Blog

My Cookie Popup Fantasy

When I was younger, before I could drive, I used to walk everywhere. Really long distances to go visit friends, get to school, or make my way to the mall. I didn’t have a phone, no music, nothing to distract me. So to pass the time, I’d fantasise.

Usually about winning the lottery.

I’m a visual thinker, so I’d go deep into it. What I’d do with the money, how it would change my life, where I’d live, who I’d help. The distances go away, I barely notice the steps while I’m deep in my thoughts. That habit stuck. I still find myself doing it now, especially when I go for long walks. Some days it’s wild ideas, others it’s dead serious. This morning, I had one of those moments.

If I had fuck-you money, one of the first things I’d do is take on the cookie policy popups that have ruined the internet.

I know there are far more important things in the world, but this has been bothering me for years. I’ve fantasised about all sorts of things, but today, that damn banner that invades my space every single day was the thing I wanted to kill.

I’m not talking about improving it or streamlining it. I’ve already looked into what it would take to challenge the rules around how these popups are presented, but if I had serious money, I’d go further than that.

I’d remove the whole thing entirely.

Hire the best legal team. Fund a challenge that forces regulators and platforms to come up with something better. Something invisible. Something smarter. Because this workaround, the thing we’ve all just accepted as normal, is a disgrace.

If you’ve ever worked with me, you’ll know how I feel about popups. I hate them. They’re one of the laziest solutions ever created, and when a popup shows up in a design review, I lose it. It’s always the last resort. I’ve never accepted that there’s no other way. There’s always a more elegant option. Always.

Cookie banners go against everything I believe in when it comes to creating great digital experiences. They interrupt, they repeat, they waste time, and 99% of people have no idea what they’re agreeing to or why it even needs to be there. So what’s the point?

We had an internet for decades without this nonsense. It was a better experience, simpler, more respectful. Now we’re stuck with the same clumsy interaction across almost every site, pretending it’s some kind of compliance win.

It’s lazy regulation, poor design, and a complete misunderstanding of how people actually behave online.

So yeah, if I had the money, I wouldn’t build an app. I wouldn’t buy a yacht. I’d go after the cookie popup. Because someone has to. And if no one else will, I’d be happy for that to be my legacy.

No click needed.

Why I Wear Black T-Shirts

And Probably Always Will

For as long as I can remember, I’ve gravitated toward black t-shirts. What started as a simple preference evolved into a habit. Over time, it became a kind of personal uniform. Today, black t-shirts aren’t just part of my wardrobe. They’re a reflection of how I live, think, and move through the world.

A Personal Story
I started wearing darker t-shirts over two decades ago. I run hot. With a fast metabolism and an active lifestyle, sweating was inevitable. White t-shirts quickly betrayed every mark.

What began as a straightforward fix became something more. I remember finding a particular Polo branded black v-neck that fit perfectly. I bought several of the same one. Not out of obsession, but because it worked. Over time, I grew self-conscious about appearing repetitive. So I started mixing brands and subtle logo variations to keep things interesting without losing the formula.

Eventually, even that felt unnecessary. Prints faded from fashion. Clean, unbranded staples took their place. That’s when I found my ideal t-shirt. A $9 crew neck from Uniqlo. Minimal. Durable. Cut just right. I could buy it anywhere in the world. I phased out the branded versions and bulk-bought the one that simply did the job.

Now, getting dressed requires no second thought. I throw one on and look, and feel, sharp. Without the noise.

Covered in tattoos, I already stand out without trying. The black t-shirt acts as a counterbalance. I’m not a goth. I’m not trying to be mysterious. I’m just comfortable being myself.

I’ve worn these t-shirts on stage, in my videos, at the gym, and in boardrooms packed with executives. Always the same. Plain black. Flawless fit. No logos. Easily replaced. Consistently sharp.

The Industry’s ‘Uniform’
It turns out, I’m not alone. Black t-shirts have quietly become the unofficial uniform across creative industries. Design, tech, media, advertising. In places where expression matters but decision fatigue is real, black becomes a kind of silent badge of belonging.

