CMedi People: Joe Knops

We’re all very excited to introduce you all virtually to another wonderful member of our CreativeMornings Edinburgh community, Joe Knops.

Can you tell us a little about yourself? 

I’m a freelance digital consultant. That covers a multitude of areas and whilst I have a broad set of skills, the ones I try to pursue are around UX and design. UX in understanding the user and how they behave in a specific context, and design in how to solve problems – visually and functionally. I also project manage but that’s not quite so exciting.

What made you decide to come along to our CreativeMornings Edinburgh event in August?

I’ve been attending CreativeMornings since the start of the year. Despite having worked in the “creative industry” for many years I had never attended many events but since going freelance I was conscious of having to meet like-minded people.

How did you find out about CreativeMornings?

I think it was recommended to me – I had been vaguely aware of it before then but hadn’t really considered a morning event.

What’s your usual morning routine?

Other than dropping my two girls off at school I don’t really have a routine – it depends what I have on.

What did you like best about our event in August?

I was surprised by Sashana’s talk – she turned the topic of genius on its head and gave it a much needed reality check. She recognised that genius doesn’t come from working in isolation and it very rarely comes from a light bulb moment. Being a genius is in many ways about a way of thinking – a discipline.

What I also found interesting was her observation that there are times to be creative and times where you need to execute – both are as valuable but each require a different approach.

What is your creative calling?

I don’t really think myself as being creative as such – I believe more in process and taking time to really understand a problem. The more you understand a problem the easier the solutions appear – not very exotic!

What or who inspires you?

I think you can find inspiration in most things – objects around you, people, music, books. I love the work of Saul Bass, Miro and the electronic music of the late seventies, early eighties.

And, of course CreativeMornings!

Can you list a few of your favourite creative resources?

I’m a big fan of Google, YouTube and Netflix’s recent Abstract series.

What do you do to take care of your creative soul?

Don’t try to be creative – most things don’t need to be vastly different just executed well.

A big thank you goes to Joe for agreeing to take part in our #CMedi People project. We as volunteers are all really enjoy getting to know a bit more about the wonderful people who make up our #CMedi community, and we hope you all are too.

Now, if you’re heading along to our CreativeMornings Edinburgh event this Friday please do give Joe a big wave and say hi if you see him about.

If you’d like the opportunity to introduce yourself to the CreativeMornings Community digitally via our #CMedi People blog, catch up with Cilla or Ellie (our crew members) at our event on Friday and they’ll be able to hook you up. We look forward to seeing you all very soon. Only one sleep until the best morning of the month!