I’ve always been curious about other creatives... their practices, daily rituals, what makes them tick, and how they chart their path. This series is a space to slow down and go below the surface. So pour a cup of tea (or coffee) and enjoy a little slow conversation with our guest, Hudson Moore, Associate Decoration & Design Director at FREDERIC magazine. As of this posting, Hudson's book 'At Home in Nature' with Phaidon Press, is now out for pre-orders. 

What is one ritual that anchors your day, no matter how busy it gets?

I wish I had an amazing answer to this, I probably need to find some rituals. But, I've recently started swimming, and I've found it to be so meditative. Being in the pool with my head underwater is one of the quietest, most peaceful places I've found in NYC.

What does “productive” mean to you now compared to earlier in your life?

I used to think "productive" just meant more, but I ended up doing a half job on everything. Now, Less things = better work. 

Are there materials, textures, or objects that make you feel more grounded?

I am a huge cotton guy: cotton tees, cotton sheets, cotton towels. It's most comfortable to me, puts me at ease. 

Burnout is a real thing in our industry. What helps you return to yourself when life feels rushed? Are there any activities/hobbies you pursue to keep you grounded and fresh in the game?

It sounds so cliche, but I often turn my phone OFF. There is entirely too much information (and inspiration and product launches and historic references) available to us. I think it's very, very important to be well-studied and well-informed, but as creatives, we have to turn inside and find inspiration there, too. 

Is tea part of your life? Is there a favorite tea?

Thinking about it, I should be drinking tea more!! There's a hot cinnamon spice tea from Harney & Sons that I love. 

Describe your ideal "slow down space."

A white room with a giant window facing a beautiful field. Clean-lined, Danish and Belgian furniture and a wood-burning fireplace roaring.

As creatives, we get excited about new ideas... how do you choose which one(s) to focus on?

I have a couple trusted friends that I bounce ideas off of often. If they don't land there, then I abandon them. There are several a day!

Tell us about your position with Frederic... how did this come about? what's one challenge you face? what are you planning, hoping to create at Frederic that doesn't already exist? 

I feel so lucky to be at FREDERIC. I started working with our editor in chief, Dara Caponigro, when I was 19, and she's taught me everything I know about the industry and being an editor/stylist. 10 years in, I find myself challenged by all the social pressures of being an editor (I'm really quite introverted!), but that's also one of the most fun parts. As to our goals with FREDERIC, I think we're really committed to championing young design talent and digging up design history from the past to help educate and inform (and really focus on authentic, good design). 

Tell us about your other career endeavors at this point... styling, direction etc. or are you only devoting time to Frederic at the moment?