On my desk : Kerrin McNeil

Keeping a perspective

My working day tends to be completely different from one day to the next and very mobile so while I can’t get by without the usual technical gadgets the one thing I really love to use is a simple workbook. I find they’re a great record of whatever I’m working on at any one time.

It doesn’t really matter whether it’s a design related project or something more strategic or complex – I’m a visual thinker so find that once I’ve mapped it out on paper by hand it tends to stay in my head forever. It’s quite old fashioned but to me so important! I’m quite fussy about the type of paper and pen too (unruled – better for mind mapping – recycled cartridge paper and a lovely artline pen!)

Working in media can be hectic, reactive and deadline driven but I always try to remember my Mothers’ words (she was once an intensive care nurse): ‘it’s not life and death’..

To that end, there is a little smiling Buddha I bought in Hong Kong on my desk. It reminds me to breathe and to remember the important things when I’m having one of those days…

Kerrin is a media executive experienced in developing and managing intellectual property across film, television, ICT and converging/ digital media. She has worked with industry leading teams on AFI, Emmy and BAFTA award winning projects. Kerrin has managed commercial negotiations with a wide range of networks, production companies and studios and developed new business in Australia, the US and UK. She is currently working as a media consultant and developing a design related new business venture.