We know and love Aidan Gifkins as Aidan ‘Graphkins’, our ever-reliable infographic guru.
He brings a much-valued eye for detail to the team, along with a love of new tech and an endless supply of groan-worthy dad jokes. He shares a few things about himself as part of our #2minuteswithcoretext series.
Describe your job
I create most of the graphs and infographics, long-form documents and reports for Coretext’s clients, mainly the GRDC, and I am the administrator of the GRDC image library.
How long have you worked at Coretext?
I have a long-standing relationship with Coretext, from its early days. Initially I was an employee from 2007 to 2009’ish. Now I provide services as a contractor.
Best aspect of your job?
Working with creative, imaginative people.
Tell us about the photo you’ve provided.
When I was about 7 or 8 years old, I inherited a complete collection of “Biggles” books. They seem a bit dated now however reading them as a young boy (after bedtime, under the sheets, with a torch) instilled a love of both aeroplanes and travel. I brought a small selection of them to Australia with me to share with my kids and grandkids. “Biggles in the South Seas" is one of them.
Where were you born?
I was born in Stevenage, UK.
I have a talent for:
Conversation. I always try to learn some vocabulary or phrases to have a simple conversation in whatever country we may be visiting. I believe it shows some respect for the local people, their country and culture.
Favourite musician/artist:
David Bowie. Salvador Dali. “Gonzo” artist Ralph Steadman is also up there.
When I was a child I wanted to be:
A pilot. I have accumulated a few “actual” pilot hours over the years, take-offs, landings and a cross-country flight – although most of my flight hours have been on the flight simulator on my laptop.
The weirdest thing I’ve eaten is:
On a recent trip to Japan we tried chicken fallopian tubes. They were a little chewy however they were served in a delicious gravy/sauce and we polished them all off.
The scariest thing I’ve done:
I was a passenger in an aerobatic display. At the bottom of a loop, only a few hundred feet above the ground, we pulled about 7G’s (7x normal gravity). I had complete faith in the pilot but the adrenaline was pumping and it was both scary and thrilling at the same time.
In my spare time:
My wife and I enjoy travel. We met traveling and share that love so we try to do at least one trip to somewhere new, every year. I enjoy creating fine art and have tried my hand at a variety of mediums – pencil, pen and ink, oil pastel, oil paint. I also play guitar and dabble in computer programming.
I admire the ability to:
Be an entrepreneur and manage people. I have tried a few times and failed admirably. Now I embrace my ability to be a good, understanding support player rather than try to be a terrible leader.