In the film industry, it’s almost a joke. You can always spot production crew by the sea of black. It is tactical. Black doesn’t catch stage lights. It hides stains. It lets the work, not the wardrobe, take centre stage.

Across creative and production circles, the black t-shirt is more than a trend. It is a tool. Whether you are a designer, a director, a developer, or a producer, a black tee says: I’m here to build, not perform. It is neutral. It is functional. It is part of the unspoken language of people who solve problems behind the scenes.

Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg understood this intuitively. Jobs’ black turtleneck. Zuckerberg’s grey t-shirt. It wasn’t about fashion. It was about protecting focus. Minimising the trivial. Maximising the important.

Others have embraced the same idea. André 3000, once known for bold style, now lives in uniformed dungarees. A reflection of his evolution. Matt D’Avella, the filmmaker behind Minimalism, adopted a personal uniform and even extends it to his newborn. Same outfits. Fewer decisions. More focus on what matters.

Interestingly, while Zuckerberg once championed simplicity, he has lately pivoted toward a more colourful wardrobe. Some see reinvention. To me, it reads closer to midlife restlessness than useful evolution.

Even in science fiction, uniform dressing isn’t accidental. Think of Star Trek’s iconic uniforms. Clarity. Identity. Order. In real life and fiction alike, uniformity reduces distraction and sharpens collective focus.

Why It Works For Me
I know myself. I’m a creature of habit by design, not by default. I value efficiency. I believe that starting the day without wasting energy on trivial choices is a quiet form of discipline.

It is a tactic against decision fatigue. The mental drain that comes from making endless small decisions. James Clear, in Atomic Habits, talks about reducing friction to improve incrementally every day. Wearing black is my personal version of that. One less decision. One more edge.

Minimal. Clean. Casual. Functional. Sharp. That’s my style. I don’t need loud brands or showy logos to feel confident. Being in shape, I don’t crave extra attention through clothing. I often see loud fashion as less about personal taste and more about flexing supposed wealth.

True wealth, the kind that doesn’t shout, has always done it differently. Those with old money don’t plaster themselves in other people’s brands. They wear well-constructed, beautifully tailored, quietly confident pieces that speak for themselves.

That’s the ethos I believe in. Confidence should radiate naturally, not through stitched-on labels.

I blend in when I want to. I stand out, paradoxically, by not trying to. A black t-shirt lets me move through different worlds. Boardrooms. Studios. Gyms. Without losing myself.

Reining It In (Or Not)
The rest of my wardrobe evolved the same way. Traveling through Southeast Asia sharpened my eye. Clothes needed to be versatile, lightweight, and enduring. Black became the natural answer.

I also realised how much clothing we accumulate and barely use. It is wasteful, financially and environmentally. That insight changed how I buy.

Today, I invest only in pieces that are built like tools. Engineered. Technical. Purposeful. Outdoor gear like Terrex by Adidas. Durable, functional warmth like The North Face. Pieces where every stitch has a reason and earns its keep.

My wardrobe today is deliberate, not accidental. Everything works together. Everything is used. Everything has a reason to be there.

That said, I do feel the occasional pull toward more colour. I used to mix it into sneakers, trousers (never denim), and hoodies. There is still room for evolution.

But when the dust settles, simplicity always calls me back.

The Bigger Picture
This was never really about clothes. It has always been about making life simpler, removing unnecessary choices, and focusing on the things that actually matter.

Wearing black makes my days easier. It saves energy for the work I care about. It keeps me consistent without feeling restricted.

It fits who I am, how I live, and how I work. And after all this time, I still wouldn’t change it.

Imposter Syndrome Doesn’t Resonate with Me

Imposter syndrome. It’s a term that’s everywhere in the design community. Many of my peers feel inadequate, even though they have clear talent and achievements. Yet, I don’t feel the same way. As a designer, I’ve never had that kind of insecurity. Sure, I worry about how my work will be received. After all, pouring your heart into a project and having it judged isn’t easy. But imposter syndrome? It’s a concept that doesn’t connect with me.

Embracing Confidence Over Doubt

Since the start of my career, I’ve always done my best with what I had. Whether people praised or criticised my work, I’ve been strong enough to handle it. I see challenges not as signs that I’m not good enough but as chances to grow. This way of thinking has protected me from the self-doubt that defines imposter syndrome.

