#WFH Diaries: Adrienne Darnell of 360i

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage, we’re checking in with creative industry folks to see how they’re faring. Here’s an update from integrated producer Adrienne Darnell of 360i.

Give us a one-sentence bio of yourself.

Producer, art nerd, health goth working in New York City with a fading Southern accent.

Where are you living right now, and who’s with you?

I’m in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. I live alone, so riding this out solo, which has its perks.

What’s your work situation like at the moment?

Before all this happened, I was working on a large illustration and animation-based campaign. It’s a unique project involving independent artists, animators and music composers versus larger animation/production houses. I’m thrilled the project is still moving forward, so we can help sole proprietors continue to work during such an uncertain time.

As for my setup at home, I have a nice thing happening at my dining room table. There’s lots of natural light, fur-covered chairs, and the camera cabinet that sits behind me … so I’m very on-brand during all these video conference calls.

Describe your socializing strategy.

Mostly group texts. I’ve done a few Google Hangout sessions for evening wine time with friends, but even in isolation, I still crave alone time after working and being on calls all day. So keeping those virtual hangouts to a minimum. Also, a group of friends just started a book club (never thought I’d say those words), and we’re FaceTiming this weekend to discuss the first half of The Outsider.

What are you reading?

Calypso by David Sedaris. It’s hilarious!  But I love anything David Sedaris writes. I should also probably start reading The Outsider prior to book club. 

What are you watching?

I just finished rewatching all of the Westworld seasons. Other than that, I can’t get enough reality TV … 90 Day Fiancé, anyone? It helps me zone out and not think about anything, essential for current times.

What are you listening to?

This is such an important question! I need music playing all day to keep me going as it affects my mood, so I always listen to this one Spotify radio station based off a Billie Holiday song. It’s lovely and super chill, but also makes me feel fancy, like I’ve chosen this life of isolation in a Brooklyn brownstone—drinking coffee and having frittatas all day, and wine and cheese at night.  

You can join me in the fantasy by clicking this link: Spotify/Easy Living Radio.

How are you staying fit?

I started a pretty intense routine/challenge for myself that I’m calling Prison Body. I plan to come out of isolation totally ripped! Most of my days start with a workout via IG Live hosted by this amazing Barry’s Bootcamp instructor.

Then on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I do a Pilates class offered by The Female Quotient on Zoom. And on Sundays I like the 10 a.m. Rumble Boxing class @doyourumble on Instagram. This gives me an excuse to wear boxing wraps … they look great with my nails. 

Have you taken up a hobby?

Prison Body!!

Any tips for getting necessities?

I’m trying to go out only when I really need something. When I do go out, I carry Purell in my purse, wear black latex gloves and a bandana as a mask. I mean, it’s still kind of fashion. I also think sticking to smaller mom and pop shops versus larger chains is the best move because they could use our money the most. Plus, they’re not as crowded and the shelves are usually stocked. 

An awkward moment since all this started.

Realizing how much I love athleisure and that I’ve been wearing a rotation of only tie-dye sweatshirts. Not sure how I’ll put on real clothes after this.

Best work email you got since all this started.

Honestly, all the agencywide emails coming from our leadership team have made me feel supported and at ease through every step of this working-from-home process. I feel like we’re in this together and I’m confident that we’re going to come out even stronger as a team.

An aha! moment since all this started.

Previously, I wondered if I would eventually switch over to freelancing … the answer now is nope. I’ve realized how much I actually enjoy leaving my house and going to an office every day, and the structure it provides. 

What’s your theory on how this is going to play out?

I’m still a little TBD on that. These are trying times, absolutely, but I think within the industry we’ll all learn a lot from this experience. We’re finding new ways of working, new ways of producing, new ways of creating content and communicating with our teams. All positive things. 

See the full #WFH Diaries series here.