Where are you in the world, and what’s the current Coronavirus lockdown like?
I’m in Berlin. Things are loosening up a bit here now, but it's still obligatory to wear face masks in shops and on public transport. We're lucky to have a lot of parks, which are usually pretty full of people enjoying the sun, though people do keep a distance from each other. It’s kind of stressful going to places like the supermarket, post-office and chemist as there are long lines, security guards and people get a bit edgy. And hairdressers re-opened last week, but people need to wear masks while having their haircut, which might produce some interesting styles!|
Tell about your WFH situation…
I live in a flat-share with a set-designer and a musician (plus a very sweet fluffy cat called Chantale), so we’re mostly working in our rooms on our own projects. It's a really nice vibe and we take breaks together to cook or have a cup of tea, and Chantale isn’t shy about meowing at us to feed her every time we open the fridge. The apartment is on the top floor of the building, so it's nice and sunny – sometimes even a bit too bright – and we have a big terrace with lots of plants. I feel extremely spoilt having so much fresh air and greenery.
I work from a big desk in my room, it gets a bit messy...the mugs and cups tend to stack up! I've been enjoying returning to books and objects I've had for years as reference and inspiration.
In normal-times, I tend to motivate myself with plans of going out or having an event to look forward to. With nothing on the horizon I am getting a bit spaced out. I find it hard to focus, and I get distracted easily. Often after a day of sometimes fruitless 'work', I end up in bed feeling really guilty for not getting more done, vowing to get up earlier tomorrow and get more done!!! It's is a trap we all fall into with social media and the pressure to produce, so I try and not be too hard on myself. I chat a lot with friends who are also illustrators and designers; checking-in and realising most people are having the same problems with WFH makes me feel better, and less alone.
And how’s work looking the moment?
I have enough work on right now and I’m not too worried. A few events I'd made posters for earlier on in the year were cancelled, but I've gotten other work for some Corona-related articles and projects which has been interesting. I usually make a lot of event posters, so I'm not sure what the rest of the year will be like for that kind of work.
Staying Sane During Quarantine #4 - Molly Rose Dyson
Have you got a new routine?
I try to get up and out of the house early, particularly to go to the supermarket because there are fewer people around earlier in the morning. I have a friend who I go to the supermarket with, and we try and visit a different one each time which makes something that’s normally mundane a bit more interesting. We feel like characters from The Handmaid's Tale, meeting up to go shopping and wearing masks and gloves early in the morning.
Any tips for great music / TV / books to pass the time?
I listen to a lot of NTS and Dub Lab. I'm reading Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo. And I binge watched Killing Eve and can't wait for the next episode to come out!
What about exercise?
I’m really lazy, but I do a bit of YouTube yoga here and there, sometimes a lil cardio-work-out vid. I’ve joined in on some Zoom fitness classes with my roommate but I couldn’t make it through the whole work out! I do ride my bike though. I'm lucky to live close to Templehofer feld, the former airport which is now a park and is conveniently massive.
Any life hacks for the current climate?
When you buy a six-pack of beers, don’t put them all in the fridge, if they’re warm you won’t drink them all at once. I allow myself one beer in the fridge at a time to avoid drinking them all in one night.
Top quarantine snack / drink / recipe?
Grilled cheese with jalapeños and sauerkraut and a matcha!
Are you working on any new projects / skills during the lockdown?
I’ve been getting into using After-Effects and some experimenting with animated posters which is great, but my computer is totally melting down! I need more RAM!
Which creative or studio should we be following, or someone to make us feel good?
These are my fave Berlin people’s Instas:
@ezehyon
@tesssmeyer
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mollyrosedyson.cargo.site / @mollydogson
