Home Check-In: Najm Loyd
Published:May 19, 2020
Tell us a little bit about yourself…
I’m Najm Loyd (Steelojeem), a creative, fashion/sneaker enthusiast, photographer, and stylist. I’m also a foodie, anime nerd, music junkie, dog/cat dad to Chance and Darby, gamer, and an overall student of life. I specialize in creating content for brands. So, anything from product photography to visual look-books is my specialty. I also am apart of a creative production house, Loyd Visuals, where we do full-service video production and brand strategy for companies and nonprofit organizations.
What has been your daily quarantine routine?
Honestly, my quarantine daily routine varies. I'm currently getting more structured this week since our office space opened back up. But usually, each day always starts with me waking up around 9am, feeding the pets then taking my dog for his morning walk. Then, I proceed to make some breakfast or grab a cup of coffee for me and my lady. Then it's time to bust open the laptop, check emails, and take care of any other work-related things. I’ve been working on this photography project for a client for the past month and a half so that has given me the opportunity to shoot different products around my place and get creative on how I style and set up various backgrounds. I also try to get a daily 2-mile run every day if weather permits and do some in-home workouts. Other domesticated tasks include grocery runs, which I actually look forward too.
What creative activities have kept you busy during quarantine?
Content-wise, I have been really interested in making stop motion visuals. It’s kind of like my new hobby to experiment with. It takes a good amount of time to create and edit, but the outcome is definitely worth it. Besides creating, I’ve been enjoying spending quality time inside with my lady and my two pets. This quarantine has also given me extra time to dust off my Nintendo Switch and get some gameplay in, (Currently playing Fire Emblem: Three Houses)- highly recommend it. Other activities include me taking a cruise around the city and just vibing out to some music.
What kind of food have you been cooking?
The dishwasher has definitely been getting that work in ever since we’ve been at home. For breakfast, it's usual eggs and turkey bacon or cereal. For lunch and dinner, I’ve been making a bit of everything, spaghetti, hibachi chicken and veggies, or baked fish with rice and veggies. Usually, my go-to meal is a form of protein, rice, and veggies. Also, the frozen food aisle at Trader Joe's never misses. Been heavy on their salmon gyozas and fettuccine alfredo. Throughout the day I also make fruit smoothies with strawberries, bananas, mangos, blueberries, peaches, and pineapples.
Any advice to someone who is having a hard time being productive?
Don’t stress yourself out about not being the “best version of yourself” just yet, but also don’t make it a point to not get anything accomplished for your personal goals while we have this downtime. It has to be a balance, at least for me. I’m a visual learner so writing my “To-Do List” in my notes app helps me stay on top of my weekly and daily tasks. You can also switch up your routine each day so it’s not the same old thing. Try to have maybe 4-5 days out the week where you’re grinding, being productive, or learning a new skill set. Then the other 2-3 days find time to relax and do leisurely activities that are going to refuel you for the week ahead. Ultimately, you know how you operate and how you get motivated. Don’t be afraid to try new methods of “working” to better yourself. I think as long as you’re well balanced and have a schedule of tasks you are set out to accomplish each week- then your good to go. Also, don’t shy away from asking for help. Whether it be a co-worker, close friend, spouse, family member, or even social media connection. Reach out, communicate, and gain some insights from a different perspective. We’re all in this together!
What are you currently watching/listening to? (Movies, Podcast, Music)
Game of Thrones! I know I’m late to the party but I’m on season 4 now and it’s getting real. Also currently watching Insecure and The Last Dance as the episodes roll out each week. Sadly, I have to wait for the next season of My Hero Academia to come out; but in the meantime, I might catch up on some Boruto episodes. I’ve been finding niche anime to binge-watch as well such as Demon Slayer and Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato. Music-wise I'm currently bumping some Drake, Partynextdoor, Dvsn, Don Toliver, 88Glam, Lucky Daye, Justin Beiber, Saint Jhn, Moonchild, Santi, Kaytranada and Knxwledge. The list could go on and on, but those are my current jams.