Full name: Steven Austin Mansfield
From/current location: El Paso, TX, born and raised!
Occupation: Copywriter at Sanders\Wingo
What does a typical day look like for you? Depends on the day, really. If I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me on the couch, out running errands, hanging out with Madame, friends, and family, or attempting to be productive with the blog and life.
What do you do to keep sane? At the end of a long day, I want nothing more than to rip my pants off, down a glass of wine, and watch whatever TV show, movie, or play whatever video game is at my disposal. I’m trying hard at this whole adulting thing, but I need a break if I’m going to survive it.
Are you satisfied creatively? Why or why not? Unfortunately, no. And it’s my fault. I know that I have the means to do what my creative being wants to achieve but for whatever reason, I lack the ability to prevent my motivation from dying like every bonsai tree I’ve owned: fast and without notice. But that’s a conversation for the therapist I can’t afford.
What are you working on lately that excites you? The blog. I love going out to photograph whatever it is I’m doing while wearing bitchin’outfits. I love the clothes and the planning and sites and the adventures. But again, THE MOTIVATION.
Anything you are looking to pursue in the future? If I were to stay in my profession, I would pursue film or fashion advertising. I’d love to be working in that part of the industry. If not, I like to envision myself living off of my writing, in some way or another. In my penthouse. In Manhattan. With bae and kitty and Winston, the butler.
Life motto? “Follow your passions, believe in karma, and you won’t have to chase your dreams, they will come to you.” — Randy Pausch
I’ve become a firm believer in being kind to people. Life is hard. For all of us. You don’t know what problems the stranger, or the person you love, in front of you is going through. Be polite. Be generous. Be caring. That smile you gave, could save their life. And trust me, karma is real. I’ve seen both sides, and I’m happy to be on the good side.
Who are your biggest influences? The people around me. I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by an endless amount of creative and motivated people at work and in life. They’re the ones who inspire me to keep going, work hard, and create great things.
Currently listening to? I can’t stop listening to Chet Faker. The album may be old, and I may have heard it 113 times, but it always feels like the first time when I listen to it.
Current obsession? My cat, Madame. But honestly, it’s hard not to be obsessed with the most precious face to ever wake you up at 6 a.m.
If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would it be? Take me to the museums and the pyramids and the temples and the statues and the big stone cats and fulfill a childhood obsession and I can die happy.
Last favorite movie you watched? Eyes Wide Shut. It’s been taunting me on Netflix for weeks and I finally gave in and re-lived all the amazingness that is Stanley Kubrick. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite movie, but all of his movies are at the top of my list. Or should I say, masterpieces!
Last favorite meal you ate? Peter Piper Pizza. Simply because it’s the greatest pizza that’s ever been pizza’d.
Advice to 16-year-old you? Don’t be afraid to be yourself. It’s too exhausting to hide who you really are from others and even more exhausting to hide it from yourself. Trust me, they already love who you really are. And honestly, they like the real you more anyway.