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#WFH Diaries: Andrew Meyer of Cramer‑Krasselt
As the COVID-19 pandemic gallops along, we’re checking in with creative people to see how they’re faring. Here’s an update from Andrew Meyer, executive creative director at Cramer‑Krasselt.
Give us a one-line bio of yourself.
Amateur mechanic who supports his habit with an advertising career.
Where are you living right now, and who’s with you?
In my 1896 house in Wicker Park, Chicago, with a cat who does not care for me one bit and his mom.
What’s your work situation like at the moment?
It’s refreshing how resourceful, resilient and efficient everybody has become. We always had the ability to be video-present, but nobody ever used it. This force-function has been good in some ways and taught us that people can be highly productive without all being in the same room all night.
Describe your socializing strategy.
Lots of Zooms and FaceTimes with friends and family. I have this old Hank Moody car that I take out just about every day for a cruise, just to see the world. I socialize with the wood ducks in Humboldt Park near my house. I am beginning to learn their tongue. Or bill as the case may be.
What are you reading?
Lots and lots of DMs on every platform from bored friends, many of whom I had sort of lost touch with. It’s been nice to get sentimental and reconnect.
What are you watching?
I programmed my DVR to record every Family Guy rerun that airs. I currently have 171 of them. I find ridiculous comedy takes my mind off anxiety-inducing news. And of course Tiger King, like the rest of the world.
What are you listening to?
There’s a website and app, Radiooooo, that’s amazing. You can span the world and decades and find all kinds of amazing music you had no idea even existed. Like, Nigerian fuzz rock from the ’70s.
How are you staying fit?
Walking my legs off. Like, two-hour walks.
Have you taken up a hobby?
Like an idiot, playing ukulele. Also like an idiot, I have my own karaoke machine.
Any tips for getting necessities?
The liquor stores, dispensaries and pharmacies are all open.
An awkward moment since all this started.
The look that fucking cat just gave me.
Best work email you got since all this started.
“Re: 5pm Skype – cancelled.”
An aha! moment since all this started.
I’ve always been angry with people who didn’t wash their hands. I used to actually call people out for it in public restrooms. Now, I’m like, “See, you slobs? See?”
What’s your theory on how this is going to play out?
It’s impossible to say right now. But I choose to remain optimistic that a combination of therapies, precautions and time will get us back to somewhat normal. I do wish our leadership wouldn’t have wasted time with their heads in the sand.
