You're drawn to work that feels handmade and lived-in—stories with room to breathe, characters who are figuring things out rather than delivering speeches. There's a real fondness for ensemble casts and found families, the kind of narrative where loyalty and small moments matter more than plot mechanics. You go for comedy that has an edge (weird, sardonic, not trying too hard), and you have genuine warmth for gentler things when they're genuinely made well—comfort doesn't mean saccharine. Across music, film, and games there's a consistent pull toward the understated and the sincere: lo-fi production doesn't bother you; polish without substance does. You live vegan and you dress how you actually want to—no patience for discomfort in the name of convention. There's a privacy to you; you're not interested in spectacle or the machinery of fame, even as you work in spaces where that's unavoidable.
Likes
📺
TV series
Game of Thrones (TV Series)
Game of Thrones is an American high fantasy drama series created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss for HBO, serving as an adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels. Spanning 73 episodes across eight seasons, the series unfolds primarily across the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. Its narrative structure is defined by three overlapping arcs: the intense political maneuvering of noble families vying for the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms, the exiled struggle of a deposed dynasty’s last descendant seeking to reclaim power, and the grim efforts of the Night’s Watch to defend the northern border against existential threats. The series is distinguished by its expansive scope, intricate ensemble cast, and complex, morally gray characterizations that drive its signature themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal. Visually and tonally, the production maintains a gritty, grounded realism that stands in contrast to its high-fantasy setting. The show is marked by its ambitious production values and unapologetic depiction of graphic violence and adult content, which have been subjects of both acclaim and controversy throughout its run. While lauded for its storytelling complexity and high-stakes drama, the conclusion of the series faced significant criticism regarding its pacing and narrative choices. It remains a landmark production in the fantasy genre, recognized for its substantial influence and a record-breaking collection of Primetime Emmy Awards.
🎬
Movie
The Last of Us
The Last of Us centers on a harrowing post-apocalyptic vision of the United States, where a parasitic fungal infection has systematically dismantled human civilization. The narrative, spanning both interactive gaming and episodic television, functions primarily as a character-driven drama defined by its somber, realistic, and emotionally taxing tone. Central to the story is the relationship between Joel, a toughened survivor defined by his loss and cynical outlook, and Ellie, a teenage girl whose immunity presents a fragile hope for a dying world. The franchise distinguishes itself through a focus on moral ambiguity and the psychological weight of survival, prioritizing internal character arcs over conventional heroics. Themes of grief, paternal bond, and the ethical compromises required to endure in a ruined landscape form the backbone of the experience. The aesthetic is gritty and atmospheric, grounded in a melancholic sensibility that prioritizes human vulnerability and the complex, often brutal, choices made when conventional societal structures collapse. It appeals to those drawn to serious, mature explorations of human connection amidst catastrophic circumstances.
📺
TV series
Hilda
Hilda is an animated series based on the graphic novels by Luke Pearson. The narrative follows the intrepid and imaginative blue-haired Hilda, who relocates from her wilderness home to the bustling, mysterious city of Trolberg after her house is destroyed by a giant. Accompanied by her mother, Johanna, and her loyal deerfox, Twig, Hilda navigates a world where the boundary between urban life and folklore is permeable. Despite the shift to a structured city environment, she retains her deeply empathetic and courageous connection to nature, frequently befriending the myriad monsters and mythical inhabitants she encounters. The series maintains a whimsical yet grounded atmosphere, balancing cozy domestic moments with grand, otherworldly adventures rooted in Scandinavian-inspired aesthetics. Its visual style is characterized by a distinctive, soft-toned animation palette, reflecting the series’ blend of folklore exploration and contemporary coming-of-age themes. Throughout its production, the show is noted for its high-quality storytelling and meticulous pacing, covering Hilda’s maturation across three seasons and a feature-length film that bridges the middle chapters, while consistently prioritizing curiosity, problem-solving, and the celebration of the unknown over simple conflict.
📺
TV series
The Worst Witch (2017 TV series)
The Worst Witch (2017) is a fantasy television series that reimagines the classic literary world created by Jill Murphy. It chronicles the academic journey of Mildred Hubble as she navigates Cackle’s Academy, a school for young witches. The narrative centers on Mildred’s formative experiences alongside her close friends, Maud Spellbody and Enid Nightshade, while navigating interpersonal friction with rivals like Ethel Hallow and Drusilla Paddock. Under the guidance of the nurturing Miss Cackle and the exacting, disciplined Miss Hardbroom, the students encounter the complexities of learning magic, dealing with mishaps, and finding their identity within an established boarding school environment. The series maintains a balanced tone, blending lighthearted school adventures with the earnest challenges of growing up and the pressures of fitting into a prestigious magical institution. With its focus on friendship, resilience, and the pitfalls of imperfect spellcasting, the show emphasizes the relatable struggles of student life through a supernatural lens. Spanning four series, the show establishes a distinct aesthetic of a historical-inspired academy environment, capturing both the whimsy of magical education and the grounded emotional register of its protagonists.
