Debbie Millman has an ongoing project at PRINT titled “What Matters.” This is an effort to understand the interior life of artists, designers, and creative thinkers. This facet of the project is a request of each invited respondent to answer ten identical questions and submit a nonprofessional photograph.
Mandi Bright is the Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder at Magic Camp, at newly launched independent creative agency Magic Camp. Mandi lives in Chicago with her husband, two children and dog Ella.
PRINT recently interviewed Mandi and Magic Camp co-founder Holly Willis about their mission to redefine agency culture. Read it here.
What is the thing you like doing most in the world?
Being near a large body of water. Sitting and looking at it, hanging out in the sand, walking along the shore, being on some kind of watercraft, just being present around water, where you can’t see land on the other side, brings me ultimate peace. It grounds me in a way nothing else does. Makes me feel like we’re all connected in a way that is so much greater than anything else.
What is the first memory you have of being creative?
Obsessively picking out outfits and shoes in the 80s. Red tights, blue boots, yes. Two mismatched Punky Brewster high tops, also yes. When I was a smidge bigger, I’d close myself in my bedroom for hours and move all the furniture around until it felt right. I did it every couple of months, so that it felt different and intentional, changing my mood or perspective. The way in which surroundings and visuals affect feelings and behaviors has always been a focus of mine.
What is your biggest regret?
That’s a hard one. I’m fortunate to not have any huge regrets yet. I do wish I traveled more before needing to be so fiscally responsible and raise a family. It seems like when you have the time you don’t have the money, and when you might have the money, you don’t have the time. I never knew how to navigate that. Hopefully someday soon. And I don’t know if this is a regret yet, but I have a big looming thought of needing to live somewhere other than the Midwest. I want new and diverse experiences but the community, culture, food scene and people around me are just so good I don’t want to leave yet.
How have you gotten over heartbreak?
Realizing it’s an unavoidable part of life. And that nothing lasts forever, the good feelings nor the bad feelings. There is always something to be learned, or a reason for it all, even if it takes a while to see it.
What makes you cry?
Any of my kids’ singing performances at their elementary school. Regardless of the subject matter, tears will make their way into my eyes.
How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?
One to two days. But now that you’ve asked the question, I don’t know what to think about my answer. Going to dig into that a bit more…
Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?
I do, of sorts. I’m not sure exactly what it “looks” like, but I think one’s soul or essence somehow lives on. But only those that are accepting and open to it. I’ve spoken to a ghost, and my dog’s eyes and facial expressions bring my Grandma Olga right back here with me, so I’m a believer.
What do you hate most about yourself?
How much I overthink. I get in my own way more than I should. Oh, and that I am chronically late. Like 99% of the time.
What do you love most about yourself?
I overthink. And feel for others, a lot. I love helping and serving others, though probably give more than I should at times.
What is your absolute favorite meal?
This might be controversial, but I stand with Oliver Putnam- a meal of dips is my favorite. The options are endless – almost any dish can be made into a dip and with so many “vessel” options it’s never boring. It feels welcoming and conversational. And you can go all out with different flavor combinations and surprising ingredients. Dill pickle dip, Reuben Dip, white bean hummus, elote dip, Crab Rangoon dip – yes, yes, yes, yes and yes!