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, 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 buildingsor scenery, that never really 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 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?
The positive feedback I receive from clients really is the finishing touch! But I also appreciate the fun times I have with the team on set and the positive work environment that I contribute to. All of that ultimately results in beautiful results. You would be surprised but I know that I am not the only photographer that is sometimes still nervous during shoots and then excited about how the photos turned out.
What are your career goals?
While there are definitely a few people and companies I want to work with, I'm more focused on my overall vision. I'm striving for: Having a set base in a city with my own studio while also having the freedom to travel, working on exciting projects with other creatives, meeting new people all the time and simply enjoying life creating stuff. If I get to, for example, shoot for Vivienne Westwood on the way then that would be an absolute dream, obvs!
What are upcoming projects and plans you have?
I have editorial and commercial projects in the pipeline as well as some exciting travel plans that might turn into long-term stays. Thanks to COVID-19, I've been rethinking and strategising my actions to fit the bigger picture. So, the focusis on business and creativity - expanding my income streams and level up with the content I put out. Once everything calms down, I will most definitely move to be able to travel more and upscale the projects I work on while expanding my network. As you can tell there is a lot ahead and I can't wait to show all of that!
I hope this blog post gave you a better idea of who I am both as a person and as a Visual Artist. Given I mostly operate behind the scenes, it's important to me that potential clients and others know that working with me is more than just a transaction. There is a person with a true passion behind all of this.
So, are you ready to bring your creative vision to life?
Email me: hello@inamoana.com
Feel free to check out these interviews as well
For more updates: @ina_moana
If you liked this post you can feel free to share it with your network :)