🎬
Movie
Catherine Called Birdy
Set in medieval England, Catherine Called Birdy is a comedy directed by Lena Dunham that adapts Karen Cushman’s 1994 novel. The film centers on Catherine, an irrepressible and sharp-witted teenage noblewoman who employs increasingly inventive schemes to thwart the various suitors her father presents for marriage. Bella Ramsey plays the titular role, supported by Billie Piper and Andrew Scott, grounding the narrative in a performance defined by spirited rebellion and modern sensibility. The film adopts a humorous and irreverent tone, contrasting the rigid societal expectations of the 13th century with the protagonist's resilient and individualistic spirit. Its aesthetic is characterized by a textured, grounded depiction of medieval life that balances historical framing with a contemporary, voice-driven comedic approach. Themes of autonomy, the constraints of adolescence, and familial power dynamics unfold as Catherine navigates the tension between duty and personal freedom. The film is tailored for viewers who appreciate period-set narratives that eschew traditional high-drama tropes in favor of witty, character-focused storytelling and coming-of-age subversion.
📰
Magazine
Time
Time is a weekly news magazine based in Brazil, delivering comprehensive reporting on current events, politics, economics, and cultural developments. Published in Portuguese, the magazine serves a domestic readership that values both national depth and international context. Functioning as a cornerstone of the Brazilian media landscape, the publication prioritizes investigative journalism, providing nuanced analysis of the nation's complex socio-political environment. Its editorial focus remains fixed on the intersection of government policy, economic shifts, and societal trends, making it an essential resource for those seeking a detailed record of the issues shaping contemporary Brazil. Available in both print and digital formats, the magazine maintains a tone of formal, objective inquiry, establishing itself as a consistent and influential voice within the country's news ecosystem. Through its persistent commitment to investigative rigor, Time offers a serious and localized perspective on the forces influencing domestic and global affairs, catering to an audience that requires consistent, evidence-based reporting on the evolving landscape of their country.
🗺
Place
Nottingham
Nottingham is a historic English city in the East Midlands, serving as a prominent regional hub defined by a rich duality of industrial heritage and cultural distinction. Historically anchored by the lace-making, bicycle, and tobacco trades, the city transitioned into a modern metropolitan center while maintaining its legendary identity as the fabled home of the Sheriff of Nottingham. Today, it is recognized globally as a UNESCO City of Literature, celebrating a deep-rooted intellectual legacy tied to figures like Lord Byron, D.H. Lawrence, and Alan Sillitoe, alongside a vibrant contemporary publishing and poetry scene. The city’s identity is further shaped by its status as a major sporting capital, famously titled the Home of English Sport. It hosts world-class infrastructure for ice sports, water sports, and cricket, and maintains a profound footballing tradition as the home of both Nottingham Forest and Notts County, the latter being recognized as the oldest professional league club in the world. As a significant academic center, Nottingham houses a high concentration of higher education institutions, fostering a dense, energetic student population. With its extensive public transport network, including the Nottingham Express Transit tram system, the city balances its medieval associations with modern urban utility, functioning as a sufficiency-level world city that appeals to those who value a synthesis of historical narrative, literary culture, and competitive sporting spirit.
🎬
Movie
The Big Lebowski
The Big Lebowski is a 1998 neo-noir crime comedy directed and written by Joel and Ethan Coen. The narrative centers on Jeffrey 'The Dude' Lebowski, a laid-back Los Angeles slacker and avid bowler whose peaceful life is upended by a case of mistaken identity. After being assaulted, he finds himself drawn into a convoluted kidnapping and ransom plot involving a wealthy millionaire who shares his name. Loosely inspired by the hardboiled detective fiction of Raymond Chandler, the film adopts an episodic structure characterized by a deliberately complex, often opaque mystery that prioritizes character interaction over procedural resolution. The aesthetic is defined by the Coen brothers' signature idiosyncratic dialogue, surreal dream sequences, and a distinctively eclectic soundtrack composed by Carter Burwell. Its tone balances dry, observational wit with a relaxed, meandering pacing that mirrors its protagonist’s temperament. Through its gallery of eccentric characters and its exploration of absurd criminality, the film maintains a singular, laid-back sensibility that has solidified its status in popular culture. In 2014, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry as a work of cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.
