Inspired in self-isolation (11) posted: 22/08/2020 With Covid-19 lockdowns worldwide and health authorities urging people to self-isolate and practice social distancing on a massive scale as part of an enormous effort to #FlattenTheCurve of this global pandemic we are reaching out to industry friends, colleagues, associates, partners, etc., and asking them to share their #StayHome and #QuarantineandChill activities with us during this extraordinary time.
A Heads Up with Jordan Tinniswood Jordan is a full-time creative designer for Robe, based in the UK and working as part of a dedicated team who design everything from exhibition stands and live performance shows to product videos for Robe throughout the year and across the world! He works closely with Robe's lead creative, Nathan Wan.
Robe: Where are you right now?
Jordan: Holed up in my house in Northamptonshire.
Robe: How did you fill the time whilst isolating / on lockdown?
Jordan: Fortunately, I could still do some work from home - not quite programming a major exhibition stand show but at least I didn't have to switch off completely! Aside from that I very much enjoyed my daily dose of exercise walking around the village with my family. And, let's be honest, catching up on plenty of TV series' I wouldn't normally get a chance to watch even if they are only on in the background!'
Robe: What is the most creative thing you're able to do in isolation?
Jordan: As I mentioned, work didn't completely stop so there's a couple of projects ongoing.
Robe: Are you looking after anyone else during the Covid-19 crisis?
Jordan: Yes in January my son was born so I'm enjoying focusing all my attention on him! I feel enormously lucky to be able to spend as much time as this with him and it is one great positive to come out of the current situation.
Robe: Has anyone inspired you since this started?
Jordan: I'm sure it comes as no surprise to anyone that health and social care workers rank highly in terms of inspiration for all of us now.
My partner is an early year's practitioner who, had she not been on maternity leave, would be caring for other people's children. So, I have met plenty of people who have worked with her who are still heading out to work to enable NHS and other key workers to do their jobs.
On that note, I have many friends who work for the NHS. I recently learnt that a childhood friend who is now a doctor, contracted Covid-19 whilst working on an isolation ward. Testament to her commitment to helping others, she became someone who would call vulnerable people during her isolation period, keeping spirits up whilst they are isolating. Now, having finished her isolation period, she is back working to save the lives of those who are most affected by the virus.
Robe: Favourite book / movie / Netflix series / viral video
Jordan: I'm massively missing my live sports right now, so I've been getting my fix via Netflix series Formula 1 Drive to Survive (docu-series offering viewers exclusive and intimate access to those in the fast lane of one the worlds greatest racing competitions) and The English Game (historical sports drama TV mini-series developed by Julian Fellowes for Netflix about the origins of modern football in England).
Jordan Tinniswood
Aside from sports, I've been enjoying re-watching some old favourites such as Band of Brothers (dramatized account of Easy Company - part of the 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment - assigned to the United States Armys 101st Airborne Division during World War II) and The Pacific (a 2010 American war drama mini-series produced by HBO).
Robe: What is the first thing you'd like to do when we are through it?
Jordan: Sadly, we will be having to stay at home for my partner's birthday this year so I think making up for not being able to do much on that day will be a priority! She keeps mentioning various spas that are in our area for some reason, I think there might be a hint or two in that!
Robe: Own question / answer / message of solidarity or something you'd like to say?
Jordan: It seems rather odd to me, that suddenly - now our relative freedom has been taken away - all we want to do is go out and socialise!
I've spoken more frequently with my family now than I ever, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. The whole Coronavirus situation has put many things in perspective for some people; workers like supermarket staff have become the beating heart of the nation, rightfully receiving praise and gratitude for their efforts.
When this all ends and we are all released back into the mad world we are used to, take a moment to remember how blissful it was when we all had a chance to have a break and take stock of what was most important!
A Heads Up with Neil Holloway Usually touring with a variety of productions from Queen and Adam Lambert, Melanie C and The Overtones to Orbital and many more, lighting designer / director Neil talks to us from the lively UK metropolis of Liverpool, known for its friendliness, expansive humour and in normal' times great nightlife!
Robe: Where are you right now?
Neil: Obviously at home in Liverpool riding out this crazy situation we are in.
Robe: How are you spending time whilst isolating / on lockdown?
Neil: Learning new software, getting some designs completed that were due to be out now but may yet be whenever all this is over!
Also getting out and keeping active on my bike / walking. I think it is really important that we keep our minds and bodies active as, when and where we can.
Robe: What's the most creative thing you're able to do whilst in isolation?
Neil: That's a good question! Probably creating the new designs for a show that is getting a big redesign from what the artists usually do - it's a big step for
