A Day in the Life of Ali Brookes
Ali Brookes
Welcome to another instalment of our ‘Day in the Life…’ series, where we show you a glimpse into the day-to-day goings on of our wonderful artists.
This time, we visit surface pattern designer Ali Brookes in her Northamptonshire studio.
How do you kickstart your day?
“Gently! I’m like a snail in the morning, so it’s slow and steady until I’m fully awake. Working from home, I’ve developed a routine that mimics going to the workplace minus the rush. After breakfast and applying lipstick (essential!), I go for a walk. Once home, I make a cuppa and head out to the studio.”
Describe your working environment – what sights & sounds are there?
“I work from a home studio in the garden. I live in a village, so it’s pretty quiet most of the time. However, if my cat, Percy, gets into bother with the local crows it can get a bit noisy! My studio is more often messy than tidy and crammed with books, art materials, and treasures.”
What are the biggest challenges you face on a day to day basis?
“Achieving a work-life balance and trying to fit everything in can be a challenge. Since the kids are at home because of the Covid lockdown, it’s tricky trying to juggle work and keeping an eye on what’s happening with their schooling - GCSE maths and English Lit are my biggest distractions at the moment! That along with a messy kitchen because my kids haven’t discovered the joy of a tidy kitchen!”
What radio station/podcast/audiobooks do you listen to while you work?
“I listen to words rather than music during the day. I’m a big fan of Radio 4 for the diverse range of programs. During the first lockdown, I discovered audiobooks, which has been brilliant. However, if I’m doing something that demands a lot of concentration, I work in silence.”
What makes you smile throughout the day?
“My cat! He’s good company and a bit daft. That along with toast!”
What keeps you motivated throughout the day?
“Having a clear plan about what I want to achieve during my day keeps me going. Sometimes I write a to-do list, but I keep everything in my head more often than not. I’m not good with bits of paper; so many sticky notes on my desk telling me what to do aren’t going to work. Rather than working, I will spend more time writing and keeping track of everything. One trick that I also use is to leave work out on my desk the night before, so when I walk into the studio in the morning, I’ll get on with that straight away. Another trick I sometimes use is to set a timer and break a task down into workable chunks.”
How do you wind down at the end of a long day?
“Going for a walk, watching television and reading helps me to relax. If chocolate is involved, that’s even better. I love having a good series or book on the go. I’ve just finished watching the BBC drama The Serpent, which was fabulous, as it was full of suspense and glamorous 70s details.”
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? What are your hobbies?
“Walking, pottering around the house, and spending time with the family are things I enjoy outside work. Before Covid, I would enjoy visiting London, going to galleries and museums. I also find visiting a good bookshop or library satisfying - I can’t wait until I can do that again. I’m also a knitter, and I love knitting socks - stripy ones are the best.”