🎬
Movie
Chicken Run
Chicken Run is a 2000 stop-motion animated adventure comedy that marks the debut feature-length production from Aardman Features. Directed by Peter Lord and Nick Park, the film utilizes the studio's signature claymation aesthetic to tell an inventive, high-stakes story of poultry in peril. Set against the backdrop of a grim 1950s Yorkshire egg farm, the narrative follows a group of anthropomorphic chickens desperate to evade their fate as candidates for chicken pies. The film draws thematic and structural inspiration from the 1963 classic The Great Escape, blending classic prison-break tropes with a dry, distinctly British sense of humor. The arrival of Rocky Rhodes, a charismatic American rooster, provides a frantic, optimistic spark that shifts the chickens from passive resignation to collective action. The tone is a delicate balance of whimsical character design and genuine cinematic tension, anchored by an eccentric ensemble cast. As a technical milestone, the film stands as the highest-grossing stop-motion animated release in history, distinguished by its tactile, hand-crafted visuals and rigorous attention to comedic timing. It is a work defined by its persistence of spirit, combining the quaint charm of British suburban art with the tropes of mid-century adventure cinema.
🧑
Artist / musician
The Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960, comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Beginning as a group rooted in skiffle, beat, and 1950s rock 'n' roll, they rapidly evolved into a primary force of 1960s counterculture. Their musical trajectory represents a vast sonic exploration, moving from early pop hits to incorporate classical instrumentation, folk, Indian music, psychedelia, and hard rock. This stylistic breadth, combined with their status as pioneers in recording techniques and artistic presentation, was instrumental in elevating popular music to a recognized art form. Following their emergence from the club scenes of Liverpool and Hamburg, the band achieved unprecedented global popularity, leading the 'British Invasion' and ushering in the modern album era. After retiring from live performances in 1966, their work grew in technical and thematic sophistication, producing landmark records that integrated electronic music, avant-garde sensibilities, and themes of Eastern spirituality. As the best-selling music act in history, their legacy continues through the multimedia corporation Apple Corps. The Beatles remain a defining point of reference for songwriting, studio experimentation, and the intersection of youth culture and social change, distinguished by an enduring ability to synthesize diverse cultural influences into a cohesive, innovative sound.
🎮
Game
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is an open-ended farm life simulation game developed entirely by indie creator Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone. Released in 2016, the game centers on a protagonist who inherits a dilapidated plot of land from their late grandfather, tasking the player with clearing the environment, managing seasonal crops, and raising livestock. Beyond the core farming loop, the experience branches into specialized skill trees covering fishing, foraging, mining, and combat. A significant social layer allows players to cultivate relationships with a cast of townspeople, offering the potential for marriage and starting a family. Developed over five years to refine programming and design sensibilities, the game serves as a modernized, player-focused evolution of the classic Harvest Moon series. The aesthetic is grounded in a cozy, pastoral atmosphere that emphasizes gradual progress and self-directed goals. With the addition of multiplayer functionality, the game offers both a solitary, meditative experience and a collaborative social space. Recognized for revitalizing the farming simulation genre, Stardew Valley is characterized by its dedication to intricate, player-driven systems, balancing the routine of agricultural labor with the discovery of mystery and deep community connection within the village setting.
📺
TV series
The Great British Bake Off
The Great British Bake Off is a British television competition series produced by Love Productions that spotlights the craft of amateur baking. Each season follows a group of home bakers as they navigate a series of high-pressure rounds, pushing their technical knowledge and creative abilities to impress a panel of expert judges. The program centers on the intersection of culinary precision and ingenuity, requiring contestants to master everything from intricate pâtisserie and complex breads to ornate show-stopping desserts within strict time constraints. The tone is notably gentle and supportive, emphasizing camaraderie and a shared passion for baking excellence rather than cutthroat rivalry. The aesthetic is quintessentially British, filmed in a pastoral outdoor setting that fosters an inviting, cozy atmosphere. The show appeals to viewers who appreciate a methodical, instructional approach to food preparation paired with a warm, optimistic emotional register. By celebrating the meticulous nature of baking and the human stories behind each participant, the series establishes a distinctively tranquil and wholesome sensibility within the reality competition genre.
📦
Other
Veganism
Veganism is a philosophy and lifestyle practice defined by the systematic rejection of the commodity status of animals. Coined in 1944 by Donald and Dorothy Watson to distinguish the practice from vegetarianism, it functions as a comprehensive ethical framework rather than a simple dietary restriction. At its core, the movement seeks to eliminate all forms of animal exploitation, extending its reach beyond food—where it strictly excludes meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and honey—into the spheres of fashion, entertainment, and labor. This conscientious approach avoids materials like wool, fur, and leather, and actively opposes the use of animals in circuses, zoos, horse racing, and scientific testing. While the practice is rooted in a fundamental challenge to the historical use of animals as resources, it is also adopted by individuals motivated by environmental concerns, health optimization, or religious beliefs. The ideology posits that humans occupy a position of stewardship rather than ownership, necessitating a radical shift in consumption habits. Since its inception, the movement has evolved from a niche philosophical stance into a widely recognized global phenomenon, particularly following a surge in public interest and accessibility during the 2010s. It appeals to those who prioritize systemic ethics in their personal choices, seeking a lifestyle that minimizes harm across all facets of daily existence, from the grocery store to the pharmacy.
