Originally from Palatine, IL, Tim – our Laner of the Week – just moved to the Big Apple in May, after graduating from Butler University! Now that he’s in the city, you can find him working on a lot of neat projects with amazing people…mostly, animation. He just put the finishing touches on his animated short film ‘GARAGE SALE‘ last month, and it’s now being circulated at film festivals across the country!
What do you like about Mustard Lane or just working events in general?
Mustard Lane has given me the opportunity to step into a ton of unique and fun events. I enjoy how varied my shifts are. Every gig is different; variety is the spice of life!
When you’re not on the Lane…what are you doing?!
I can typically be found either illustrating or hanging out with friends in Prospect Park (just a block away from my apartment!) Birdwatching has become a hobby of mine across these past few weeks; I enjoy getting in touch with nature whenever I can.
Favorite restaurant or food?
Veselka has become a big favorite of mine here in NYC! I wouldn’t have expected myself to enjoy Ukranian cuisine as much as I have, but it hits the spot every time.
What is one of your goals for 2024? Guess you can check off “Laner of the Week.”
I’d like to submit my short film to as many festivals as I can, just to see how far I can take it! A big resolution for me this year is taking pride in my accomplishments. So I’ll do my best to market my work!
Name your favorite place and/or travel experience! Any fun stories here?
I’ll never forget the picturesque beauty of the trip to Wyoming my family took in 2015. We visited my cousin’s ranch and were surrounded by vast, natural mountains. They owned a horse stable, so learning to horseback ride in such an idyllic landscape was incredible.
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
I enjoy walking through the park, doodling in my sketchbook, or grabbing food with friends!
Favorite media you’ve consumed recently? (Theatre, music, TV, film etc!)
I’m always on the hunt for new shows to watch. My roommate and I have gotten really into HBO’s “The Rehearsal,” hosted by Nathan Fielder. It’s a surrealist reality show like no other, where Nathan has a nigh-unlimited budget to help his clients “rehearse” a big event before it happens. It’s utterly indescrible and incredibly funny; I’d highly recommend it.
What’s your hidden, Laner talent?!
I’m a voice actor/impressionist!! I love putting on different voices, and getting to use those talents to voice act in animated short films is always a treat.
If you could have your dream job tomorrow, what would it be?
Piggybacking on that last question, I’d love to become a professional voice actor some day and work on a variety of animated content.
What’s an essential part of your daily routine?
Playing with our two cats, Pogo and Pocket, is a required facet of my morning! They’re both super friendly, super sociable, and enjoy a hearty round of string toss before breakfast.
What life lesson did you learn the hard way?
Never underestimate your student loans!! Account for everything and never fall behind. I was able to earn some nice scholarships during college, but adding up my monthly dues gave me a good scare the first time I put it all together.
It’s summer…is your pre-Mustard Lane-gig coffee hot or iced?
This might give some people the ick – but I really just prefer water for nearly every occasion!! It tastes great, it’s cheap, and it gives me a lot of energy. I somehow survived college without dipping into coffee, and my wallet has thanked me.
Pool or beach?!
Beach for sure!! I’ve been to so many public pools back in the Illinois suburbs, so now I’m ready to experience all the NY beaches have to offer.
What’s a brand or event that you would love to represent or work on the Lane, should the chance ever arise?
I would love to sponsor an event at NBC Studios if the opportunity ever came up! Having their offices right in Rockefeller is super neat. I’m sure they host an incredible amount of cool occasions throughout the year.
What inspires you most?
I’m continually inspired by the wonderful works that all my artist friends create. It’s important to be surrounded by individuals who make things that push you forward creatively.
To learn more about Tim, check out his instagram @they_call_him_timothy.
Our internal team took a field trip to Philly to see our very own Courtney on stage – check it out!