On My Radar: Kamen Markov

What’s the most creative advertising idea you’ve seen recently?

It’s the latest campaign for Columbia Sportswear. I was, in fact, incredibly fortunate to work on it! Shameless plug, I suppose, but I love what the creatives did on this job. Bold, fun, and exactly what ads are meant to be. A rare beast these days, and even rarer to see a client embrace it so fully.

What website(s) do you use most regularly?

I’m a champion web surfer, someone really should give me a medal. However, I guess my Formula 1 obsession takes the top spot. The Autosport/Racing Forum is probably the site I visit more regularly than any other. 

What’s the most recent piece of tech that you’ve bought?

I don’t buy much tech for personal use. My iPhone is seven years old now, and I’m still perfectly happy with it. I did just pick up a small PC, though, as I needed to update my remote work setup.

What product could you not live without?

Easy. For as long as I’ve worked, I can’t imagine life without a trusty Wacom tablet [above]. It’s become an extension of my brain. I’ve even developed this silly little 'hand-calibrating' exercise when I sit down in front of it, and sometimes I catch myself visualising tasks in terms of hand gestures over the tablet. I absolutely hate it when any piece of tech gets in the way of getting ideas out of my head, and the Wacom has always been an ally, never an enemy.

What’s the best film you’ve seen over the last year?

CODA stands out for me.

What film do you think everyone should have seen?

No one has to share my view, but I have been in love with Lawrence of Arabia, directed by David Lean, since I was very young. [It's] filmmaking with plenty of breathing space to read between the lines and feel the drive and emotions of the characters, to connect the dots for yourself. Topped off with some of the most stunning imagery I’ve ever seen captured in film.

What’s your preferred social media platform?

What’s that? Just kidding. I’m not big on social media. My world mostly lives deep inside me, and that’s how I like it. I do have an Instagram account I struggle to keep up with, and I use LinkedIn to stay in touch with colleagues, but that’s about as far as I’ve gone.

What’s your favourite TV show?

That’s a tough question. TV filmmaking has progressed dramatically over the last 20 years. If I had to pinpoint anything I’ve spent more time watching than I probably should have, it would be House of Cards and Better Call Saul.

What’s your favourite podcast?

I don’t listen to podcasts much. My loss, definitely, but I prefer having a picture in front of my eyes. 

What have you been most inspired by recently?

Not just recently, but forever. Sometimes you meet adults who’ve managed to preserve their child’s eyes, no matter how old they are. Bright and clear, curious, searching, full of unflinching energy, optimism and unbreakable strength. You can’t help but wonder what’s behind those eyes, and how strong (or perhaps a little mad) you have to be to never lose them. What someone with those qualities can achieve and bring into the world. It’s mesmerising, every single time. 

If you could only listen to one music artist from now on, who would it be?

Oh, how could that be? There’s no single artist that can serve all your thoughts and emotions. Sometimes you want to feed your sadness, and sometimes you want to fight it. Sometimes you need to match your energy, and sometimes you need to bring it back. I could make do with a good mix tape, though. Cesária Évora, vintage Chemical Brothers, Alice in Chains, AC/DC, Amy Winehouse, and perhaps a touch of Paco de Lucía would do nicely.