Photography by Derek Perlman

Aidan Cullen

PHOTOGRAPHER, FILMMAKER, AND CO-FOUNDER OF NOVA

WHAT IS YOUR CALLING CARD?

It might be my ability to bring people together.

WHAT’S SOMETHING PEOPLE GET WRONG ABOUT YOU?

A few people have met me in the last few months and said, “Damn you’re actually super nice. I thought you would be really intimidating.” Also a few people lately have said, “You’re a lot taller than I thought.” Maybe those two play off of each other.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS YOUR BIGGEST CONTRIBUTION TO CULTURE?

NOVA. I genuinely think we could really disrupt the freelance space and change the landscape of it forever…

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SURPRISED YOURSELF IN YOUR WORK?

Probably this month. I tried to practice adding a bit more structure in my life. I’ve been eating way healthier, I’ve been walking four miles a day, and I’ve been sleeping at least seven hours a night. I’m honestly surprised I’ve stuck with this regimen.

““My brain always has 42 tabs open. I have so many ideas, which is great sometimes, and not great other times. I hate hearing that things ‘can’t be done.’””

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?

I’m very laid-back, but I love working on a million things at once. My brain always has 42 tabs open. I have so many ideas, which is great sometimes, and not great other times. I hate hearing that things “can’t be done.”

WHAT’S ONE BOOK, WORK OF ART, ALBUM, OR FILM THAT GOT YOU THROUGH AN IMPORTANT MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE?

Book: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Work of art: “Twilight,” a photo series by Gregory Crewdson. Album: Channel Orange by Frank Ocean. TV show: Peaky Blinders. Movie: Superbad.

NAME AN INFLUENCE OF YOURS THAT MIGHT SURPRISE PEOPLE.

Kobe Bryant. I was always obsessed with his work ethic and tenacity.

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