Brad J. Cleary (33 years old)

Where do you work?

I work as a Creative Director for fashion, film, live shows, live events and advertising. I am mainly booked by two agencies in Berlin and an agency in Cologne. This means that I design and direct shows and events hand in hand with musicians, makeup artists, choreographers and dancers. For the most part, this phase takes place in Berlin before we travel the world as a team with the final show. I am also the first "Magic Consultant" in the world. I create magic shows coupled with dance and music for Jan Rouven in Las Vegas, for instance. We have been working together for twelve years – which I am very proud of.

Why Berlin?

Because I fell in love with Berlin. I was born in South Africa and grew up in Australia. I have worked in the United States, Mexico, Japan and France. In 2007, I came to Berlin for the first time on business and was immediately swept away. I was only here for two weeks and was so in love that I moved directly to Berlin one month later. My first job was Creative Director for the live shows at Tropical Island, a water park near Berlin.

What do you love about Berlin?

Here, everyone has a place, everyone here is free. Whether you're managing a big company or you're a bartender, musician or salesman – everyone from everywhere comes together in Berlin. Berlin is not a city to me, Berlin is an attitude towards life. I am at home here. In Berlin, you meet inspiring people and experience inspiring things – there are no limits. You can be whoever you want, whenever you want.

Who or what helped you when you first came to Berlin?

When I came to Berlin, I quickly got to know new people, especially one friend who is now my best friend. He helped me a lot. I stayed at his place at first. He supported me and through him I met other people through whom I met yet more people. My Berlin friends are my family. But, most of all, the city has given me strength. Berlin is motivating, strengthening and liberates unfamiliar energies.

If you could give a new Berlin resident a tip, what would it be?

Be patient and have your own experiences! Don't expect everything to be easy when you first get here. The first year in a new city is always hard. Be prepared for that! You can come to Berlin with great expectations, but don't expect them to be immediately fulfilled. Create your own life and find your own place in this city. Berlin's arms are wide open. Make something of it!