FACT: This Is The Coolest Zoom Background Ever Recorded
Nine creatives from our network of freelancers discuss the one over-the-shoulder item that grabs the most attention during video calls
Turn around. Have a peek at what’s on the wall behind you. You’re being judged on that. You might not know it, but the person at the other end of your video call is sizing you right up based on what’s on your bookshelf.
Back in 2020, when Zoom was really kicking off (and everyone was really kicking themselves that they hadn’t been early investors), communications skills firm Quantified Communications polled 500 professionals for their opinions and preferences on video call aesthetics. The research found that 60% agreed the best way to convey authenticity, trustworthiness, and expertise through a webcam was to show the actual room you’re in.
And while that is extremely, extremely, interesting, it’s not why we’re here. It’s not why we’ve kept this intro really short rather than firing off more findings about how males are way more pro-bookshelf than women, and how @ratemyskyperoom is a gotta-follow Twitter account for rating meticulously fashioned Meets backgrounds. It’s not why we’ve asked nine freelancers from ACM’s creative network to give us the stories behind the best items that are, well, behind them. We’ve done it because we thought it would be a pretty cool newsletter, and to subliminally show off the amazing talent we get to collaborate with on the regular.
And hey! We were right. Check it out below.
Got the creative chops to join our freelance network? Drop us an email with the subject line Network Me Up, ACM, as well as your name, a brief description of who you are and what you do, some links to your work, and a small picture of the best thing in your own Zoom background, too.
Pip Claffey, freelance illustrator based in Burscough, Lancashire
What’s that there, then?
“It’s a mid-century Ercol sofa.”
What’s the story?
“I love the mid-century aesthetic, from cars to clothing to interiors, and I’d always dreamed of owning this sofa one day. I had it reupholstered in the loudest statement fabric that I could find, but one that still rings true to the fifties – the hot pink theme is very me, and it goes great with the Quintin Blake wallpaper that’s behind my Mac. I love sitting on it for my morning coffee – the sun comes up on that side of the room, which helps to make it a great place to feel inspired.”
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about working from home?
“Do what you know you’re going to be most productive at in that moment. I manage my day in a way that means I can draw when I feel most creative, do admin or accounts when I don’t, or go for a bike ride when the sun is shining.”
What’s on the office playlist today?
“I think I was born in the wrong era, because most of the music I love is from the 40s/50s. But I also love Bowie, The Strokes, The Smiths, and The Police. I’ve got a bunch of records for my 1950s record player, but the poor thing can’t handle modern vinyl.”
Last thing you worked with ACM on?
“I created a series of illustrations for the launch of a new adidas Cycling range. As a keen cyclist, it was a dream project.”
See more from Pip at her website, her IG, and her etsy.
Sabrina Pace-Humphreys, co-founder and trustee of Black Trail Runners and author based in Gloucestershire
What’s that there, then?
“It’s a framed picture of me being embraced by Patrick Bauer, the founder of the Marathon Des Sables. It was taken as I crossed the finish line of his epic 250km race through the Sahara Desert in 2018.”
What’s the story?
“I’m a recovering alcoholic. When I got sober in 2016 I wanted an achievement/target that would celebrate me making it to 40 years on Earth. Something that proved to me, in no uncertain terms, that I could do physically tough things. As a mother of four I also wanted to inspire my children and show them that nothing is impossible. One evening I watched a documentary about the MDS that started a fascination. After 18 months of training I made it to the starting line – an accomplishment in itself! But moving my body in heat exceeding 40c while carrying 10kg on my back was unlike anything I had ever experienced. The journey took me to some dark places and the only person I had for support was myself. But crossing the finish line, and finding out that I was the 11th British woman to get there, was beyond my wildest dreams. You can see the struggle, the mental and physical pain, and the relief in that one photo.”
What have you done to make your place of work a productive environment?
“I work from home and have placed all the things that are conducive to getting the best from myself around me. These include a coffee machine, lots of natural light, fresh flowers, and an undisturbed view of the outdoors.”
Last thing you worked with ACM on?
“I was asked to speak to the team at one of the ACM B&B Brunch Talks. I spoke about building community through authentic connection and my journey in social justice activism – something I am extremely passionate about. It was a great session with meaningful dialogue and some important questions being asked.”
