#WFH Diaries: Paul Caiozzo of Interesting Development
As quarantines continue across much of the world, we're checking in with creative people to see how they're handling the whole work-from-home situation. Below, we chat with Paul Caiozzo, co-founder and creative chief of Interesting Development.
Give us a one-line bio of yourself.
I'm a creative at Interesting Development.
Where are you living right now, and who's with you?
I cowardly fled New York City to Olivebridge, N.Y., with my wife and two boy children.
What's your work situation like at the moment?
It's stressful, mostly. Running an agency, helping our clients, talking to folks about new projects, re-learning how to make stuff during Covid, all while swimming in a light soup of my own anxiety, makes for a full day.
Logistics wise, our crew likes Slack and phone. We don't really love Zoom. Maybe it's mostly me that doesn't love Zoom. A lot of things have a face. Faces aren't so unique. But the gift of language. That's a marvel that humans possess all their own. Parrots don't count. At least, that's the tired joke I keep making to justify this stance to myself and others.
Describe your socializing strategy.
Avoidance?
Text. I love texting. While I really miss in-person people, texting with them is a pretty solid temporary joy. Most of them are funny writers, so this medium really works. Also, I can just stop replying and it's not as bad as when I leave a party or a Zoom without telling anyone.
How are you dealing with childcare?
When they canceled school for the year, my first thought was, "Which countries still have school? We're moving there." Thankfully, my wife exists. She's had to transition her skincare business online, and deal with the homeschooling at the same time. She's amazing. I try to help with everything else. Cooking, cleaning, yard stuff. Shopping.
What are you reading?
I've been (slowly) reading The Hero With a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell. I also bought a circular saw and for the first time in my life I read the entire booklet that came with it. Fascinating tool.
What are you watching?
I am so sick of watching things. Caliphate on Netflix. Too Old to Die Young on Amazon. Dave and Devs on Hulu. Using the pandemic to rewatch all of Cassavetes' movies for the 200th time. My kids have been watching Hilda, which I also enjoy.
What are you listening to?
I've been listening to anything new that comes out—Fiona Apple, Empress Of, Car Seat Headrest. Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever. I've also been deep into comfort stuff. Lee Hazlewood. Scott Walker. Fugazi.
How are you staying fit?
"Staying" would imply that there was a level of fitness to maintain.
Have you taken up a hobby?
If screaming into a pillow is a hobby, then yes.
Any tips for getting necessities?
It's actually pretty easy in upstate New York. We go to this amazing store called Adams Fairacre Farms that is an inspiration to grocery stores worldwide. They have everything.
An awkward moment since all this started.
I've realized I don't want kids.
Best work email you got since all this started.
Shannon, our head of accounts, sends out a hotsheet every morning. It's consistent and comforting, and I really appreciate the consistency.
An aha! moment since all this started.
Never do anything for money. Money can vanish overnight, be taken away through circumstances completely out of your control. Being fulfilled can never be taken from you.
What's your theory on how this is going to play out?
I'm having a harder time imagining returning to my old life than I am adjusting to this new one.