Is It Nature or Nurture?

This makes me wonder: does my lack of imposter syndrome come from my upbringing? I don’t recall my single mum giving me special confidence to guard against these feelings. But she never put crazy pressure on me to overachieve. It’s interesting, especially since I’ve often felt disadvantaged in other aspects of life. I never learned much about money or networking, partly because I grew up in a poorer family that didn’t drink. Talking about money or being in social situations can be awkward for me, even though I was incredibly popular growing up.

The Paradox of Ease and Difficulty

It’s ironic that while the creative process feels natural to me, I struggle with what others might consider basic life skills. Dealing with finances or feeling comfortable at networking events doesn’t come easily. I can handle them, but I avoid them when possible. Perhaps because design feels so innate, I don’t question my place in the field. It’s the one area where I feel completely at home, free from the insecurities that plague me elsewhere.

Recognising Others’ Struggles

What’s puzzling is that I’ve known brilliant people who’ve achieved incredible things, yet they still suffer from imposter syndrome. It makes me wonder if my perspective is the exception rather than the rule. I used to think those who felt like imposters were simply in the wrong place, but clearly, it’s more complicated than that.

Understanding Without Experiencing

While I may not personally relate to imposter syndrome, I acknowledge that it’s a genuine and often debilitating experience for many. My journey has been different, shaped by factors I may not fully understand. Perhaps it’s a mix of upbringing, personal mindset, and the unique quirks that make us who we are. What I do know is that it’s important to create environments where everyone feels validated and supported, whether they struggle with self-doubt or, like me, navigate different challenges.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you relate to imposter syndrome, or have you found ways to overcome it?

People Over Profit

What’s very apparent is how a few people have profited and amassed so much personal wealth that is almost sickening given how many employees can barely afford healthcare, never mind the overwhelmingly high unemployment.

Wouldn’t it be better if companies are not allowed to pay shareholders profit unless they meet a year-on-year increase in employment to even out the playing field? I’m sure smarter people could work out a logical incentive for companies to rather employ people rather than be penalized for their excessive profits and the definition of being wealth becomes how many people do you employ instead of how much profit you make.

Make America Safe Again

In 2017 I bought a cap that seemed to get people’s attention, and once they read the copy, they would usually smile and give me a friendly nod. I was skeptical of a post-Obama government under Trump, and to this day I can’t believe he’s actually the US President.

Make America Skate Again

I probably don’t have a say, I was not born there, I cannot vote, I don’t pay taxes, well I have if you take into account city tax etc when I have visited my favorite city in the world. New York has been hit really hard, but then so has the rest of the country. But it seems to be more of an achievement than something to be concerned about by the government and it’s bothering me.

I truly avoid politics, both locally and abroad, and bite my tongue often as I’m simply not a politician. I watched this video earlier, and despite the very ‘Merican accent, I am glad to hear someone vocalise what I suspect the rest of the world feels about their president.

There honestly doesn’t seem to be a real threat to Trump though that will make people come to their senses, they seem caught up in being Republican or Democrat and you’re either one way or the other regardless of who ends up in the white house.

For all sorts of reason I love America, and it pains me to see the country in the state that it’s in. I know I’m not offering much in the way of conclusive wisdom, but I needed to just express that I am concerned as someone who lives in Africa, so maybe the people of the United States should start doing something about their America.

Let me just tell you, it’s not safe, not from Covid-19, it’s radicalism, racism, class, poverty, the environment, capitalism, consumerism, war machine, the president, the government etc. But let’s focus on just this one thing, the Global Pandemic. It’s not a race you want to be the leader of. I care a great deal about the friends I have, the people I admire and aspire to and the country as a whole. Please make America safe again.

The rebellious loner

I’m pretty much a loner, quite comfortable being on my own, and while I don’t, or even like doing everything by myself, I’m more comfortable than most being alone.

This pandemic has forced me to be alone, and I can admit that staying in, by myself can sometimes get a bit much. Now I’ve been out, I go grocery shopping about once a week, very constructively shop and before my anxiety gets out of control, I’m usually home again.

