The Pixel Questionnaire: Carlos Velasco

Words by NJI
Published January 28, 2022
Last Updated July 10, 2024

Our Chief Panda Officer, always near the genesis of an inspired idea (or cocktail), often recalls Marcel Proust’s wit for answering Victorian parlor game questions. Pixel has traveled far from the salons of Paris, but her interest remains piqued in which questions truly reflect a person’s character. Packing just the right amount of punch, NJI created The Pixel Questionnaire to give a glimpse into the inner workings of some of our most intriguing minds.

Pixel challenged Operations Manager Carlos Velasco to a high-stakes Mario Kart tournament — winner takes the last Arnold Palmer in the snack fridge. After breaking a sweat, the two plopped down on the couch in our HQ Office to chat about what drives the passion of this ever-curious panda.

If you had a superpower?

100% to be able to fly. I’ve always been jealous of birds even though I’ve had a terrible experience with them (a bird flew into my face when I was driving once, but that’s a story for another time).

On what occasions do you lie?

Only when I’m really tired or ready to go to sleep.

Your most treasured possession?

My Nintendo Switch.

What would you do if you got stuck in an elevator?

Most likely freak out. I’ve seen one too many horror movies where that is exactly the plot; I know where this is headed.

If not yourself, who would you be?

Maybe Christina Aguilera. I’ve always wanted to wake up belting a song and have it sound god-like.

What is your favorite drink?

A chilled Arnold Palmer.

If you could go back in time, where would you go?

When I first moved to the East Coast in January 2020; it had a strong main character-type of energy.

If a movie were made about your career, what would be the title?

(RuPaul voice) “You Betta Werk.”

Garden gnomes — what do you think?

Low-key creepy. I don’t trust them.

You’ve been given an elephant. What do you do?

Hug it all day, every day.

What one object do you take with you on a desert island (you have water and food already)?

Solar-powered Nintendo Switch.

What was the last gift you got someone?

Super Smash Bros. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

What is your most unusual talent?

I recently discovered I can do a Kermit the Frog voice.

If you could breed two animals together, what would they be?

An otter and a monkey. I would laugh so hard.

If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Orange chicken.

Do you have any superstitions?

Anything to do with trying to contact “the other side.” I’m good on this side.

What is something you hate but wish you loved?

The Sex & the City reboot. It’s just not the same without Samantha.

What is something you get wrong every time you try?

Geography. Up until last year I thought Peru was in Italy.

Who would you like to sit next to on a 10-hour flight?

Adele. She seems like so much fun.

If you joined the circus, what would your circus act be?

Performing Circus by Britney Spears.

If you could jump into a pool of something, what would it be?

Pugs and Frenchies.

If you could talk to one species of animal, which one would it be?

Birds. I need to know what they’re thinking.

Who inspires you?

Olivia Pope of the hit TV show Scandal.

What’s the greatest length you’ve gone to for a client?

Technically the office is my client, and one day it was joked that I should source a cutting board that had an ashtray, and me, not realizing it was a joke, already had a mood board of options to choose from.

If NJI were a television show or movie, what would it be?

Selling Sunset. We kill the game.

Want to work with fun innovators like Carlos Velasco? Explore our open positions today.