Signup for a Flodesk trial and save 50%: nicolelovesflodesk.com 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 SIGN UP FOR THE PODCAST NEWSLETTER: Be the first to know when an episode drops  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.