Laura Bainborough: Building a Creative World

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On this episode of Artist Date, I’m joined by the brilliant and multi-talented Laura Bainborough of @laurajoyphotography, who is not only a seasoned lifestyle and commercial photographer, but also the founder of Gemini Productions — a venture dedicated to creative direction and set design.

We dive into Laura’s artistic journey, including the emotional moment that pulled her toward photography, how she builds imaginative visual worlds for her clients, and the creative practices she uses to stay inspired. From commercial shoots for KY Jelly and Bootlegger to pitching fashion-forward editorial concepts, Laura shares openly about pushing past creative blocks, embracing multi-passionate pursuits, and redefining what “your style” can look like.

If you've ever felt boxed in by your own aesthetic or unsure how to expand into new creative offerings, this one’s for you.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:

• The powerful moment that made Laura leave interior design for photography
• How she built her business and took the leap into full-time freelance work
• The difference between inspiration and imitation — and the importance of credit
• Why she resists “niching down” and loves working across styles and moods
• How her new venture, Gemini Productions, blends art direction and set design
• Exercises to build your creativity like a muscle
• What art direction really involves — and how it adds value for brands
• Laura’s vision for sustainable fashion campaigns and dream editorial shoots

KEY MOMENTS:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Embracing multiple styles & following creative intuition
• 02:10 – Laura’s pivot from interior design to full-time photography
• 04:30 – A box of her grandmother’s photos that changed everything
• 06:45 – A humbling lesson in imitation and the power of giving credit
• 08:30 – Creating during COVID and unexpectedly hearing from an artist’s studio
• 11:00 – Why she avoids niching down and how it helps her thrive
• 14:00 – The pressure of having “a consistent style” on social media
• 17:00 – Commercial campaigns: KY Jelly, VEET, Bootlegger
• 20:50 – What art direction actually is — and who it’s for
• 24:40 – Building imaginative sets and creating visual “worlds” for brands
• 26:30 – Laura’s creative rituals: palette prompts & fake brand campaigns
• 30:00 – Nicole shares a spring-themed shoot idea inspired by their convo
• 32:00 – Maris Jones, Chapel Rhone sets, and creative direction goals
• 33:40 – Laura’s big goals for the next 5–10 years

KEY QUOTES:

“Some of my favorite work came from going against what I thought I needed to do.” – Laura Bainborough

“Creativity is a muscle. You have to keep exercising it, even when inspiration is low.” – Laura Bainborough

“If the idea started in my brain, I can probably execute it more clearly too.” – Laura Bainborough

“Just because you don’t fit in one box doesn’t mean you’re not an artist. You might just be multi-passionate.” – Nicole Romanoff

CONNECT WITH LAURA:

• @laurajoyphotography
• @gemini_productions

FOLLOW NICOLE AND THE PODCAST:

• @nicoleromanoffphoto
• @artistdatepodcast

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If this episode sparked something in you, share it with a fellow creative or leave a review — it helps more photographers and artists discover the show. Thanks for listening, and as always: stay curious and follow your creative instincts.