Anita Joh, thinking again

This month in Après Diaries, we're sinking deeply into every discipline of Anita Joh.

An independent publisher, researcher and printophile, Anita creates for those who want to know a little, learn a lot, and understand it all.

Stay awhile, listen carefully.

 

Where is home for you? 

I’ve always moved around a lot and found “home” in various places… home is wherever my friends and family are. 

 

What do you want to be when you grow up? 

Someone who keeps trying new things. 

 

 

 

Are you more inspired by people or places? Why? 

People. I could be anywhere in the world and without meaningful connections, I think I would be bored. 

 

Do you believe in astrology? Either way, what's your star sign? 

I believe in patterns and finding meaning in them. I’m Virgo! 

 

 

 

 

Still or sparkling water? 

My default is still. If I have a tummy ache, sparkling. 

 

What never fails to make you excited? 

Waiting for the food to come out at a restaurant and seeing the server with our dishes. 

 

 

 

 

What trait/s do your favourite people share? 

Loyalty, honesty and a desire to live life to its fullest.

 

What are your favourite scents? 

The smell of the concrete sidewalk after it rains. Roasted garlic. Hugging a friend after they’ve had an “everything shower”. 

 

 

 

 

Do you like feeling nostalgic? Why/why not? 

Nostalgia is proof of living. It’s a nice reminder to keep going and make new memories. 

 

Where do you feel most calm, outside of your home? 

Walking or driving somewhere that I don’t need directions for. 

 

 

 

 

Do you enjoy the process of learning? Why/why not? 

Yes, I love the challenge of figuring something out. 

 

What do you do when you need to feel creatively stirred, a little energised? 

Do something else and come back to it later. Maybe go for a walk, grab coffee with a friend or call someone I haven’t talked to in a while. 

 

 

 

 

Which piece of literature do you have the most lasting affinity for? 

One of my favorite books is How to Write an Autobiographical Novel by Alexander Chee. 

 

Death row meal? 

Sushi omakase. 

 

 

Any guilty pleasures? Do you even feel guilty about pleasure? 

I try not to mix guilt with pleasure… it’s the small things. Paying for seat selection on a flight, ordering everything you want off the menu, binge-watching Love Island.

 

What’s the best item you’ve purchased this past year? 

I found the perfect pair of jeans on Facebook marketplace. It was a find filled with moments of luck. The seller lived in the building beside mine so the meet up was really easy. The jeans had been altered by a previous owner but they fit me perfectly. The perfect jeans, the easiest pick up and a great fit. 

 

 

 

 

Please make us a playlist big or small that sounds a little bit like your answers! We would love to spend the month revelling in the soundscape of you.