Barkley writer Dorado Quick talks creativity, Donald Glover, good vs. great, being the Batman and more in The Pitch questionnaire

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Name: Dorado Quick

Occupation: Writer, at Barkley

Hometown: Inglewood, California

Current neighborhood: Downtown Kansas City

What I do: I turn chicken scratch into ideas, ideas into concepts, and concepts into stories that breathe life into brands and their communities.

What’s your addiction? Graphic novels and comic books. They’re the best forms of storytelling I’ve ever encountered.

What’s your game? Batman Arkham Knight (PlayStation 4). When Gotham needs saving, I am the Batman.

Where’s dinner? My godfather always says you can never go wrong with Gates Bar-B-Q.

What’s on your KC postcard? Up-Down. It’s every grown-up gamer’s paradise. Cheers.

Finish this sentence: “In five years, I’ll be …” A senior writer and an artist for educational and cultural enrichment.

“I always laugh at …” NBC’s Community starring Donald Glover and Danny Pudi. “Troy and Abed in the morning,” #6seasonsandamovie

“I’ve been known to binge-watch …” The Office over and over again. It’s one of the funniest and cross-culturally relevant shows ever written.

“I can’t stop listening to …” Greatness is upon you by Eric Thomas. It’s a free motivational mixtape that inspires listeners to conquer their fears and pursue success.

“My dream concert lineup is …” Super Duper Kyle, Kehlani, Dom Kennedy, Childish Gambino and Kendrick Lamar.

“I just read …” The Secret to Success: When You Want to Succeed as Bad as You Want to Breathe by Eric Thomas.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure? A double-cheeseburger combo with a vanilla shake from Town Topic.

The best advice I ever got: Good is the enemy of great, Mark Fenske. It changed the way I approach life.

Worst advice: As a child, I was told I’d never make a living being creative. Insert Jack Nicholson laugh here.

My sidekick: Siri. She’s with me wherever I go.

What is your spirit animal? A cheetah. You can’t teach speed, and speed kills.

Who is your hero? Writer, actor, comedian and musical artist Donald Glover. Donald showed the world that nerdy, artsy creative kids like me could have a voice, too.

What is your nemesis? Complacency. The complacency of good is my nemesis; good is the enemy of great. I don’t want to make good work; I want to make great work. Great work has the power to make the world a better place.

What’s your greatest struggle right now? Learning how to doubt my doubts. I’ve spoken to students across the country about believing in themselves and pursuing their dreams. It’s time I follow my own advice.

My favorite toy as a child: The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’ Morpher with the Green Ranger’s Dragonzord Coin. Jason David Frank was an awesome role model.

My dating triumph/tragedy: Staying true to myself. It’s a double-edged sword of happiness and heartache.

My brush with fame: I haven’t had my brush with fame yet. If I work hard enough one day, I’ll have my break and I’ll use that opportunity to make the world a better place.

My soapbox: Teaching children to dream big. Every year, I volunteer to lecture or participate on panels about the importance of education and dream attainment.

What was the last thing you had to apologize for? Following my heart.

Who’s sorry now? Man, that’s a long list. I’d rather focus on thanking God, my grad school professors Brian Brown, Berwyn Hung, Peter Coughter and my mentor Howard Jordan.

My recent triumph: ADCOLOR Future’s Class of 2015, Top 30 Creatives. It was one of the most enlightening and encouraging experiences of my life. It was an honor to be listed with a group composed of the best up-and-coming talent our country has to offer. Hopefully, I helped put Kansas City on the radar. 

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