But I find myself wanting to go out, to see people, to not be alone. This contradicts my introverted anti-social tendencies. For those unaware, this in no way means I don’t interact with people, am not charming and able to be around people, I just choose not to. At least not at the same level as most other people.

There’s another side to me though, the rebel. I don’t like being told that I have to stay at home and I can only exercise at certain times and buy certain things. It makes me want to start a rebellion and be all anti-establishment.

But who am I fooling, I don’t actually want to be out there, I’m quite comfortable in my own space with my own company. But I do have empathy for those who need people and social interaction. If not for myself, then for you. I hope this passes soon and you can all get back to your Friday night drinks and attention-seeking. Otherwise, this loner might rebel for you.

Remote should be the norm

This pandemic has changed a lot of things, most obviously for those who can, working from home, remotely. People have embraced working at home, having meetings on zoom and this new way of working appears to be more productive.

While I can certainly understand a lot of this as someone who has worked from home for at least half of my career, it’s not without its challenges. But let’s not focus on that, let’s look at working remotely during and post-pandemic. The latter being something I’d recommend, and these are the reasons why.

  • Productivity is certainly up, so long as people manage the amount of time they’re working and don’t burn out, that’s a huge benefit.
  • It can give us more time in our day.
  • There’s less risk to your well being as you’re not exposed to as much crime, accidents, pandemics, and the likes.
  • Time saved not driving to work, never mind the frustration.
  • If you’re not driving to work, you could get a cheaper car, if not getting rid of it altogether.
  • Working when you want to work, more when you feel productive rather than having to be productive during office hours.
  • Time with your kids, helping them get ready for school, their homework, and actually watching them grow up.
  • Time with your partner.
  • Time to do things at a more convenient time. We have all tried to fit in going to the bank, grocery shopping, school sports, mowing the lawn, etc all on a Saturday morning as it’s the only time we have.
  • Relaxing in the comfort of your own home.
  • Less time and money spent on work clothes and as much grooming.
  • Cooking a healthier diet instead of junk from the canteen.
  • A pet in reach that wouldn’t annoy your colleagues with allergies.
  • Fewer distractions and bureaucracy.
  • Infrastructure cost reduction for your company.
  • The positive effects on the environment.

The list can go on and on. With a decent internet connection, a computer, and hopefully a dedicated space where you can be disciplined enough to do your work, you could be set up and ready to go. OF course not all work can be done this way and yes there are many good reasons to go into an, especially for those people who feed off the energy of others and read the room. There are pros and cons on either side of this, and ultimately you and your company can decide to do what’s best, but post-pandemic, I think it would be something to consider if it is better for you and positively impacts your employer.

Random thoughts during the pandemic

Since the pandemic started to really impact my life, sometime in March, despite how calmly I have tried to navigate my way, I can admit that it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. It really is hard to make sense of things and even harder to express this without sounding like you’re losing the plot. I have started a lot, but not finished all that much. So people really haven’t heard from me. It’s 4am, I’m wide awake, my head is full of random thoughts, so I thought I’d attempt to share them with you.

