From intern to Graphic & Web Designer, Brian Dixon has been chosen as our “StickOutSpotlight” employee this month. We’ve asked him to answer some questions to get to know him and share his thoughts about working at BuildThis.
Q: What is your position at BuildThis?
A: Graphic & Web Designer
Q: When did you start at BuildThis?
A: I started back in August of 2015 as an graphic design intern and became a full time employee in January of 2016
Q: Hometown?
A: Elburn, IL
Q: Current town?
A: Elburn, IL
Q: Where did you go to college?
A: Millikin University – Decatur, IL
Q: When did you/will you graduate?
A: I graduated in May of 2015
Q: What did you study in college?
A: I studied Graphic Design
Q: When did you start developing/designing OR when did you become interested in sales/marketing etc. come about?
A: I’ve always loved to draw and do creative things. I think it all stems from my grandpa (my dad’s dad) who was an old school drafter and my grandma (my mom’s mom) who is an amazing painter, musician and all around creative inspiration. Then there’s my dad who is also a great artist and creative guy, so I was basically destined to do something creative. Luckily I somehow ended up at BuildThis!
Q: What’s your Patronus?
A: Manx Cat
Q: What’s your favorite beverage?
A: Beer – Lately Apex Predator by Off Color Brewing
Q: What do you like most about what you do at BuildThis?
A: I like the people I work with the most. The atmosphere here is very inviting and social. If I ever need help with anything there is always someone willing to lend a hand.
Q: iPhone or Android?
A: iPhone
Q: What are your favorites?
A:
Color: Blue
Teams: Cubs/Blackhawks
Artist: Mark Rothko
Band: The Antlers
TV show: Parks & Recreation
Movie: The Departed
Food: STEAK.
Q: If your life were a movie, what would the tagline be?
A: All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you.
Q: Where’s your ‘happy place’?
A: Powers Lake, WI
Q: What inspires you?
A: Nature, music and people, especially my family and friends.
Q: What do you like/dislike about Chicago?
A: I love the energy. I commute in from the way west suburbs which is quiet and calm so there is a huge contrast. I don’t like the smell of the city though…
Q: What’s your theme song?
A: My theme song is either Gimme Shelter by The Rolling Stones or Dreams by Fleetwood Mac
Q: What do you think is your greatest strength?
A: My patience
Q: What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
A: The Antlers at Lincoln Hall in 2014. Or Chance the Rapper at The Riviera in 2013
Q: Summer, Winter, Fall, or Spring?
A: Summer!
Q: What song is your guilty pleasure?
A: Welcome Home by Radical Face
Q: Which 3 characters (TV, Movies, Books, anything) best describe you?
A: Matt Damon in everything, Marshall Eriksen, Ben Wyatt
Q: What show are you currently bingeing?
A: Currently bingeing How I Met Your Mother for like the 8th time..
Q: If you weren’t a graphic designer, what would you be doing?
A: I would want to do something outdoors dealing with nature
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Going for walks with Alli and Parker. Bingeing TV shows and movies. Going to the local watering hole with my friends. Drawing, building or doing anything creative. Golfing, when I can find the time. Going to the movies.
Fun fact!
I have a beautiful little family! My girlfriend Alli, our daughter Parker and our dog Cooper!
Q: What do you wish you knew more about?
A: I wish I knew more about web design, I feel like I’ve only really scratched the surface!