So much can be said with a GIF.
But usually its just a funny animation.
Need a GIF of acat driving a car?
Or adog on a skateboard?
Giphy has you covered.
As chief operating officer at Giphy, Adam Leibsohns aspirations for the company lay beyond a simple search engine.
We caught up with Adam to learn a little about why GIFs remain relevant and how he works.
As a result, what we do and why we do it is always purposeful and deliberate.
It also happens to be a hell of a lot of fun.
What apps, software, or tools cant you live without?
Im on the phonea lotin my day-to-day.
But thats not so easy to do with an iPhone.
It used to be a more common behavior when landlines were more prevalent.
So, Ive got this great attachment for my iPhone that mimics a classic landline handset.
Its also bedazzled in pink diamante; facts only.
Also:Dark Sky.
Best $5 Ive ever spent.
Whats your workspace setup like?
Giphy has a great office with some of the most creative and smartest people on the planet.
Our office space is open and everyone has the same basic setup with a clean aesthetic.
Weve all got the same white desks, black Aeron chairs, and some version of an Apple workstation.
My workspace at the office is relatively minimalist so I can stay focused.
Whats your best time-saving shortcut or life hack?
We only ship products that we love and want to use.
Its the little things.
Whats your favorite to-do list manager?
Also, I love the act of writing; theres something grounding and thoughtful in it.
Its much more deliberate and considered than tapping things out on a keyboard.
I run my life and plan the future from these things.
And the pen is just as important as the paper.
Simple as it is, Ive become partial to mymatte black Space Penbecause its so easily pocketable.
And because it was invented to go to outer space!
Besides your phone and computer, what gadget cant you live without and why?
In the office Ive got some oldBose noise-canceling headphones; and I love them.
They help me cut everything out and focus.
And Ive got some passive noise reduction ear phones for walking around.
Either way, Im always listening to music.
It helps me think, focus and, mostly, it inspires me.
Cant live without it.
Also: My watch.
My schedule keeps going even when my phone doesnt, so my watch is pretty much essential.
Lastly: a portable battery back +Nomadkeychain adapter.
See previous statement as to why.
Theyre all essential because the world of Giphy never sleeps.
Bonus: Dry bags.
These things have become indispensable to me.
Do you find yourself always working on something?
Definitely [always working].
Weve got so many things brewing… and staying busy suits me really well.
I work best when Im tackling a few things at once.
In short, what do you think is the appeal of the GIF?
Thats the core appeal of the GIF right now, and its just the beginning.
This will never get old.
Also: its less about the file format and more about the medium.
GIFs autoplay, they loop automatically, theyre instant and can be sent anywhere.
GIFs as content are great for exactly the same reasons.
And thats whats most important: the content.
Or, well just invent it ourselves.
What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else?
I remember things visually… in a crazy, crazy way.
Ive navigated out of some hairy places in Central America from visual memory alone.
Its pretty useful when theres no signal.
What do you listen to while you work?
Spotify… all day.
Ive started to listen to the Discover playlist they make for me every week.
What are you currently reading?
I love reading, and I love fiction.
And just started researching what to read next…
How do you recharge?
Its my recharge, but also my reset.
I basically work myself into an exhausted puddle.
After puddle-stage, I get to start over fresh.
Oh, and GIFs.
Whats your sleep routine like?
Usually thats when I get some quiet work done and do lot of thinking/planning/writing.
Fill in the blank: Id love to see ________ answer these same questions.
Less Probable: Stevie Wonder.
More Probable:Steve Wilhite[the inventor of the GIF].
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
Your time on this planet is your ultimate non-renewable resource.
Have someone you want to see featured, or questions you think we should ask?