  • We have very few facts, this whole pandemic is a mess, filled with conspiracy theories and conflicting information.
  • I don’t want the virus to spread, so feel that the lockdown ended too soon.
  • I fear the economic impact this is having and believe that anyone who is younger than 60 years old, has no previous health issues and needs to go back to work, really should.
  • Remote work should become the new norm, pandemic or not, I think there are a lot of benefits to this (I’ll write a more detailed post).
  • It seems like a lot of businesses are not doing so well if a month or two in, they are already letting staff go.
  • Businesses should probably have a contingency plan/fund in place before they start paying out profit/bonuses.
  • I don’t know about other countries, but South Africa’s unemployment is high and not a problem I realised until now.
  • I try to trust the numbers as my guide, but I am concerned that the numbers are fudged due to dodgy practices within the medical industry.
  • Nurses do a lot of the really hard work while caring for patients and I can only hope they finally get recognised and rewarded for their efforts.
  • I have some gym equipment, but I miss going to the gym.
  • Some solid advice around exactly what supplements we should all be taking would really help, but there are too many opinions and not enough facts out there, I am aware we’re all unique, just wish I knew exactly who to talk to get my exact requirements.
  • I have started cooking more, although I still struggle to cook for myself.
  • I’m alright staying at home, but I don’t like being told that I have to.
  • A secluded self-sufficient farm would be ideal now.
  • I’d like to build more of a community with my friends going forward. I grew up within walking distance to most of my friends and truly miss that now.
  • Creating YouTube videos seems impossible at the moment, but it seems like it’s not just me, a lot of the creators I follow have stopped releasing content.
  • I have not learned a new language, written a book, or baked sour dow bread yet.
  • The Covid-19 swab test looks horribly uncomfortable.
  • The environment seems to be benefitting from the pandemic.
  • I have not filled my car up with petrol since the lockdown began, but my battery has died, so can’t drive my car anyway.
  • As someone who has paid tax, I cannot personally see a lot of benefits.
  • I miss spending time with my son.
  • Ecommerce and online education need prioritising and are huge opportunities.
  • Surprised that I don’t miss coffee nearly as much as I thought I would.
  • I spend more time on Twitter these days than any other social media.
  • TikTok doesn’t appear to be slowing down, think it might really be benefitting.
  • Think there needs to be more social media distancing.
  • I still can’t believe Trump is the President of the United States.
  • Watched UFC 249 over the weekend, it was the first live event with no audience in attendance and I’m not sure how I feel about it.
  • I try not to generalise, especially about people, so I have learned to add the word ‘some’ before making statements that might offend some people.
  • Presidents, CEO’s and celebrities should probably not be allowed to tweet, it should be managed professionally.
  • Covid-19 conspiracies aside, ignoring the financial meltdown, does it seem like we’re closer than ever to World War III?
  • My sleep is a mess.
  • I can hardly take care of myself anymore, yet I constantly feel like I could be doing more to help others.
  • After finally feeling like I’d reached a level of success in my career, I now find myself struggling to find work and this pandemic has done nothing to help the situation.
  • Still confused as to why the Pentagon released a video confirming UFO’s and no one is really talking about it.
  • Inspired by the people who are still trying to stay positive through the pandemic.
  • The crazies are out.
  • Don’t think the world will ever be the same after this, despite how many people seem to want to go back to the way things were.
  • Glad I don’t drink, smoke, or do anything else that has addictive dependencies.
  • Still haven’t started a podcast, but really should.
  • Things are changing all the time.
  • I’m conflicted about billionaires, capitalism and the 1%.
  • I think people are going to have a greater appreciation for eating out after this.
  • Got to get used to uncertainty.
  • Two years ago this time I was in New York & London, two of the last places on earth I’d like to be right now.
  • I think things are going to get worse.
  • I also think we’re in this for the next couple of years.
  • The nice thing about having your own website is that you can’t be demonetised or your content removed like I’m hearing about from some creators.
  • Is it winter yet?
  • It makes me sad thinking about how many people are suffering.
  • There doesn’t seem to be a lot of new TV & movies being released.
  • We need a cure for this virus.
  • In half an hour, I’m allowed to go exercise. I intend on walking to get a coffee.

I could go on endlessly, my head is spinning. Oddly, I’m good, I think …

Just Pause

Like many countries out there, we are currently in a 21 Day Lockdown as a response by our government to try to reduce to spreading of the Corona Virus.

I read a lot of encouraging posts online telling people to write that book, learn a new language and start those projects. It’s not terrible advice, but I do feel it might go against what I believe the universe is trying to tell us to do.

In our fast-paced, capitalist, hustle culture, we have destroyed the earth, literally destroying our own environment, become completely disconnected from one another, destroying a healthy culture and have very little humanity left.

Perhaps we should listen to mother nature when she’s caused us to literally shut down. While there are times of the year where our culture enjoys some holidays, this isn’t nearly as relaxing as we probably need, given the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

I’d encourage you to take advantage of the lockdown. Sleep late. Read a book. Think deep thoughts. Connect with your family. While some people will still need to work from home, your weekends will be much quieter not running around trying to squeeze your life into the 2 days. Enjoy it, take the break, literally don’t do anything. Honestly, when last did you do absolutely nothing?

Can you even … just pause.