The Source: Nils Leonard

Nils Leonard, executive creative director, Grey London confesses to having a crush on a lady fox, finds a role model in Dangerous Liaisons, likes the odd tipple of fine wine at St. John’s in London, and dreams of being an axe-hero.

What is the most creative advertising idea you’ve seen in the last few months?

Kony 2012.

What’s your favourite website?

Thinking for a Living. It’s beautifully presented and written well. And they have a real sense of what isn’t good enough to make the blog.

What website do you use most regularly?

I live vicariously through Olivier Zahm’s Purple Diary. He’s the editor of an excellent fashion/art mag of the same name, and seems to have a lot of fun.

Mac or PC?

Mac.

What product could you not live without?

‘Le Clos’ Roussillon red wine. Ideally at the bar in St. John.

What product hasn’t been invented yet that would make your life/job better?

An online, ‘hyper-talented creative producer’ directory, available to a select few (me). The real barrier to creating special work isn’t ideas anymore, it is people fearless enough and talented enough to make them happen. Some people are just willing to try things they’ve never done before, and those are the people who are making great things happen.

What track/artist would you listen to for inspiration?

Today, probably Kanye West’s Hell of a Life or Plan B’s The Recluse (Nero Remix). I fall in love with a new track every week. And drive my department mad getting them to like it.

What’s the best film you’ve seen over the last year?

Fantastic Mr. Fox. A parable for fatherhood. I have a crush on his fox wife, too.

What show/exhibition has most inspired you recently?

The Teenage Cancer Trust comedy evening – an incredible array of irreverent talent provoking for a good cause.

What fictitious character do you most relate to?

Valmont from Dangerous Liaisons (played by John Malkovich) on a good day. Ari from Entourage on a bad day.

If you could live in any city, which would it be?

London or Los Angeles. I’ve always been fascinated by the physical location of LA, sandwiched between technology and entertainment. Amazing things happen there.

What’s your favourite magazine?

A mix of Purple, Monocle and Idea. It would be the perfect mix of travel, culture, art and design. It would also have a naughty bit at the back shot by Terry Richardson.

Who’s your favourite photographer?

Knotan or Basilio Silva. I worked with Basilio on some album artwork for Feeder. He's an awesome bloke with real energy. Use him.

Who’s your favourite designer?

I can’t pick one. Michael C Place, Fabien Baron, Notter + Vigne are all excellent, and continue to push the category forwards.

If you could have been in any band, which would you choose?

I’d have been a part of Metallica on the ...And Justice For All tour. And I’d have worn nothing but black. And would have played guitar solos to pyrotechnic war re-enactments. And probably had bad hair.