Corporate life VS Creative Freedom with Kayee
In my latest podcast episode, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with my first real guest—Kayee! She is a brilliant human being, balancing the creative life as a fine art photographer with the realities of a corporate job. She shared some insights into the creative process, life, and how to find harmony between the two.
If you don’t know Kayee, she’s an inspiring self-portrait photographer who specializes in fine art. She works solo—she’s the photographer, model, and editor all in one. We dove into some insightful topics, and I wanted to share a few gems of wisdom from her on balancing creativity with a more “structured” life.
“Who’s listening?” (2018) inspired by “The Last Supper” of Leonardo Da Vinci
The Balance Between Art and Corporate Life
Kayee shared her perspective on the balance between having a corporate job and being free in her creative pursuits. Her full-time role provides stability, but also the freedom to create art without financial pressure. She mentioned how having a steady income from a non-creative job allows her to channel her creative energy into her art without the constant worry about where her next paycheck is coming from.
This was absolutely fascinating for me to hear, as I am the least employable person around (who else has trouble with hierarchy here? :D) But what she said made so much sense, and this is forever the existential question for every creative: should we rely solely on our creative work for income or balance it with something more stable? Kayee’s approach was refreshing—she doesn’t see her day job as a limitation but as a support system for her art. It’s all about finding what works for you.
Solitude as a Creative Power
Kayee’s deep dive into solitude was inspiring. She works alone—photographing and editing herself—and loves it! While many photographers thrive in teams with models, stylists, and makeup artists, Kayee finds freedom in doing it all herself. It allows her to work at her own pace and gives her full control over her vision.
Her journey into solitude in her work started with practicality—she wanted to experiment and push her Photoshop skills without waiting for others. But over time, this solitary process became the core of her creative expression. She emphasized how solitude can be a source of creative power and how constraints often fuel innovation. Her words were a reminder that sometimes, the less we have, the more we can create.
Family Resemblance #3 (2020) - Inspired by Caravaggio's 1607/10 painting, Salome with the Head of John the Baptist
Adapting to Constraints
A big takeaway from our conversation was the concept of working within constraints. For her, constraints are not obstacles but rather creative opportunities. Whether it’s the limited space in which she grew up in Hong Kong or the physical limitations of shooting self-portraits, Kayee sees these restrictions as a way to push her art further.
She also touched on how minimalism shapes her work—fewer props, less gear, and a more stripped-down approach. This philosophy of embracing constraints, instead of seeing them as a hindrance, was super inspiring. It’s a reminder that sometimes, creating with less can actually lead to more profound and innovative work.
Family Resemblance #1 (2019) - Inspired by Quince, Cabbage, Melon and Cucumber of Juan Sánchez Cotán
Embracing Change in Art & Life
One of the most poignant moments was when Kayee opened up about her fears of stagnation and how, at times, she questions her creative journey. This honesty was so relatable. As creatives, it’s easy to feel stuck, especially when we’ve been doing the same thing for a long time. Kayee expressed how she’s evolving, finding new ways to express herself, and letting go of old habits—like always trying to look “pretty” in her self-portraits.
She highlighted the importance of growth and change in her art, especially as she ages. She’s finding new ways to use her body in her work, shifting away from what she used to rely on, and this constant evolution is what keeps her art alive. It’s a powerful reminder that as we change, our art should too.
AI in Art: Tool or Threat?
“Can AI be emotionally precise?”
We also talked about the elephant in the room—AI. Kayee had an interesting perspective on AI as a tool rather than a threat. She’s open to the possibilities of using AI to assist with the technical aspects of her work (like reducing Photoshop time), but she’s cautious about AI taking over the creative, emotional elements of her art. Her question: Can AI be emotionally precise?
This insight is a reminder that while AI can make life easier, the heart of our work still comes from us—our emotions, our perspectives, and our unique experiences.
Final Thoughts
I think what was the most fascinating for me about this conversation with Kayee is that I am very different, and it helped me understand and respect another view of creativity and the creative journey! There is no right or wrong answer, and everyone has to find the path that resonates the most with our personalities. I found many concepts she described very inspiring, and I love the peace of mind and even wisdom she seems to have attained! I’ve always found that balance is the toughest part to achieve as creatives, and she seems to have found exactly that in her art and life!
If you haven’t already, take a moment to listen to the full episode!
I am sending you plenty of love!
Bisous bisous,
Pauline
