If you’ve been following me a while, you’ll know this. I cherish moments where I am able to break free and explore the world, gaining new insights and creative inspiration.
I noticed these moments of exploration teach me a lot about myself and generate fresh ideas. So I've crafted myself a lifestyle as a serial digital nomad – as I like to call it. I consequently plan frequent travels, and I do that in a way that enables me to keep supporting creatives. Wherever I may be.
And I embrace that freedom to combine travelling and coaching work. This way of
life allows me to pursue my passions and help you do the same, no matter where the journey takes me (or you!) .
Last spring, I stayed in Helsinki, Finland. As usual I insisted on meeting local artists, just to be able to watch, ask & learn. Here are my lessons from 5 (!) beautiful artists.
1 | I met Elisa Defossez Kikuchi
Who? Elisa Defossez Kikuchi (Japanese/Belgian), studied Industrial Design at ENSAV La Cambre in Brussels and Textile Design at Aalto University in Helsinki. After a few years as a designer at Hermès, she decided to pursue her quest for comfort and warmth and founded her own design studio. She enjoys working with actors from industry and crafts.
How does she work? She works 6 months in Japan and 6 months in Helsinki. She does freelance work for Japanese clients. She would like to establish her own textile brand (blankets, scarves, cushions). Made in Japan, sold in Japan and Europe through a webshop and selected shops.
How did she experience her studies? She experienced the mentality in Brussels as very competitive. In Helsinki the atmosphere was more helpful & community- like.
The creative scene in Helsinki? Everyone knows everyone.
What I’ve learned during the conversation with Elisa: she likes the business part as a creative. For example, she likes sending emails to potential clients. She finds it exciting to look for new business opportunities. (And I never heard that before!)
Her advice: Stay curious.
2 | I met Kreetta Järvenpää
Her art? Is her art a picture or a painting? Take a guess!
Before taking the final shot she wants her photography not to look like photos at all.
What I’ve learned during the conversation with Kreetta: she experiences Helsinki as too narrow and she doesn’t get enough recognition for her work. “I was born in the wrong country,” she told me. She is looking for opportunities in the UK.
Her advice: Be brave enough to make a change.
3 | I met Marjo Maininki
Background? She used to own a fashion label. Now she focusses on handicrafts, set design and interior styling.
What I’ve learned during the conversation with Marjo: her network started when she was at school, by being present at a lot of parties and attending vernissages. She can still get in touch with some of the people she met 20 years ago.
In 20 years? She wants to be a mentor in the industry.
4 | I was in Napa agency
What? Napa agency is an agency for illustrators only. Most clients are in Helsinki and Asia.
The agency represents 23 illustrators (mostly locals).
What I’ve learned during the conversation at Napa: when they receive an e-mail from an illustrator who wants to be part of the agency, they check this:
- Do the illustrators know what they’re doing and what they’re selling (clear vision) - Do they have a unique style (they see that the second they open the files)
- Is their illustration style well-developed and established?
5 | I met Tero Kuitunen
Background? Tero is a multifaceted artist, he has participated in international exhibitions and fairs in e.g. Beirut, Stockholm, Japan and Italy.
What I’ve learned during the conversation with Tero: although he has been an independent artist for more than 10 years, the slow periods are still challenging. You question yourself all the time.
His advice? Don’t limit yourself (and indeed, he sets the example by doing a lot of different things: curating, makes ceramics, exhibitions, ...)
My advice then, after this energy boosting trip? Move! Go places! Look around! Meet people & get inspired. Don’t wait for the right time. Explore the world and don’t get carried away by doubts on how to run your business. Feel what suits you and dare to take the leap.
Okay, Katrijn, but HOW to find interesting people in an unknown city? This is how I did it in Helsinki. My best friend lived a while in Helsinki when she was 19 (hooray for Erasmus). There I met Marjo Maininki, when I visited my friend. Now, years later, I sent Marjo a message that I was coming to Helsinki and would like to have a chat
I sent Marjo a message that I was coming to Helsinki and would like to have a chat
about her work. She said yes and recommended me a list of 15 creative entrepreneurs. I sent a personal DM to all of them. 4 responded. So this is the list you see above.
In cities where I don’t know anyone, I just search on Instagram and send DM’s to artists who’s work speaks to me. Or, like grandparents in Belgium tend to say: if you don’t dare, you don’t win.