What is your artist background?
I have been working as a product photographer for going on 10 years now. I have a strong focus on food and beverage as I love to cook (and eat). I create sets and style all my own scenes which is like creating a little world for the products to sit in, this is my favourite part of the process. I love the story telling aspect of product photography too and getting to use my imagination to think out side the box and come up with creative ways to bring a brands imagery to life.
When did you start doing your art?
I started working on styling images for my own personal Instagram account in 2015 and client work followed soon after that.
When did you start your entrepreneur journey?
I left my last place of employment 2013 and I had no idea what I was going to do next. I tried a couple of other things that never really took off and then I started getting into Instagram, I loved creating unique images that were more than just a quick snap of some food or a cat photo (not that I don’t love a cute cat photo!) I had the feeling this service would be useful for brands but no one else was really doing it at that time. I started reaching out to brands and got a really good response, things totally snowballed from there and I got very busy. I hadn’t really set out to start a photography business but it was clear that it was something people wanted and I loved doing it so I started what was then called Revised Edition back in 2015.
How do you describe your artwork style?
Colourful, bold, playful and graphic
Have you always done your field of art or was there other types of art that you have done? If so, what types?
Food was the first way I found to really be creative; I have always cooked from a young age. When I left school, I trained to be a chef and worked in kitchens for a number of years. I still love to cook and create with food which made food and beverage an obvious subject for my photography when I was starting out and to this day. Personally I love to experiment with lots of other styles, painting, drawing, colouring, diy, and floral arranging.
What is the best/ideal environment for you when creating your artwork?
I have really started to outgrow the space that I currently work in (our spare bedroom) I would love a much bigger space where I had the ability to spread out more. My current space it quite dark, I would love something lighter and brighter – I used to work outside a lot in a sunlight which I loved. I have to have music playing when I am working, I love hip hop/RnB/Pop and definitely something I can sing to while I work. I like my space to be quite tidy and organised I feel like clutter in a creative space makes my mind feel cluttered that effects my ability to be fully creative.
Who is your hero? / Who do you admire the most? And why?
I don’t have one single person I’d call a hero. The people I admire most change depending on the season I’m in, the work I’m creating, and the lessons I’m trying to learn at the time.
I am always inspired by fellow creatives who are experimenting and putting their amazing ideas out into the world. Also, by entrepreneurs who have built something meaningful. I’m drawn to people who stay true to themselves, who share their process honestly, and who show that success can look a lot of different ways.
Rather than one constant hero, I find sparks of inspiration in many different people, friends, mentors, artists, writers, photographers, and even clients, everyone offers something unique for me to learn.
What values are important to you?
Creativity (obviously), connection, health, learning/growth, stillness and kindness.
Any advice for aspiring NZ artists?
Just start! Take one small step every day towards getting your art out there, it can be the tiniest of things. Once you do a few little things that will give your confidence to take the next steps and the next. The steps may be so small that it will seem like nothing at the time but then you will look back and see how far you have come. Don’t overwhelm yourself by looking too far ahead to start with just focus on what you can do TODAY and know that no matter how much art is already out there everyone has a unique and special perspective and your voice matters.
What was the inspiration behind your artwork for your PieceHouse puzzle?
I have always been obsessed with the idea of a tea party; this is something that my nana would have done in her day with her friends while they sat in the garden and drank tea and ate cake. My image is taking inspiration from that scenario and making it bolder and more modern, adding in a little more of a party vibe and upgrading your cup of tea for a fancy cocktail. It is a sunny day, you’re hanging out with your friends in this magical garden, drinking your cocktail and exploring all the beautiful things that the garden has to offer, there is something new and unexpected around every corner. This is the type of party I would love to attend.
Nikki is the amazing photographer that created the Spritzed puzzle which you can view here.
What do you do to help keep your mental health in a positive place?
This is something I have worked on a lot. Every day I try to meditate, it keeps me grounded and focused and is a great way to start the day. I try to move my body everyday weather that be just a quick walk or yoga or going to the gym I like to tune into how I am feeling in the moment and do whatever feels most fitting. I do a lot of journaling and getting my feeling and thoughts down on paper and out of my head, I have found this to be a very supportive practice. I also try and stay connected to my community and reach out to people for chats, catch ups, collaborations etc so that I am not just working by myself all the time. I love to be out in nature as well which I find super relaxing and reflective.
