Age: 28
Occupation: Creative Lead & Photographer
On leaving home in your twenties…
Describe your move to London
I moved in May 2023, so have been here coming up nearly 2 years, which is so wild to think! Originally, I was tossing up between Sydney or London. I felt like at that time of my life, I was super unsettled and wanted ‘more’ - so I started applying for jobs in both Sydney, London, Paris etc. and kinda let fate decide. I got offered a job in London, and moved a month later!
What’s something you’ve experienced that you didn’t think you would have, had you not made the move to London?
I think there is a real taboo about Kiwi/Aussies moving to London and thinking it’s all going to be this amazing, exciting, ‘happy’ time, all the time! And don’t get me wrong, there are indescribably amazing moments living here, but there are also some really low moments too. And... that’s so okay! It’s something that needs to be more normalised, so when 20-somethings move abroad, they don’t feel alone or like they’re in the wrong place, or made the wrong decision. If you’ve just moved, give yourself some time and grace. It’ll all work out (it always does!).
What’s something about yourself you think has not changed since you’ve made the move to London?
I’ve learnt that knowing who you are, and staying true to that, is the most important thing. I think I’m constantly changing and evolving as a human, but one thing I’m proud of is who I’m becoming, and the life I’m building for myself (god... that got a bit deep lol).
On the creative industry in London…
What are some of the differences in the creative space in London compared to NZ?
Scale is one massive difference between London & Auckland, within the creative space and overall. There is a huge range of opportunity being based in London, that I think would be harder to tap into from a far. I’ve found the culture here to actually be really lovely. Everyone is friendly and epic to work with (unpopular opinion to some I know... but that’s just been my experience). I know there is always a stigma around the Fashion Industry (cue Miranda Presley) but the creatives within that space are actually just super talented, epic and humble humans! Being based in London has excelled my career at quite a rapid pace, which I don’t think I could have achieved what I have in the past 18 months if I’d stayed in NZ. The ‘competition’ thing is such an interesting topic for Photographers. Especially when you’re freelance, because you almost feel like it’s battle of the bands to get the job. I’m friends with some incredible fashion Photographers, and as I’ve gotten older I’ve realised that my style, way of working and overall output for a project will be completely different to some of my friends, who are also in the industry/going for the same jobs. Many creatives can have an ego when it comes to the work that they do. It’s probably a factor that got them into the game in the first place. However, these days, I no longer think of competition as a bad thing, if anything, I turn that envy into inspiration.
How have you built up your network of people? Have you found that different to your
network in NZ?
Anyone who knows me, knows I love to yap! Lol Sooo... I’ve just naturally build up a network of people since moving here, whether it’s at events, parties, fashion weeks, creative coffee catch ups etc. My network in NZ is so different compared to London. The creatives/brands back home are doing some really epic stuff, which is so exciting to see from afar! My advice for networking; you literally have nothing to lose. So, introduce yourself... and it could be the start of something super exciting!
Friendships in your 20's...
What about friendships? What has been your experience of making new friends in your 20’s in a new country?
I have so many amazing friends, and I adore every single one of them! I’ve also met some really lovely people since living here, and we’ve become super close! The deepest friendships I’ve formed, have all been in adulthood. I’ve learnt that knowing who you are, and staying true to that, is what’s going to attract like minded people into your life. If you’re authentically showing up as you, then naturally people will come into your life that match that energy, and the friendship/s will be breezy! That corny, bumpersticker of a saying ‘your vibe, attracts your tribe’ does evidently ring true.
Juggling… well everything…
As someone who works a 9-5, has their own clients and has a life outside of work - how do you find you are able to balance it all? Or do you wish you could have more balance?
Haha well funnily enough... I’m not the best at finding balance. But, I’ve gotten soooo much better!! I went through burnout last summer (which wasn’t fun), and since then I’ve really tried to prioritise, rather than overcommitting and trying to do it all... I’m such a ‘yes man’, and a people pleaser, so I’ve consciously started to say no to things more, and focus on what’s important to me. Sleep is huge, I’m not someone who can operate on fumes, and eating healthy/exercise helps me show up and feel less overwhelmed when it’s all go!
Something ‘Kate who just moved here’ would be proud of that ‘Kate today’ is doing
Something I’m proud of is not letting disappointments in life hit as hard as they use to. If something doesn’t work out, I’m kosh with accepting that it’s not meant to be. Maybe this is just part of getting older, or maybe it’s just a comforting thought... whatever it is, I feel like that mindset has allowed me to let a lot of shit go, and just be (which is so damn freeing!) So, that is what ‘new Kate’ is proud of haha
Something you live by...
Oh my goodness, I recently was asked this in another interview, and I feel anything I write I always end up giving myself the ick! Lol but I do like the cliche one of ‘never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game’... circa Cinderella Story, 2004... Great flick!
And last but not least, favourite Buttermilk Accessory?
Okay, I just cut off all my hair.... so currently not in my claw clip era. But, the Tori comb in classic pearl is stunning and so practical for when the bob is not bobbing!
