The Ultra Stylish Creative Director
Name
Sue
Profession
Creative Director
Channel
Living in
Berne
Sue is one of a kind. She’s a Photographer, Food Stylist, Interior Designer, Creative Director, Mom of sweet little nugget Amélie and an exquisite Chef. If you ever get to sit down at her table, consider yourself lucky. And if she’ll make her signature Ravioli - you’ll be in the heavens.
But let’s hand it over to her. Read all about this creative classy lady, who somehow manages to make every dinner party a little bit more fun, every conversation a little bit more meaningful, and in general everything around her just a little bit more beautiful once she gives it her own touch.
We spoke to Sue about the foodstyling business Comme Soie, her ambitions and her latest project of turning houses into homes. Enjoy reading!
Tell us a little bit about you? Where did you grow up, what are you currently doing and where are you heading?
I get this all the time: "Oh, I've never met anyone from Liechtenstein - are you from Vaduz?" Yes, we do exist! 😆 But Vaduz is not my home town. I'm from Eschen, which makes Berne - where I currently reside - feel like a metropolitan city. I started out working as an art director in an advertising agency in the idyllic "Ländle" and when I was 24 years old, I founded my own graphic design studio. My career hasn't been linear tho by all means and monotony drives me crazy. I've always longed for new challenges and soon discovered my love for photography, especially analog fine art and food photography. In 2015, as you know 😉 we founded Comme Soie and my latest love affair is turning houses into homes and so I just launched my new adventure Studio Eliste.
I don't know where I'm heading, but I will keep being brave because the one thing I've learned on my creative path, is that working in all different stations has brought a lot of value and experience and put me right where I am today.
You work on so many different projects at the same time and on top of that you are a mom to a fabulous little girl. How do you do it? How do you manage everything?
It's not always easy, especially with a toddler who wants to spend 24/7 in my arms. Fortunately, my little girl has wonderful grandparents and a lovely nanny who watch her once or twice a week, depending on my work. But of course there are many days where things don't go according to plan. To me it's very important to set priorities. That means sitting by my daughter's bedside one night, because she can't fall asleep alone, and then catching up on work the next night. But since I love being creative more than anything, I don't consider my work a burden - even if it means working late nights. I will say this, I am often tired, yes, but working on a project I am passionate about gives me so much energy and brings me so much joy. There are times where I can't switch off at all and still spin new ideas while falling asleep.
Your job or may we say jobs are very demanding and you have to be creative all the time. Where do you get your ideas for new concepts? What keeps you inspired?
If it's a specific project I am working on, like an interior design concept, I first get inspiration on Pinterest, Instagram or in books. But my greatest inspiration I find offline. Mostly in nature, at museums or just watching the light dance through the day. It is important to look curiously into the world. There is so much inspiration in everything if you know how to look!
If you could cook for one person (or more), dead or alive, who would it be and what would you make?
There are a few, but I'll go with Paolo Roversi! He has always been my greatest inspiration when it comes to photography. His work is the reason I found my way back to analogue photography. His pictures have a unique depth and intensity without ever losing their naturalness. I would want to ask him so many questions that he'd probably try to escape and head back to Paris as soon as possible lol. Unless I could convince him with my homemade ravioli and a great bottle of red wine. Which he - as a true Italian - would probably appreciate.
You’ve been self employed basically your whole career. What kind of advice would you give young women just getting started in the creative work field?
It’s easy to know what you want from life. To dream, to make a plan. The hard (most important) part is actually doing it!
I think it is important to find that "one" strength that makes your work unique. A visual language that you make your own concisely and speak consistently without losing tension. For this it is important to train your eye. For example, in the field of photography it has always helped me to analyse photographs that have inspired me. What makes the picture exciting? Which elements or colours give it this expressiveness or how does the photographer use light to achieve this depth and make it look like a painting. To use these insights in your own work will teach you a lot and help you to refine your own style.
And, as simple as it may sound: To create regularly and a lot is essential! With experience comes professionalism and security towards the client. A strong portfolio is the best and most important business card.
And know there are a lot of different routes to achieve your dreams. Know you will learn a lot of lessons along the way. Sourround yourself with people who believe in your work and your vision (and that you like of course). Our managers are our champions.
Quick Questions
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Best delivery restaurant in Berne: Steinhalle & Moment
Currently listening to: “More than one thing” with Athena Calderone
How to unwind after a long day at work: Lying on the couch (luxury) with a glass of rosé (luxury 2.0)
Best movie or book of all time is: A Single Man, for cinematography & Inception, for the story
Can't live without: Lorenz (he forced me to write that🤣) / Time for myself
Best piece of advice: Don’t compare yourself to others. No one is YOU and that’s your greatest power!
Mornings or Evenings?: Evenings, always!
Most used emojis: 🤣😍✨
Finish this sentence "Women should be more: bold about their skills."