Anna's Inside Scoop with Dane Brown

One of the best things about ZooLab has got to be working with an incredible team! Each month, Ranger Anna will interview a member of the ZooLab family.

This month we will be speaking to Creative Lead, Dane.

Hi Dane, how long have you worked for ZooLab?

I started with ZooLab at the end of 2018.

What is your role in the company?

I’m the Creative Lead in ZooLab, which basically means I’m responsible for anything creative; art directing, branding, collateral, artwork, resources, adverts, animation, illustration, web design, filming/directing, copywriting, project management etc.

Check out Dane's latest work:

With ZooLab, everyday is different! Can you think of a day which was completely out of the ordinary for you?

My work tends to be incredibly varied, so each day is different – which I enjoy. Last year I taught myself animation which we now use throughout the brand. I really enjoyed learning a new skill and pushing how we communicate as a company.

What is something you love about working for ZooLab?

ZooLab has a great team dynamic where everyone is approachable, friendly and we work together to get the job done. Over the last year working from home has been an adjustment for everyone but I feel we’ve actually managed to be more connected and communicative more effectively between departments than when we all worked in the same office.

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I’m a 36 year old, (slightly balding) homosexual vegetarian. I live in Glasgow with my boyfriend and our two cats (Tramp, left and Cat Lady, right).

In my spare time I enjoy binge watching Drag Race, drinking reasonably priced Sauvignon Blanc and going for long lock-down walks.

You wake up, and then what? What's the first thing you do in the morning?

I usually wake up quite early and sort the cats out, put BBC Breakfast on the television and drink two cups of tea. Some muesli and a shower and I’m ready to start my day.

Literally nothing constructive, productive or creative is happening until after my second cup of tea. So I put the kettle on first thing.

It's takeaway night! What do you order?

Like many other people, we perhaps over indulged on takeout over lockdown (I recently had a shock when I stepped on the scales), so I might give that a miss. We’re recent Hello Fresh converts (delicious), so for the price of a takeaway I can get a full week of amazing meals.

Tell us some of your hobbies!

I volunteer at the local food bank a couple of days a week which is really rewarding. To pass the time I enjoy reading, sewing, cooking, painting, cycling, walking and pottery amongst other things

Who is your hero?

I’m weirdly obsessed with Stevie Nicks. I’ve seen Fleetwood Mac twice now, can cried like a fan-girl both times.

What is your biggest fear?

I’m not great with heights. Having said that, I bungeed four times and sky dived once – but I’d have trouble going up a big ladder.

And finally, what would you sing at karaoke night?

Karaoke songs include (but are not limited to): American Boy - Kanye & Estelle

Physical – Olivia Newton John Kitty Girl – RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars