#WFH Diaries: Rob Klingensmith of Folk Hero

As lockdowns linger in many parts of the world, we’re chatting with creative people to see how they’re faring. Here’s an update from Rob Klingensmith, founder of Folk Hero.

Give us a one-line bio of yourself.

Brand strategist behind many famous global brands, founder of Folk Hero.

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

In Manhattan with my wife, 8-year-old son, 15-year-old daughter, 3-year-old spaniel, and a parrot of unknown age.

What’s your work situation like at the moment?

We’re working a lot with Italy, and with fashion and luxury brands. Obviously, things in that world remain tremendously uncertain. We are fortunate to have clients who are thinking about the future, and how to tell their story coming out of this.

Describe your socializing strategy.

Standing in Grand Central Station with a “Free Virtual Hugs” sign.

How are you dealing with childcare, if applicable?

My wife is Japanese, a producer, and quite strict with education, so the kids have found themselves in a more demanding educational environment than ever before. They can’t wait to get back to school.

What are you reading?

Sapiens, which is great, but I’ve been wanting to re-read The Sun Also Rises, Hemingway’s book about the confused and heady days after the end of World War I.

What are you watching?

The kids and I watch The Office every day at lunch.

What are you listening to?

99% Invisible. Anderson Paak. Leon Bridges. Chet Faker.

How are you staying fit?

Basketball with my son, one tremendous upside.

Have you taken up a hobby?

I’ve always enjoyed cooking, but preparing three meals a day for a family of four, seven days a week, is a more serious undertaking. We’ve enjoyed the challenge and have managed to eat incredibly well.

Any tips for getting necessities?

Lithium and vodka.

An awkward moment since all this started.

I find it really difficult facing the people still working in the city. You know they don’t want to be there, but they really don’t have a choice.

Best work email you got since all this started.

“We want to go ahead with the project.”

An aha! moment since all this started.

Standing in the middle of Fifth Avenue, there was no traffic, and only a few nervous people hurried away from me with masks on. I felt exactly as if I had landed in an episode of The Twilight Zone.

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

Terry Gilliam’s Brazil.

See the full #WFH Diaries series here.