This month’s "Meet the Member" features user experience designer, woodturner, marathon runner, and marmite eating James Crisp.
Tell us a little about yourself and why you come to Unicorn Studios?
I’m James, a User Experience Designer working for a cyber security company. My role is basically to find out what our customers need, then design the easiest way of doing it in our software, test it with the clients then pass it to the development team for building.
Back at the start of 2020, I was working for a different company, in an office but like a lot of people, the pandemic changed that. Working from home, while enjoyable at first, became isolating for me. I found myself rarely going out and only speaking to people on Zoom. I needed to get back into a creative office environment and at the start of the year I found Unicorn Studios. I can honestly say that because of Unicorn Studios I am happier and more productive than I have been in years.
What was your first job?
As a teenager I worked in a DIY store for a few years, then drove an ice cream van for a summer. My first “real job” was working as a Graphic Designer for the University of Plymouth, part time while still studying then full time when I graduated.
What work accomplishment are you most proud of?
That’s a really hard one, I have been designing stuff for over 20 years so I have done a lot of things that make me proud. The accomplishment I am most proud of though is just being where I am today, doing a job I love.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
I would say that I am an early bird, I get up most days at 6am.
When working at home what is your guilty pleasure?
Turning the music up nice and loud and having crumpets with Marmite and peanut butter for a mid morning snack.
What’s one of your favourite memories this year?
Completing my first half marathon because I have been suffering from Achilles tendon problems for a few years. I am finally overcoming them and able to run again, for longer and get my fitness back.
What’s something you’re planning on doing in the next year that you’ve never done before?
Run a marathon, it’s on my bucket list.
What is your hidden talent?
I have a few, I am a woodturner, handyman and gardener.
If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?
Playing the guitar. I have always wanted to play guitar, and have tried a few times but never found the time to practice enough to get past the basics.
What three people would be your fantasy coworkers at Unicorn studios? And why?
Steve Jobs - I would love to discuss his views on usability and product design.
F.H.K. Henrion - He was a true pioneer of Graphic design.
Adam Savage - I love his 'Tested' Youtube channel, and I could spend hours chatting to him about creating all sorts of geeky stuff.
Would you rather be a tiny unicorn or a giant hamster?
Definitely a tiny unicorn. I have two daughters and they both love Unicorns at the moment. My daughters love the idea that I work at Unicorn Studios.
Benefits of joining Unicorn Studios
Productivity
Work-life balance
Cost effective
Collaboration
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