🛍
Product
Nirvana (Band T-shirt)
This garment celebrates Nirvana, the iconic American rock band formed in 1987 in Aberdeen, Washington. As the definitive architects of the Seattle grunge scene, the band bridged the gap between independent underground roots and global mainstream consciousness. Their sonic identity is defined by a signature dynamic tension, oscillating between hushed, melodic verses and explosive, distortion-heavy choruses. This aesthetic, grounded in a DIY punk ethos, effectively dismantled the polished hair metal dominance of the late 1980s. With their landmark 1991 album Nevermind, Nirvana captured the zeitgeist of Generation X, channeling themes of social alienation, raw abjection, and internal conflict into infectious pop sensibilities. Whether referencing their gritty Sub Pop origins on Bleach, the visceral intensity of In Utero, or the haunting minimalism of their MTV Unplugged performance, the band’s imagery represents a pivotal shift in rock history. Carrying the legacy of Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl, this item appeals to those who gravitate toward the angst-driven, anti-establishment culture that transformed alternative rock into a global cultural phenomenon. It is an enduring marker of a short-lived but generation-defining artistic trajectory that remains a bedrock of modern rock aesthetics.
🧑
Artist / musician
Tash Sultana
Tash Sultana is an Australian singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who functions as a self-contained one-person band. Rising to prominence through the viral success of their 2016 single "Jungle," Sultana built a career rooted in the tradition of busking in Melbourne. Their musical approach is defined by virtuosic versatility; they play up to fifteen different instruments, including guitar, trumpet, saxophone, piano, and pan flute. This technical aptitude allows for the creation of layered, textured arrangements that bridge elements of alternative rock, neo-psychedelia, soul, and lo-fi pop. Sultana’s body of work, spanning from their early Bandcamp releases to the 2016 EP Notion, is characterized by a fluid, organic style that utilizes live looping to build expansive soundscapes. Their sensibility is centered on a raw, intimate performance aesthetic that translates the energy of street performance into globally scaled studio production and live tours. Often exploring introspective themes, Sultana maintains a distinctive independent creative trajectory that prioritizes instrumental complexity and a singular, immersive sonic identity.
🛍
Product
Doc Martens
Dr. Martens, widely recognized as Docs, represents a definitive intersection of industrial utility and subcultural identity. Established following the adaptation of Dr. Klaus Märtens’ original post-war design by the Griggs family in 1960, the footwear is defined by a distinct aesthetic architecture, primarily the signature air-cushioned sole and the contrast of yellow welt stitching. Originally engineered for the functional demands of factory laborers and postmen, the brand underwent a significant cultural shift to become a cornerstone of rebellion and anti-establishment self-expression. Throughout the decades, these boots served as a uniform for diverse movements, including skinhead, punk, and grunge subcultures, cementing their reputation for durability and rugged sensibility. Visually, the silhouette offers a chunky, utilitarian profile that serves as a canvas for individualized styling. Dr. Martens operates as a persistent symbol of alt-fashion, balancing its rigorous, work-wear origins with a versatile design that bridges the gap between functional streetwear and iconic counter-cultural style. The leather construction and robust tread pattern prioritize longevity, reflecting a sensibility that values practical toughness alongside a distinct, non-conformist aesthetic heritage.
✨
Brand
Gucci
Gucci is an Italian luxury fashion house rooted in the rich sartorial traditions of Florence, Tuscany. Founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci, the brand has evolved from a local artisanal enterprise into a global powerhouse emblematic of the Italian economic miracle. Its expansive product range encompasses ready-to-wear apparel, footwear, signature handbags, and accessories, alongside a curated selection of home decor and the Gucci Beauty fragrance and cosmetics line developed in partnership with Coty. Throughout its history, the brand has navigated significant transitions, moving from a family-run business to its current status as a key subsidiary of the Kering group. The aesthetic sensibility of Gucci is defined by a blend of historical prestige and modern adaptation, consistently maintaining its position in the luxury market through high-profile creative direction and a sprawling international retail network. It caters to a sensibility that values heritage-rich fashion, marked by a balance of classical Italian craftsmanship and contemporary trends. Today, the house remains a dominant force in the global luxury landscape, reflecting a trajectory that spans over a century of style, industrial growth, and brand reinvention.
✨
Taste Signal
Secondary School Drama
I didn't actually like drama at school. It was too much 'pretending to be a tree' for me.