Today’s creative peep is another local. Based right here in good old Ottawa, Dawn Oosterhoff runs her own business called, ddOosterhoff, which is constantly evolving. Dawn’s primary services revolve around image editing and processing other photographers’ work. However, she also busies herself doing layouts for publications, her own photography and most recently makeup design. One could say that Dawn is something of a talented Jack-of-all-trades, so it’s only fitting that her sweet canine fellow is also called Jack! Here’s what Dawn had to say about living and working with the same furry guy.
1) How does makeup artistry relate to image editing?
I’ve discovered that photography and makeup design share a great deal in common. Both are about using shadows, highlights, colour and framing to construct the best image. And, of course, makeup design is critical for so many photography shoots. Being a photographer also helps me to better makeup clients to be photographed.
2) What does your pooch, Jack, bring to the workplace that you couldn’t do without?
Jack is my personal manager; he keeps me regulated. He reminds me to take breaks away from my desk to stretch and get some fresh air, and nudges me to exercise with a walk twice a day. I wish Jack would also ensure I got out of bed at a good time every morning, but he loves to sleep in even more than I do!
3) What does Jack bring to the workplace that you could maybe do without?
When I’m Skyping, Jack goes squirrely trying to figure out where the other voice is coming from. He often ends up under my desk, doing his best to contribute to the conversation with his whines and growls. He settles better if I hold him in my lap for the call. It wouldn’t be so bad except he insists on resting his head on my desk, which usually means plopping his chin on my keyboard, sending my Skype call awry.
4) Which of you is more eager to get to work on the average day?
Without a doubt, I’m the one eager to get to work each day. Jack would love it if we slept in, stayed outside with our friends all morning, snuggled for a mid-day nap, and then maybe, perhaps, consider doing some work!
5) What is your favourite work break snack? What is Jack’s?
I’m one of those people who likes to nibble all day. So does Jack! My favorite snack though is elevenses: a second coffee, a slice of toast with jam, and a little piece of cheese. Jack loves getting little pieces of the same cheese for his snack.
6) Some people worry they will not be productive if trying to work with their pet in the room — what would your advice to them be?
Jack used to be a distraction for me, always seeking attention of one kind or another. I had to sort out what else might hold Jack’s attention. It turned out that Jack loves to watch the goings-on outside the window. So I set up a bench by the window where Jack can relax and watch out the window. The bench also places Jack at my sitting level which seems to resolve his need to be in my lap or on my feet. I guess I gave Jack something to do with me while I work.
7) What is your funniest ‘working at home’ anecdote that you can share with Pawsh readers?
I did a photography masterclass earlier this year. I was often short of models to pose for me while I sorted out different lighting techniques. One day, I had my lights set up at home and realized that Jack could fill in as a model. It took a fair bit of bribing (dried liver bits mostly), but Jack stuck it out. I have to say though that although he stuck it out and has posed for me a few times since, I have not managed to get one good photo of him. Seems he excels at turning away or scowling whenever I hit the shutter release!
8) If Jack were a human and your boss, what sort of boss do you think he would be?
Jack’s quite the character, always looking to play mind games and stir up some fun. He can also be playfully stubborn. I’m thinking he’d be a Roger Sterling (Mad Men) kind of boss: practising golf in the office, openly indulging in drinks, taking long lunches, and flirting with the secretaries. He’d leave me to get things done and then be surprised when something he wanted wasn’t finished!
9) How do you feel Jack influences your work ethic?
Jack has taught me not to take myself or my work so seriously. I think it’s because Jack has taught me to approach my days in more of a sense of play that my work is now better than it ever has been.
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Thank you Dawn and Jack for sharing about your work experiences! If you have an interesting profession and a pet and would like to be featured in Pawsh’s “Creative Peeps” column, write to us an [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!