Check out Sabrina’s website, IG, and book, and learn more about Black Trail Runners here (or give it an IG follow).
Vedangi Kulkarni, endurance athlete, writer, public speaker, project/expedition/event manager, and model based in the Scottish Highlands
What’s that there, then?
“My nine bikes.”
What’s the story?
“Well, I love riding bikes. These have seen some big adventures, but the most special one is the one I used to ride around the globe when I was 19/20 years old. It was 2018, and I was aiming to become the fastest woman to cycle around the world, but a series of slightly crazy events meant that I didn’t quite get it. Unofficially, though, I am the youngest woman to do it. I did the 29,000km in 160 days, but with my Indian passport I faced a lot of visa issues. I also got chased by a bear, mugged at knifepoint, and beaten up, which resulted in a concussion that led to A LOT of emotional turmoil. But I also cycled across Russia in winter, and met a ton of very kind strangers. I loved it when someone who happened to follow me on Instagram found me on the road and gave me 2kg of grapes, because they’d seen they are my comfort food!”
What have you done to make your place of work a productive environment?
“I have कर्मातच ज्ञानाचे सार्थक written on a Post-it that’s stuck next to my desk. It’s a Marathi phrase that roughly translates to ‘Knowledge is only useful if you do something with it’. Also, I’ve got some resistance bands and dumbbells nearby – when I’m not feeling focused, I do a few exercises, get the blood flowing, and then get on with the job.”
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about working from home?
“Since my ADHD diagnosis, I’ve had to really figure out what helps me get into the flow. I’ve learned I need a clean and tidy space to get creative. Music, snacks, and some positive pressure from a 30-minute timer have all been super beneficial, too.”
Last thing you worked with ACM on?
“I came down to the ACM: Action Inspired media day – it was brilliant! I was also doing a talk in the Arc’teryx Piccadilly store the same night.”
Learn more about Vedangi at her website, or give her a follow on IG or LinkedIn.
Hannah Tangi Elliott, freelance digital account director based in Ericeira, Portugal
What’s that there, then?
“It’s a painting of me skiing in the Alps.”
What’s the story?
“My husband asked my friend Vanessa to paint it. She’s got an amazing art studio in East Aurora, New York. It’s based on a photo of me skiing under the Le Praz gondola in Courchevel. We lived out there for almost a decade. I love it because it’s one-of-a-kind, it’s made by a friend, and it represents a very special chapter in my life.”
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about working from home?
“Freedom comes from discipline. Blurring work and life is way too easy when you work remotely. When I’m more disciplined with my work, I get to do more of the things I love.”
What’s on the office playlist today?
“A whole load of chillhop.”
Last thing you worked with ACM on?
“ACM’s new website build. Incoming!”
Follow Hannah’s LinkedIn here.
Sam Gosling, maker (of many things, but predominantly cabinets) based in Buckinghamshire
What’s that there, then?
“It’s a mirror that I’ve had for as long as I can remember.”
What’s the story?
“I have no idea where it came from, but I grew up with it and it’s been in every house I’ve lived in. It’s damaged, bits are missing, and it’s fallen out of the frame before – luckily, it didn’t smash. I push little bits and pieces into the gap around the frame (right now it’s got broccoli seeds, bird feathers, stickers, and work notes in there). I also write things directly onto the glass in Sharpie. I’ve always written on mirrors because I have a terrible memory.”
What have you done to make your place of work a productive environment?
“My sofa is my meeting room, so comfort is top priority here. I’ve got interesting trinkets and drawings all around me, from gifts from mates to things I’ve found. You can draw inspiration from absolutely anything, so I like having them nearby. I’ve also just got a new fridge because snacks are really important.”
What’s on the office playlist today?
“Right now, it’s Avantdale Bowling Club’s latest album, Trees.”
Last thing you worked with ACM on?
“It was a campervan interior that was made in partnership with YETI.”
Check out Sam’s work on his IG (and get prime Bruno the dog content, too).
Nouran Al-Jandali, People & Culture consultant and ACM’s Head of People based in Cardiff
What’s that there, then?
“It’s my disco ball!”
What’s the story?
“I found it in a vintage shop in East London about 15 years ago when I used to live there, and it’s followed me through multiple house moves since. It perfectly represents my love of music and is a nice reminder of a time when I could stay up and dance past midnight. I love that it’s travelled with me and ends up taking pride of place in any room I put it in.”
