Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anastasiia Tupikina. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Anastasiia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I think we live in a time when it’s challenging to define your line of work, especially as a creative, because there are often multiple projects happening simultaneously. That’s certainly true for me. I define myself as an artist because I’m involved in photography, I’m developing myself as a director, and I also explore personal projects like performance and painting.

Choosing this path, however, often means committing to the freelance lifestyle, which can feel like a roller coaster. You embrace the highs and lows, knowing that stability isn’t always part of the deal. There are definitely moments when I think it might be nice to have a steady, conventional job. In fact, I tried that at one point, but it never felt quite right.

The last time I had this thought was over the summer. The filming season was quiet, work was slow, and most people had gone on vacation. It seemed like a perfect moment to finish up side projects or dive into creative work that felt personally meaningful. But a steady job, with its promise of routine and consistent income, did cross my mind.

While stability might bring comfort initially, I’ve realized it’s not a long-term solution for me. People who live for their art need to be immersed in it fully. For me, any job has to be in service to my creativity, fueling and inspiring my work, rather than confining it. In the end, I always come back to the art and the freedom it offers, despite the uncertainties.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I feel as though I’ve been immersed in photography my entire life. Since moving to America, my vision and personal style have evolved many times, but I’ve now reached a place of clarity. Today, I proudly identify as a photographer with a range of specialties. I work with fashion influencers, models, and brands, creating diverse content for them, and I also produce personal shoots for other photographers, producers, musicians, and artists.

I would describe my vision and work as a collection of artistic visuals that blend natural and urban environments with a dreamlike, surreal atmosphere. My work combines soft, intimate portraits with bold, often abstract compositions, rich in texture and mood. Subjects are often posed in contemplative ways or enveloped in shadow and light. In my work, I emphasize authentic human expression, vulnerability, and connection to the world, evoking both a sense of solitude and deep self-reflection.

Every collaboration brings its own unique emotions, and from that energy, I develop a clear sense of the final outcome. My approach to any project is distinct in that I don’t rely on references; I never use them, instead trusting what’s within me. No References is also the title of my upcoming project, which I’ll be announcing soon.

And the last important thing, in my work, I also channel my pain, often creating self-portraits that express various themes. Through collaboration with other artists, I enjoy telling stories and addressing issues through visual language. This is my strength

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One aspect of my journey as a creative that non-creatives may struggle to understand is the emotional depth and vulnerability involved in the creative process. Many people from different fields might view creativity purely as a skill or talent, but for artists, it’s often a deeply personal expression of thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Non-creatives might not fully grasp the level of self-reflection and introspection that goes into creating art. Each project can evoke a range of emotions, and the fear of judgment or rejection can be daunting. This emotional investment can make the process feel like a rollercoaster—full of highs and lows—that is hard to articulate.

Additionally, the creative process often lacks a clear, linear path. While many professions have defined steps to success, creativity can be unpredictable, requiring patience and resilience. This ambiguity can be challenging for those accustomed to more structured environments to appreciate.

By sharing these insights, I hope to foster a greater understanding of the complexities and challenges that creatives face, which may resonate with individuals from all backgrounds.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my view, society can best support artists and creatives by fostering a sense of community and collaboration. We currently live in a time where individualism often reigns, but this approach doesn’t always benefit the arts. The more people come together and support one another, the more vibrant and prosperous the creative ecosystem can become.

By encouraging collaboration and mutual support, artists can share resources, ideas, and opportunities. Helping one another to promote and showcase each other’s work not only enhances visibility but also cultivates a network of encouragement and inspiration.

Initiatives that facilitate connections among artists, such as collaborative projects, workshops, and local art events, can create a strong foundation for a thriving creative community. When artists feel supported and valued, it elevates the entire artistic landscape, benefiting society as a whole.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: tupikina
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@anastasiiatupikina?si=A02722JA1m4LS7Em
• Other: Vimeo- https://vimeo.com/user212333004

  https://tupikina.my.canva.site/

  https://www.behance.net/anastastupikin

Image Credits

Photo by Tupikina Anastasiia
Models :
Igor Rudoi
Tim Vagapov
Angelina Pirtskhalava
Anna Boyar
Erik Piat
Vera Jigalova
Guzel Khos