Adland Rockstars: Hanif Kureshi

This week's Adland Rockstar is Hanif Kureshi, senior creative, W+K.

Why did you get into advertising?
I joined an arts college to become a professional roadside painter. But during my course, I interned at an advertising agency and loved the experience. I thought it was quite an easy place to be in, where you could go out for long beer lunches and shady parties, which at that time I thought was cool!
 
One thing you love about your job?
Someone actually pays you for doing what you want to do.
 
One thing you hate about your job?
Conference calls. I hate them because you never know what the person at the other end is really thinking and every call takes forever - especially when you're dealing with people abroad.

One person in advertising you'd like to have dinner with?
David Droga.

If not an advertising guy, what would you have been?
I'd have been a roadside painter.
 
One person outside advertising you'd like to have dinner with.
Erik Spiekermann. He famously said, "Other people look at bottles of wine or girl's bottoms. I just get kicks out of looking at type. It's a little worrying, I must admit." I have a similar obsession.
 
One seemingly bizarre idea you'd like to execute?
It's not particularly bizarre, but I'd like to redesign the Indian currency notes.
 
One campaign you wish you'd done?
The Tap Project and Design Barcode.