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#WFH Diaries: Liz Harrison of Saatchi & Saatchi New York
As COVID-19 continues to transform all of our lives—personal and professional—we’re checking in with creative folks to see how they’re doing. Here’s an update from Liz Harrison of Saatchi & Saatchi New York.
Give us a one-line bio of yourself.
Creative director at Saatchi New York.
Where are you living right now, and who’s with you?
A one-bedroom apartment in Chelsea, Manhattan. I live alone, but I do get to hear my neighbor’s morning shower concerts most days.
What’s your work situation like at the moment?
A bit like a fire hose. Every brand is trying to figure out how to respond, each with a timeline ranging from “now” to “ASAP.” It’s a lot, but I feel the glimmer of creativity amid the chaos. The kind that comes from being boxed in. Uh, literally.
Describe your socializing strategy.
With co-workers, lots of iMessages. Using the first five minutes of every video call to check in on everyone’s sanity and WFH setup. Outside of work, lots of Zoom happy hours and game nights. I feel more connected to friends who have moved away, since we’ve all got the time to hang out.
What are you reading?
There’s a book of Mary Oliver poems serenely staring at me from my nightstand, but I’m mostly reading Twitter.
What are you watching?
All of the “big” movies that I’ve somehow managed not to see. Started with The Sound of Music. The Godfather is on the list, so is Indiana Jones. Maybe Star Wars, but I think I’d need a docent through that world. Do you start at the beginning, or the other beginning? Seems complex.
What are you listening to?
I made a playlist of songs thematically fitting for the current moment, to make myself laugh. It’s fueling a lot of solo dance parties to “U Can’t Touch This” and “I Think We’re Alone Now.”
How are you staying fit?
Nightly walk and talks (via phone) with friends while also playing human Frogger to avoid other pedestrians. Kettlebell swings in between conference calls.
Have you taken up a hobby?
I’m currently THRILLED when I use up something in my fridge without wasting any, so I’m getting back into fermenting anything and everything I see to use it up. Kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles … it’s gonna smell real weird in here.
Any tips for getting necessities?
Look around your apartment. You probably have it.
An awkward moment since all this started.
When I offered a delivery guy a Lysol wipe for his bike handles. He declined.
Best work email you got since all this started.
I’m not a huge fan of my inbox at the moment.
An aha! moment since all this started.
There is no good spot in my apartment for working.
What’s your theory on how this is going to play out?
The world won’t end. Work and life will look different in a lot of ways, because how can it not? Hopefully, we’ll all keep washing our hands.
