Newsletter
#WFH Diaries: Melissa Murphy of Jack Morton Worldwide
As confinement continues in most corners of the world, we’re checking in with creative people to see how they’re faring. Here’s an update from Melissa Murphy of Jack Morton Worldwide.
Give us a one-line bio of yourself.
I’m Melissa Murphy, a creative director at Jack Morton Worldwide, and maker of both stuff and things.
Where are you living right now, and who’s with you?
My fiancé and I live in beautiful Berkeley with my bird, Romeo. It’s a welcome change from our micro-studio in downtown S.F.! I can’t imagine being stuck in that tiny studio right now.
What’s your work situation like at the moment?
I spend most of my day in the workshop/office/aviary with my adorable, yet demanding feathery coworker. Things are tough. I am grateful to have my job and am working hard to keep our teams inspired and supported. We will all come out of this as better creatives and more efficient teams. Creativity thrives under constraints.
Describe your socializing strategy.
Virtual happy hours with friends, family and coworkers are something to look forward to each week. On an unrelated note, we seem to be going through wine very quickly.
How are you dealing with childcare, if applicable?
The bird is enough of a handful. He makes sure his opinion is voiced in meetings and that no paper goes unchewed.
What are you reading?
Anything that inspires me. Which, admittedly, changes day to day. For example, I have been reading about how to recycle plastic containers into sheets that have that terrazzo look. Which means I am now hoarding plastic like a crazy person.
What are you watching?
I am re-watching Drive to Survive until the Formula 1 season can start. Also, Tiger King. She totally did it…
What are you listening to?
Elder Island and Lord Huron—the perfect amount of upbeat without being too antsy. I’ve also been dipping a toe in the podcast pool.
How are you staying fit?
Running and yoga are my go-tos. If I am not feeling a workout that day, I still make a point to take a walk and get some fresh air. Fitness is both mind and body—being good to yourself is all part of it.
Have you taken up a hobby?
I love my power tools as much as my knitting needles. I’ve finally had a chance to get my hands dirty again in my craft room, which helps keep my anxiety in check and distracts me from being an overbearing mother to my plants.
Any tips for getting necessities?
If you need to go to the store, go early in the afternoon, it is less picked over and the lines are shorter to get in the store.
An awkward moment since all this started.
Have you ever been pooped on during a video call? Its weird. Do you play it off?! Do you own it?! Bird ownership folks … it’s a real treat sometimes.
Best work email you got since all this started.
A client email thanking us for our partnership during this time.
An aha! moment since all this started.
Toilet paper is finally getting the press it deserves after putting up with our crap for so long.
What’s your theory on how this is going to play out?
Like many in our industry, I am remaining optimistic. However, the world of experiential has been changed forever. That box you stayed in? No more box. Those that lead with strategy and creative thinking will thrive, those that hug to the traditional ways will struggle.
