Of time flying by.

 

When did you last try something new and what was it?
Trading my apartment in Berlin with friends of Freunde von Freunden for theirs in Paris. At first we were excited, then hesitant and then very keen. We discovered a new way of travelling and made new friends.

 

What should no one know about you?
Maybe that I like to eat whipped cream by the spoonful.

 

Which question should we have asked?
Why should anyone support the selosoda crowd funding campaign?

 

Last Words:
I sincerely thank you. And: coffee is a fruit.

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Kategorien: People | Autor: | Datum: 06. Januar 2016 | Tags: , , , |  Keine Kommentare

Erik Spiekermann

Erik Spiekermann

The 2 Minute-Interview

Erik Spiekermann is not a man of many words. So the fact, that he has taken time to put some of his thoughts into words for us, makes a little proud. Erik Spiekermann is a designer, typographer, type designer, author and nothing less than a legend. (Although Erik himself probably wouldn’t agree with that term…) His creative work is second to none and has influenced legions of designers for many years. Together with two partners he founded MetaDesign in 1979 – still one of the most prestigious brand agencies to this day. Many of the fonts designed by Erik have become modern classics, above all FF Meta and ITC Officina. So, what do you ask someone to whom typography is language made visible? Keeping things more personal, we asked him about such things as culinary skills, fears, self-given advice etc. Thank you, Erik. For each and every single letter.

 

Name: Erik Spiekermann
Age: 68
City: Berlin
Job: Designer
Shoe size: 43
Favourite font: Block.
Contact: Yes.

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What is good design?
Good design serves both the recipient and sender and has an aesthetic added value.

 

Which idea would you have enjoyed having yourself?
Inventing type.

 

What is the most important invention of mankind?
Type.

 

What wallpaper is currently on your desktop?
The colour Grey.

 

Which moment changed everything?
The Invention of type. And my birthday changed everything for me.

 

What can’t you do at all?
Play the piano.

 

How important is success to you?
It depends on what it’s measured.

 

What advice would you give your teenage-self today?
Start saving money as soon as possible, or you won’t get a pension. (Because I don’t get a pension.)

 

 

What quality do you appreciate in people?
Curiosity.

 

Which album, book, and film should everyone have heard, read and seen?
As many as possible.

 

Which piece of art would you like to call your own?
Malevich’s Black Square.

 

What would you cook for us if we visited you at home?
I would bake a cake.

 

What are you afraid of?
Stupidity. It is what causes most wars.

 

When did you last try something new and what was it?
Today, I ate lebkuchen I made myself. (6.12.)

 

What should no one know about you?
That I can’t play the piano.

 

Which question should we have asked?
Is there life before death?

 

Last Words:
Everything will fall into place.

 

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Kategorien: People | Autor: | Datum: 17. Dezember 2015 | Tags: , , , , , |  Keine Kommentare

Kaya-Line Knust

 

Kaya Line Knust | Stop The Water

Kaya-Line Knust

The 2 Minute-Interview

Kaya-Line Knust is full of energy. As soon as she enters the room, you feel stronger, smarter and more beautiful yourself. We experienced that when Kaya-Line came to visit us in our studio about six months ago to talk about PR for her fantastic natural cosmetic line STOP THE WATER WHILE USING ME! She had us at hello. And we’re glad she did, because now, we get to work with her such a lot and we’ve never smelled this good and have never been as sustainably well groomed before! So it’s about time we got straight up and personal. But don’t say we didn’t warn you. May we introduce: Kaya.

 

Name: Kaya-Line Knust
Age: 32
City: Hamburg
Job: manager of sustainable natural cosmetics company STOP THE WATER WHILE USING ME!
Shoe size: 40
Favourite fragrance: James Heeley ’Sel Marin’ and Maison Loius Marie ’Bois de Balincourt’
Contact: World Wide Web (or kaya@stop-the-water.com)

 

 

What’s the first thing you do in the morning?
Put espresso pot on stove. Turn on music. Drink espresso.

 

What is your personal contribution to improving the world?
I try to live as sustainable as possible while spreading a maximum of positive energy, joy and love – in hope of a beautiful chain reaction.

 

A good deed for everyone to do before the year is over:
Just one? There are still six weeks left tot he year! Action speaks louder than words. So get going!

 

What’s next?
Living in the here and now.

 

What is the most important invention of mankind?
I’m having trouble deciding between wine and a bed!

 

Name a magical place anywhere in the world:
To me, Africa has the ultimate magical energy. Followed by the fireside bench at my parent’s house.

 

Where did you grow up?
I spent the early years in Eckernförde, later I lived in Freiburg and then I spent my youth in Hannover. After that, I had had enough and headed for New York City.

 

What are you proud of?
I’m proud of my family and friends. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such extraordinary people.

How do you get wrapped around one’s finger?
With homemade (soul) food. And music: play me a song (and pretend it was written especially for me) and you’ll have me wrapped around all 10 fingers!

 

With which famous person would you like to have coffee?
Paulo Coelho!

 

How did the „Keep off the grass“-sign get on the grass?
Chuck Norris?

 

What would you cook for us if we visited you at home?
Something warm, preferably with sweet potatoes, homemade bread and some exquisite wine. And afterwards some (not homemade!) schnapps.

 

What are you afraid of?
Not being able to save the world. And broken hearts.

 

When did you last try something new and what was it?
I’m always doing new things. Life is all about doing new things.

 

What should no one know about you?
Can’t tell. Because of my super powers, you see…

 

Which question should we have asked?
How I’d save the world!

 

Last Words: Something I really like to have. Always.

 

Photo: Mali Lazell

 

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Kategorien: People | Autor: | Datum: 25. November 2015 | Tags: , , |  Keine Kommentare