#WFH Diaries: Rachel Scott Everett and Brian Gibson of EVERGIB
Even as parts of the world begin to open up amid the pandemic, most folks are still working from home. We're checking in with creative people to see how they're faring. Here's an update from Rachel Scott Everett and Brian Gibson of creative studio EVERGIB.
Give us a one-line bio of yourselves.
We're a husband/wife freelance team and co-founders of EVERGIB, a nomadic (now stay-at-home) creative studio.
Where are you living right now, and who's with you?
We live—just the two of us—in Richmond, Virginia, affectionately known by locals as RVA. We think it's the best kept secret on the East Coast.
What's your work situation like at the moment, and how is it evolving?
We've been working remotely for the past five years, either from our home studio or somewhere abroad (last year, we lived in Rome for three months, and earlier this year we spent a month in Mexico). After 10+ years working at ad agencies, we made the decision to transition to a way of working that made sense for how we wanted to live. We love traveling, which is a big reason why we started our nomadic creative studio. Establishing new relationships remotely can be a challenge—we're hopeful that now that most business has gone virtual, it will open up more opportunities. And of course, we're dreaming of the day we can travel again…
Describe your socializing strategy.
We're fortunate to live in a charming Southern neighborhood of historic row houses. As the weather's gotten nicer, everyone's been gathering on their respective porches for weekly #PorchSolidarity happy hours where we can all socialize from a distance. The actual human interaction is helping to provide a sense of normalcy.
What are you reading?
Brian's reading Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam Higginbotham—light reading for the current times. I'm reading The Power of Now by Eckhart Toll as part of my yoga teacher training.
What are you watching?
Currently, Mrs. America, which tells the story of the movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). This year, Virginia became the 38th and final state needed to pass a resolution that could finally enshrine equal rights under the law. The U.S. is the only major country in the world that does not include gender equality in its constitution. To help the cause, we recently developed the branding for VoteEqualityUS, a national grassroots campaign promoting equal rights for all.
What are you listening to?
Lots of podcasts, including Pod Save America. Brian listens to various Spotify playlists—lately, Americana. I've got Hamilton on repeat. And when we need a pick-me-up, we listen to Miumiu Guitargirl.
How are you staying fit?
We've converted our living room to a fitness area for my online yoga and dance classes. Brian is running on the streets now that traffic is light. We're both "lifting" a variety of cocktails to drink.
Have you taken up a hobby?
Like everyone else on Instagram, Brian has learned how to bake a loaf of bread. He's also growing a hot pepper garden (the only vegetable the squirrels won't eat) and is eager to get back to homebrewing. I'm taking free online guitar lessons through Fender and finally catching up on our travel blog. I'm also collaborating with my photographer friend/neighbor on a project documenting stories in our community during Covid-19: #OnHoldAtHome: Humble Stories from the Homebound.
Any tips for getting necessities?
As much as we can, we're trying to support our mom-and-pop shops, independent stores and local RVA restaurants—many of which offer delivery or curbside pickup.
An awkward moment since all this started.
Not sure we've gotten out enough to have any awkward moments.
Best work email you got since all this started.
When our PPP loan was finally approved.
An aha! moment since all this started.
There's a quote by author Annie Dillard that states, "How we spend our days is how we spend our lives." With so much out of our control right now, it really is about being present and finding the simple things that offer a sense of peace, joy and gratitude. That's something we hope will carry over once we're on the other side of this—more appreciation for the everyday.
What's your theory on how this is going to play out?
We believe our country will come together to remove at least one contagion on Nov. 3. Please vote.
