Leaving my creative bubble to give you an idea of why I am so passionate about the visual arts, how I work and how this links to you and your projects!
What is it that you do?
As a Visual Artist I'm doing visual branding for artists and brands - meaning I help them represent themselves, their product or brand with photos, artwork and other promotional visuals. Projects I work on can span across the whole spectrum from conception to photography to artwork or focus on just one of these services. I create unique visuals that can be used for anything ranging from album covers to social media graphics. My visual work approach revolves a lot around using different textures and layers to create mixed-media visuals.
What does visual art mean to you?
It's a way to tell stories and transmit emotions - but most importantly, to express myself. Therefore, it's part of my dailylife whether it's when I subconsciously collect visual ideas and references during a walk or actively work on a project.
How did you get into creating?
Growing up, I always was the creative kid and ultimately that was my outlet to express myself from early on. Acting, painting, sewing, singing - you name it. When I was younger I took some photos here and there but mainly of buildings or scenery - it never fully intrigued me. It was only when I took photos of a model for the first time that there was a spark and I could see how I could merge my creative ambitions and passions and channel it through creating with someone else.
What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
Working with others on creating something. What makes interactions like these my favourite is that we can create extensive creative concepts by combining all of our expertise. At the end of a project you can truly see the fulfilment, relief and pride of everyone involved.
What kind of equipment do you use?
My answer to that will forever change as my equipment changes. My go to is a Canon EOS 250D with a Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. For me personally, it's the perfect match that I don't need to switch out since I can shoot closeup portraits as well as full-body shots with the same setup. In terms of the camera body, I love the simple user interface, moveable display and that it's quite a compact camera when looking at size and weight.
Whose work has influenced you?
That's an interesting one because I am only just starting to consciously explore different artists and their work from an artist's perspective. That's because it was important to me to experiment and find my own style, as much as possible, first. It's difficult to find the balance between being influenced and overwhelmed sometimes. But I am a big fan of Campbell Addy, Lou Escobar, Cho Gi Seok and Nikolai von Bismarck.
What motivates you?
Every single time I receive positive feedback from clients, get the chance to attend cool events, meet inspiring people inthe industry and get asked to work on avant-garde projects. When I think about it, it is really just about receiving something in return for all the work you put in because it is definitely not a given and to be able to level up in the long run. In my opinion, it's also important to do your part, aside from putting out great work, by actively looking for what motivates you and adding it to your life. For example, I really enjoy events and seeing Nikolai von Bismarck talk about the process behind and the photography from the Dior sessions with Kim Jones at the V&A after opening hours was so motivating!
What's the most difficult part of being a visual artist?
Pressure - financially and creatively - and I'm sure that goes for almost every creative ever. No matter if it is brought upon you by yourself or external forces, it's stressful. That's when I try to disconnect creating from having to post online and making money because it can easily hinder the process of actually creating.
Are there any practices in your field you might not agree with or other issues?
Without diving too deep into each of those: limited access, discrimination, pay and numbers. There are great initiatives for some of these issues and people are speaking up more and more about it. But I still see others and myself experienceissues gaining access to certain parts in the industry that would take our career to the next level, beauty standards that limit and discriminate specific groups, pay that doesn't match anyone's living costs but especially not all the hard work and companies and people being so focused on social media and the numbers on there that these become additional entry barriers for emerging talents.
What is the most rewarding part of being a Visual Artist?