#2 The dreaming maker

I'd like to introduce you to Gill Wildman, my good friend and co-founder of Plot. I first met Gill when she delivered a service design workshop for my undergraduate course at Dundee University. Gill was then the external examiner for my Masters course and then Sarah and I spent a long weekend with Gill and Nick creating the building blocks for what was to become Snook. She's pretty special. 1. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt over the last year?

To have patience, that things take their own sweet time (I have to re-learn this lessons every year in reality).

2. What’s your burning question of the moment?

Why have we allowed the housing crisis to get so bad in London, where none of our children can afford to buy and soon rent here? Why is finance for startups still only focussed on the later stages, and is anyone out there willing to discover new talent with us? How do we get a bigger conversation going on about what we do with our colleagues (I have an idea about that).

3. What’s the most inspiring thing you’ve seen/ heard/ read in the last year?

Chris Ware’s Building Stories graphic novel for amazing storytelling. Vivienne Westwood’s autobiography for life stories and determinism - and photos of amazingly large hands. Bruce Sterling’s talk at Fab10 this year, where he tells the makers to get busy also making change, not just as a hobby. Stella Duffy talking about her Dream Palaces project this year.

4. What would be your one piece of advice to students on Hyper Island's new MA in Digital Experience Design?

Create and keep a really wide perspective to your work - don’t just use what you are given but create your own reference and perspective. Test out your thoughts on the real world always and often. Be passion embodied in everything you do. Have children early even though its hard, as you get to spend more time with them as adults.

Read about #1 The Go-Getter over here.