A month in, we started noticing some inside jokes cropping up. We were delighted that our interns had managed to connect from afar. We also couldn’t help but wonder: what do interns talk about? So we asked. Obligingly, they shared their Slack feed.
Mackenzie Murray (MM) is a graphic designer, illustrator, and printmaker.
Olivia Zidzik (OZ) is a soon-to-be graduate of the University of Kentucky with a degree in Integrated Strategic Communication.
MM: I hate the question “what’s next for you,” but take it wherever you want.
OZ: I am shopping for jams.
MM: I don’t follow.
OZ: It’s an analogy from a clinical study. When presented with more jam selections, consumers are less likely to buy. The number of choices directly correlates with your stress.
MM: How does this relate to your next?
OZ: I am consumed by the idea that after May, I can do anything with my life. There’s a limit, and it’s not the sky. It’s jam.
MM: Jam sounds good to me.
Editor’s note: We also call our short meetings jams, so we were initially confused by this new concept of jam. But too many jams can definitely be overwhelming.
OZ: What’s next for you?
MM: After our chat, I’ll finish up some projects, grab some coffee, and take my post-work run.
OZ: What Bullhorn projects are you working on?
MM: Some new packaging and illustrations for Crank & Boom. Lexington Public Library concepts are coming along, too.
OZ: Those illustrations are great. I helped with a naming project not too long ago. It was fascinating to see what I read in Brad’s book come to life.
Editor’s note: And this is the point we link The Naming Book again for those of you who still haven’t read it.
MM: I need to read it. What are some of your work-from-home must-haves?
OZ: Scattered Post-it Notes, both of my planners, a half-drank cup of coffee, and a person to talk to every now and then; otherwise, I start to lose it.
MM: I also have to have a beverage by my side — at least three. Then there’s my sketchbook where notes and concepts live, plants everywhere, and Girlfriend Collective.
OZ: Ah yes, you mentioned a post-work run. How’s Montreal?
Editor’s note: Mackenzie recently moved to Montreal. This interview transpired mid-winter vortex. And Montreal accumulated over a foot of snow.
MM: I’m not as hearty as I thought. The Midwest-mentality made me think that the cold doesn’t bother me. I went on a run yesterday, and I was to-my-bones cold. And running through snow is like running with bricks attached to your feet.
OZ: Prime example of why I don’t do cardio.
…
OZ: What’s your love language?
MM: Serendipity. When the sun hits your face just right. Collapsing into bed after a long work day. The way you pair brie and jam on a cracker. Sensation-based moments. That’s my love language.
OZ: That’s beautiful. Textbook, mine is quality time. I feel the most alive when I am present with others. It’s an indescribable high.
MM: So, are you an introvert or extrovert?
OZ: Depends on the situation, but more often than not, an extroverted extrovert. You?
MM: Definitely an extroverted introvert. I can turn it on, but I need time before and after to do my own thing.
OZ: What’s your Enneagram type?
MM: Three, but I don’t know how much I buy into personality types. It’s the same thing as horoscopes. I blame Mercury being in retrograde when Mercury isn’t in retrograde.
…
OZ: Low stakes hot take rapid-fire. Go.
Editor’s note: Okay. Here’s the good stuff.
MM: Oh gosh. Kraft Mac n’ Cheese is at its zenith the minute you make it. Put it in the fridge? Might as well throw it in the trash.
OZ: Beyoncé is overrated.
MM: You’re going to start a war. Here’s another: lighting is the pillar of any home or space.
Exhibit A: your lighting sucks — it looks like you are in a cave.
OZ: Case and point. Also, sprinkles are futile.
MM: I could do without winter.
OZ: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is the pinnacle Christmas movie.
MM: People who stand up the moment the plane lands. Why?
OZ: Also on planes: out of common courtesy, don’t recline your plane chair.
MM: Olives are gross.
OZ: Oh.
MM: What?
OZ: We can stop there.
