Lunch Break Lessons: How Small Habits Shape Creative Careers
I saw a link to an article from a colleague the other day that reminded me of the power of simple habits, and how they can shape the trajectory of your creative career.
I first met Dylan Coburn many years ago while working on the animated series Sherwood in Auckland. Dylan was the storyboard lead, and I was the previs supervisor. It was a pleasure to work with his boards: they were wonderfully crafted, clearly staged, and full of dynamic action. We didn’t get many chances to chat during production, but one lunchtime, it just happened.
For me, the lunch break is a vital time. It’s a moment to step away from the screen, give your brain a rest from focused work, and get to know the people you’re working with. That time is precious and deliberate. On that project, we had a one-hour break, and I made the most of it—to decompress and to connect with the team. After hours, everyone goes their own way, but during that shared break, there’s a unique opportunity to build meaningful connections.
One day, I ran into Dylan as I was heading out for a late lunch. He mentioned that he didn’t usually join the main lunch crowd, so this was a rare opportunity to talk.
What stuck with me from our conversation was that even during his downtime, Dylan said he would use that time to work on scripts and develop stories. He would always have a pocket book on him to write down ideas and work out sketches. Reading about Dylan’s ‘Pocket Screenplay’ reminded me of that.
It made me reflect on priorities. How we use the small slices of time we get each day says a lot about who we are. What we focus on will expand. At the time, it was my first role as a supervisor, in a new city, with a team I hadn’t worked with before. I was focused on team building, trying to create cohesion and culture. And it was because of that mindset that I got to connect with Dylan and see firsthand his passion for storytelling.
Since then, I’ve followed his career closely. I’m constantly inspired by the projects he shares, the worlds he helps build, and the impact he’s made through dedication, creativity, and craft.
My geeky fanboy moment? Learning he co-authored a children’s book with The Young Bucks (yes, the wrestling tag team!)—as a long-time wrestling nerd, this one absolutely popped me: 👉 Young Bucks: Stand Tall
You can check out the full article from his latest book project here. (https://www.writerslifemag.com/single-post/exclusive-interview-with-author-dylan-coburn)