Name: Dana Cooper
Position: Illustrator / Designer
Year started: 1987
What was your first job for The Bermudian?
I created a series of Fashion illustrations for Kevin Stevenson back in 1987.
Last thought before you get to work in the morning?
“Where are my glasses?”
Favourite part of the job?
Problem solving, brainstorming, coming up with ideas and making them come to life.
Worst part of the job?
Deadlines! Everything speeds up as you get closer to the date.
What is one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you?
I can speak Mandarin Chinese – Ni hao?
What was your first job ever?
Salesperson at A.S.Coopers. I loved it and learned a lot about customer service and retail.
What was your career ambition as a child?
I didn’t have one thing in mind, I know I wanted to be successful. Apparently, according to my older sister, I wanted to be a nurse!
What type of student were you?
Earnest, mischievous and chatty!
Who was the most influential person in your life?
It’s hard to single out one person. Of course initially my parents, but I would say one was Henry Wolf who was a teacher at Parsons. He was an Austrian-born American graphic designer, photographer and art director best known for his art direction of Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar, and other magazines in the 1950s and ’60s.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
To listen.
What can you not live without?
My glasses and BB.
What are you best known for?
I think my illustrations and design.
Do you have a nickname?
Coops, Coopie, Dainsie.
What’s your best day?
When everything goes well and I can actually relax.
If you had the political power, what would you do to improve Bermuda right now?
Increase education to the level where no one is left behind, and provide more financial aid to local students. I would make sure Bermuda was a ‘number one’ destination for tourists and the international business sector.
What is your pick for BEST:
Restaurant: I love all of them.
Coffee shop: Ditto.
Sweet treat: Profiteroles at Portifinos
Politician: Obama
Local hotspot: Anywhere in Bermuda with a group of good friends
Local tradition: Cup Match
Local fare: Brunch at Hamilton Princess
Local character: Johnny Barnes
Beach: All of South Shore, the views are stunning at any time, any day.
Deal in Bermuda: Openings and events at local galleries all year long.
Thing about living in Bermuda: The outdoors, the water, the beaches, the people and the serenity, I love it.
