Steve & Craig @ Hudson & Houston

Stephen Mendonca & Craig Schlesinger are Junior Art Directors & Copywriters (respectively) at SaatchiNY. Since they’re a creative team, they’ve opted to answer our survey in the same fashion as they approach their work – together. Craig = C. Stephen = S. For more information on Stephen and his work, please visit his website.

Photos taken by Erin Lyons

WHAT DO YOU DO AT SAATCHI & SAATCHI?
C: I’m a Junior Copywriter. I write things. And think of things.S: Junior Art Director

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
C: I worked at a media agency…for four months…not writing.
S: Worked at a moderately-sized farm stand when I was 16. I am still able to spot the freshest produce.

WHAT LED YOU ON THE PATH YOU’RE ON TODAY?
C: I always liked to write and I figured if I could do it for real…
S: I accidentally applied to Syracuse’s communication school and stumbled upon advertising. It sounded awesome so I declared it as my major.

IF YOU WEREN’T IN ADVERTISING, WHAT CAREER WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO TRY?
C: I’d like to be a screenwriter. Yea, that would be sweeet.
S: I’d try to travel, take photos, make stories worth telling, and share them with people. Not sure how that would pan out.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE YOUTUBE VIDEO?
C: I like the video of the kid getting hit in the head with a soccer ball. Brings me back to old times.
S: Does anyone have one stand alone? I usually look up hilarious Will Ferrell movie scenes for a laugh. 60% of the time, it works everytime.

TELL US SOMETHING SURPRISING ABOUT YOURSELF:
C: My eyes change color with what I wear (it’s true, really).
S: I dabble in yoga.

WHAT ARE YOUR LOVEMARKS?
C: Reebok, Apple, and Irish Spring body wash. Can’t get enough of smellin’ good.
S: Nikon, Yogi Tea, Apple, and Deadmau5

FAVORITE CHILDHOOD TELEVISION PROGRAM?
C: Doug. Best show. Ever. Period. Exclamation point.
S: Tough…Rocket Power and Hey Arnold!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE CREATIVE PURSUIT?
C: That’s a loaded question. I just like to write. I like taking seemingly mundane things and making them sound amazing. I like making people’s jaws drop. Is that even remotely applicable to this question?
S: I love taking photos, both film and digital.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN?
C: I like reading classic books so that I can say I’m reading a classic book. I also like hockey.
S: Hang with the girlfriend, snowboard, take pictures, go to the jersey shore, go out to a bar or discotheque, catch a movie, and a weekend trip every now and again with friends…Nothing too strange

WHAT BLOGS/MAGAZINES/BOOKS/PAPERS/WEBSITES CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
C: Take away my Sports Illustrated or my NYTimes and you’re in big trouble, mister.
S: ? I kind of miss life when they didn’t exist, but Pinterest.com is rapidly becoming a favorite. The Timesheet entry site too…need the money to live.

BOOK THAT YOU’RE CURRENTLY READING?
C: On and off…Catch-22
S: About to start Russell Brand’s Booky Wook 2 – non-digitized.

A GUILTY PLEASURE FOR ME IS:
C: Pretending I’m an NHL goalie. What? Like you don’t have dreams?
S: The occasional Rom Com. Love Actually is brilliant.

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE GREATEST INVENTION IS IN YOUR LIFETIME AND WHY?
C: The iPhone. Because it changed cell phones for good. It’s really incredible what you can do with something the size of a deck of cards these days.
S: The segway. Because walking is a bit much. I’m just kidding.

WHAT’S THE LAST GREAT TRIP YOU WENT ON?
C: I studied abroad in Australia. I love Sydney. Send me back.
S: Portugal in August for 2 weeks with girlfriend and her family. Good times.

WHEN’S THE LAST TIME YOU GAVE A STANDING OVATION?
C: At a New York Rangers game like 3 months ago. I give out standing ovations like skittles. I’m a sucker that way.
S: Saatchi artist series…but I was already standing.