We're asking the journalists on the Epica Awards jury about their daily lives during the crisis. Minda Smiley is agencies reporter at Adweek.
What can you see from your home office window?
We’ve installed a hammock on our living room window that our cat loves to sit in while he bird watches.
What story are you working on right now?
I am currently working on a story about a new Canadian agency that is moving forward with launch plans despite there being a pandemic.
What do you do to stay focused and avoid distractions?
I worked from home for about two years at a different job, so I am actually pretty used to it. Obviously the current circumstances of the world make it harder to focus, though. I’ve found that taking little breaks throughout the day help break up the monotony of it all and keep me from burning out/getting easily distracted. Deadlines don’t hurt, either!
The crisis has inspired a lot of creativity. What ad or social media post has impressed you?
Hm. Good question. I’ve seen a lot of coronavirus advertising, but a lot of it is (understandably) more utilitarian – really just getting out important messaging about symptoms, hand washing, etc. I did like this Burger King campaign, though! Overall I haven’t seen anything that I’ve found incredibly creative yet, but I’m sure that will change.
Recommend a book that will take our minds off the situation.
I recently read “Calypso” by David Sedaris. It’s really funny and touching.
Minda's pick for a creative response to the self-confinement period.