Debbie Millman has an ongoing project at PRINT titled “What Matters.” This is an effort to understand the interior life of artists, designers and creative thinkers. This facet of the project asks each invited respondent to answer ten identical questions and submit a nonprofessional photograph.
Laura Stein (she/her) is Chief Creative Officer of the Toronto-based, multidisciplinary brand and design studio Bruce Mau Design (BMD). A strategically minded design leader and culture builder, Laura is particularly passionate about environmental design, branding, and storytelling in the context of climate change.
What is the thing you like doing most in the world?
When I’m traveling for work, I like to make time to get a coffee and make my way to an art gallery or museum. I typically love wandering through a city, and seeing things I haven’t seen before. But on a work trip, it’s extra special – a bit of alone time, a bit of playing hooky, a bit of being lost in a very different space. I remember a presentation in Minneapolis that didn’t go as planned. As I felt everything start to go south, part of my brain was already calculating how much time I had to get to the Walker.
On a more low-fi level, just walking my poodle, Fig, and letting her loose in the dog park. Again, getting coffee at the same time.
What is the first memory you have of being creative?
I loved drawing from an early age. I used to make little books about different kinds of trees.
What is your biggest regret?
This is a very personal question! I asked my partner what my biggest regret was and he said, “not marrying that other guy”. I’ll go with that.
How have you gotten over heartbreak?
Running. Running makes everything better.
What makes you cry?
Other people crying.
How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?
I would like to say a full day, but it’s probably more like an hour. Annoyingly, I’m on to the next challenge almost immediately. And I see all the flaws in the thing I just accomplished. I try to be more celebratory, especially at the end of projects, especially with my team, but honestly, it’s not natural to me and it takes work. I have to tell myself to do it.
Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?
I don’t believe in the afterlife. Mostly I don’t think about it. But if I did stop and think about it, it might look something like the Nice Aunties Instagram account. I would like that.
What do you hate most about yourself?
I’m impatient with myself. I always feel like I should do better. This could be reframed as “I have high standards for myself”, and a potential answer for the next question. But that feels like cheating.
What do you love most about yourself?
A compassionate outlook. I was going to say “I’m compassionate” but I’m not always. It’s an important value for me. I think I live it most days.
What is your absolute favorite meal?
Easiest question so far. Nachos and a bottle of beer.