Have you read the 2020 interview with Neale? Do that here.
As the man at the helm of both Belle Magazine and The Block, Neale Whitaker is undoubtably the patriarch of Aussie interiors. I grabbed five and put him through his paces in my regular interview segment, The Creative 10, to delve a little further into what makes this man tick!
1. When are you at your most creative?
I’d like to say at my desk but the reality is probably when I’m on holiday, walking the dogs, swimming laps or on the treadmill. Basically anywhere other than in the office! And generally in the afternoon.
2. Who is the most creative person you know?
That’s an impossible call. I have known and worked with so many amazing people over the years who are all creative in different fields. It would be crazy to single out just one, but I’ve hopefully learned from them all.
3. What’s your most creative destination?
London. I’m proud to say it’s my home city and the most creative city on the planet. Tough to live in though.
4. What’s your best creation or creative moment to date?
Launching magazines is always exhilarating and I’m lucky to have had that opportunity several times in my life. It’s even better when they’re successful! Publishing my first – and only – book. And I’m very proud of the fact that we have almost doubled Belle’s circulation in the last seven years.
5. What’s your fave creative read?
British newspaper magazine supplements are probably the most fertile source of ideas and creative writing in the world. They’re one of the very few things I miss about the old country. But I also love the usual suspects: Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and GQ (local and international), Vanity Fair and Elle Décor.
6. What music makes you feel creative?
None. I love music but I can’t work to it. I need total silence for all those voices in my head!
7. What’s your one creative must-have at home or the office?
Just my laptop, iPhone or iPad. And my imagination.
8. What creative item are you lusting over at the moment?
I’m determined to find an original S chair by Tom Dixon for Cappellini in woven straw. It’s my favourite design piece.
9. What inspires you to get Creative?
Life
10. What’s one creative endeavour you’d like to try or pursue?
Writing another book and producing or presenting a TV series. I’m working on all three.
Want to know more about The Block? Read our ultimate guide to every season!
Hero image for this post courtesy of Iconic and Vintage Blog. Image in post courtesy of Hard to Find.
