Aileen Bennett

Be You

Richy Parkin is a graphic designer, graphic artist and web designer. He has a pretty laid-back approach to life and I understand every word he says. Yes, he’s also English.

Richy and I have a lot in common: We are both designers, like the same kinds of music, and come from the same part of the world, but I have to say that Richy is much funnier than me (it’s not even close). He’s also one of the good guys of the world, you’ll get both his humor and his softer side when you read his answers.

To understand his answer to the last question you either have to be his friend on Facebook or an avid reader of the comments on the KATC page, but believe me — it’s very funny.

What was your first job?

I wish I could say that it was something super interesting — but alas, it was just as a cashier at a store in England. Yes, somebody trusted me with money.

Describe a typical day in your life.

I wake up roughly around 7 a.m., rolling into my car around 7:02 a.m.. I proceed to head to work, strategically just missing school traffic. I could be at work six hours, I could be at work 12 — every work aspect in my life is flexible — but essentially I get paid to draw pretty pictures all day. In the evening I enjoy the simple things — perusing the Internet, watching the tube, and being hounded by my two cats for attention.

What advice would you give the younger you?

Be more independent earlier in life. It took me a while to figure this one out.

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?

Meeting my better-half who happened to live on the other side of the world. There has been nothing in life that has shaped me as much as she has. All in a good way, I have to add that disclaimer in there.

What values do you live by?

An equal balance of “this too shall pass” and “nobody’s getting out of this thing alive”. Very much a que sera sera type thing. I’m probably one of the chillest people you’ll ever meet because of this.

What do you most appreciate?

A nice, clean, bathroom with plentiful TP.

What is your favorite journey?

I’m going the literal route with this one and say the biennial trip back to England to see friends and family.

Where is your favorite place to be alone?

In my little home office cubby-hole with the rain lashing against the roof.

What living figure most inspires you?

Time to turn on the soppyness: I’ll go with my wife Ashlee. She takes the whole “if you want something, go for it” thing to a whole new level. Never does things by half. Organized. Passionate. Determined. Inspirational not only to me, but everyone she meets. If she wasn’t around then I’m not sure I’d ever get out of my pajamas. I can say with 100% assurance that I’m a far better person than I was before I met her. (Hi Ashlee! I know you’re reading.)

What was the best advice you were ever given?

“See the world.” — (my parents, shortly before I asked them for $500 for a plane ticket).

What book would you tell everyone to read?

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a huge reader, however I am a huge “hmm, I wonder if it’s possible to…” type person. I always remain curious. So I loved "What If?" by Randall Munroe. Give it a read.

What is the best thing about where you live?

The people. The term “Southern hospitality” is thrown around a lot but it honestly, it couldn’t ring truer. It’s the least cliche cliche ever. You’re all amazing.

Drive-thru ATMs too.

How do you "let the good times roll"?

Hitting the open road, or knocking back Jagerbombs with friends as they look on disapprovingly. (NOT at the same time, might I add).

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A cartoonist. So I was pretty close!

What is your motto? “If in doubt, always follow your nose.”

I mean if you’re going to live your life by someone’s advice, it may as well be a wizards.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who had at least a minute impact on this big ol’ spinning space rock.

What do you say to yourself when you doubt yourself?

“Hey, you’ve made it this far!”

What three things are vital to BEing YOU?

Self-deprecating sense of humor, picky diet, and willingness to support Middlesbrough Football Club despite the fact that they let you down all of the time.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

I go through phases, the most recent is the over-usage of the word “Yikes”. I also say “Oh bloody hell” a lot.

What is your favorite word?

Chump.

What do you collect?

Although currently residing 5,000 miles away, I have a collection of footb– soccer, jerseys. My rule is that it has to be bought on eBay and less than cost less than $10. So I have some interesting ones.

What food could you live on for a month?

Cookies and milk. Close second goes to strawberry Jell-O.

What would you change about yourself?

I am a typical, dry, self-deprecating Brit who lacks a lot of emotion. I’d definitely like to be a more emotional person.

What literary, movie or cartoon character do you most identify with?

Karl Pilkington. I’ve never been so confident of an answer in all my life. Karl. Pilkington.

Describe yourself in five words.

Nobody can understand my accent.

What is your idea of happiness?

I have very fond memories of our family trips to Orlando, and will never not be happy riding the Men In Black ride at Universal. But as I grow older I find that there is more than that, and that I’d be equally as happy driving through the Michigan outback with the better half.

What is your favorite movie?

Die Hard.... 3.

What music defines who you are?

Early-career Arctic Monkeys, or mid-stage Oasis.

What do you most regret?

Not visiting numerous places that were so so close to me when I lived in the U.K. I often get asked things like “Oh so you must have been to Amsterdam? It’s only like, an hours boat ride right?”. Nope. Never been, but thanks for making me wish I had.

What question do you wish I'd asked?

Is there sound with this interview?

What would the answer be?

Yes, just type “SOUND ON” in the comment box below.