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about working from home?
“I like to start my day with a walk. Anything from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on when I wake up. I mix things up between home and a café or co-working space, too. Being around other people, I find, keeps me happy, motivated, and productive.”
What’s on the office playlist today?
“It’s a Spotify chill-out mix. Most songs with words get skipped when I’m working.”
Last thing you worked with ACM on?
“I’m currently reviewing ACM’s Employee Engagement Survey, working on a series of training workshops, and finalising a lot of recruitment. There’s a heap of good stuff going on.”
Check out Nouran’s site here.
Soraya Abdel-Hadi, writer, coach, storyteller, and All The Elements community founder based in Hampshire
What’s that there, then?
“It’s an oil painting I did of the Broken Islands on the west coast of Vancouver Island, BC.”
What’s the story?
“I painted it while sailing from Vancouver to Seattle on a research voyage that was investigating the impact of plastic and toxic pollution on the ocean and coastline. It’s the most impressive sea that I’ve ever painted. For ages it looked a bit terrible, and then – as is often the case with art – it went from a muddy mess to suddenly looking like an ocean. For me, it’s a great example of activism, adventure, and creativity coming together. It reminds me of all the sides of me, even when I’m in the most boring Zoom calls. Fortunately, most of my calls are pretty interesting.”
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about working from home?
“A dedicated workspace is so important. When I worked from my living room, I found it so hard to stop. Now I can walk away and shut the door behind me.”
What have you done to make your place of work a productive environment?
“I have a wall filled with quotes and ideas. I also have a ‘happy’ pinboard where I put nice things people have sent me, to remind me of my amazing friends, family, and community. I like to surround myself with things that remind me of the beauty in the world, and why I do the work that I do.”
Last thing you worked with ACM on?
“I was at the ACM: Action Inspired panel talk, listening to the ways communities and consumers can inspire brands to take action.”
Check our Soraya’s own IG and website, or the All The Elements site and IG.
Amy Maloney, PR specialist based in East London
What’s that there, then?
“It’s a painting of The Beatles – my all-time favourite band – that I got for my 26th birthday.”
What’s the story?
“My dad painted it after about 10 years of me asking him to. Painting is his hobby, and he’s amazing at it. Usually he paints musicians and bands, so he’s got the likes of David Bowie, Elvis, and The Rolling Stones in his collection. My mum has been asking for a Donny Osmond portrait for about 30 years, but he ‘hasn’t got around to it…’.”
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about working from home?
“To not work in my bedroom. I used to, but I would never switch off: I’d constantly be checking my laptop, even right before bed. I’ve learned it’s so important to separate your work environment from your living space. Luckily, I have my desk in a spare room now.”
What have you done to make your place of work a productive environment?
“It’s boring, but I invested in a second screen. I highly recommend it. Also, my desk looks like one of those TikTok Amazon Finds videos, with a fan, plants, pastel highlighters, cute notebooks, a candle, a pen organiser… the full works. I got sucked into those videos big time.”
Last thing you worked with ACM on?
“Sending an invite to our upcoming WASH & GO(RE-TEX) media experience, for those daring enough to walk through a Shoreditch car wash in full GORE-TEX brand gear.”
Follow Amy on Instagram here.
Owen Tozer, freelance designer and photographer based in London
What’s that there, then?
“It’s Bob Dylan by Milton Glaser.”
What’s the story?
“I’ve loved Dylan’s music and Glaser’s art and design for years, so when I found out this poster existed, it became my favourite thing before I even owned it. It came with the vinyl release of Bob Dylan’s Greatest Hits back in the sixties, and I bought a copy on eBay in mint condition. Then I promptly sat on the poster on my bed just before taking it to get framed, leaving a bum-shaped crease in an otherwise perfect specimen. You can hardly tell there’s a bum in it now that it’s framed, though.”
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about working from home?
“I need three coffees to get me going in the morning. It’s also really important to get up and pace around – or even better, stretch – every hour or so.”
What’s on the office playlist today?
“This is the part where I say Bob Dylan, right? I have a standard ‘music to work to’ playlist that is filled with instrumental music across lots of different genres. I find it much easier to concentrate without words. Sorry, Bob.”
Last thing you worked with ACM on?
“Shooting the Kendal Mountain Festival in November 2021.”
