Grip and Gibson
It wasn't Patrick Robinson's eclectic wardrobe that surprised me the most. It wasn't his "kick-your-ass-into-motion" brand of motivation, or his employment within one of the largest firms in Toronto. Patrick surprised me the most by quoting an author: William Gibson.
The quote was masterfully thought out (as all of Gibson's writing generally is, to a degree), but it wasn't this facet that astounded me. On the contrary, it was the idea that inspiration, progress, and creative energy can stem from sources behind the books and magazines so widely pushed down the collective throat of designers populating this industry. Seeing a personal interest of mine bear fruit for the mind of an exceptionally successful man reinforced the idea that I am more than my career. Rather, I am a multi-faceted individual capable of thinking and experiencing life in a multitude of ways and from many paradigms.
In short, I connected with Patrick through our common love of abstract literature. His presentation only strengthened his character- character that I can respect and admire.