Published October 3, 2022
Meet Kei, a London-based multi-disciplinary creator, educator and the founder of Creative Champs; a learning platform for creators and creative business owners. She’s got 17 years of industry experience and is passionate about sharing the wealth to empower frustrated creators. We were so excited to chat with Kei and she did not disappoint with this frank and truly inspirational journey; from dark places to confidently doing what she loves. This feature was first published in our FREE book, CREATIVE JOURNEYS: Career Insights from 21+ Forward-Thinking Creatives, which is available to download now!
Kei, what’s your creative occupation?
I’m a creative consultant, teacher and founder of a learning platform for creators called Creative Champs.
Where have you been?
I’ve been to many a dark place. From being an absolute anomaly on my university course, to feeling like a complete impostor the entire time I was there, to never being able to afford to go on the same trips that seemed to catapult everyone else’s creative careers.
I’ve been in a place where I had absolutely no confidence – and I mean none. It was only in the years after uni that I truly started to learn to even like myself, let alone anything else; once I stepped into my power – things have been going from strength to strength ever since.
I’ve been involved in the creative industry since I was 15 (I got my first paid gig at 17), went to uni to study Graphic Design & Visual Communication, and graduated in 2010. Uni made me fall out of love with Graphic Design, I’m not even going to lie to you. I actually hated that experience, but I wouldn’t change it because the time I spent there has been the biggest driving force behind Creative Champs.
After graduating, I pivoted into various creative disciplines; learned that it’s okay to try out different things and that you don’t have to handcuff yourself to anything. This one life, we should be able to spend it exploring and doing all of the things that tickle our fancy, ‘cause no one wants to reach a point in their life where they’re torturing themselves with ‘what if?’
Always learning, always picking things up along the way – always listening and taking notes. Always adapting. KEI ON HER APPROACH TO THE FUTURE
Where are you now?
I’m in a space where I’m able to wake up and do exactly what I love for a living after spending nearly two decades juggling everything and trying to find my way.
I’m in a more confident space. If you had asked me if I would be a public speaker a short 4 years ago, I would have laughed it off as the silliest thing ever. Fast forward to the present day and I’ve just completed my 50th public speaking event (who would have thought?).
I’m the founder, director (and sole employee) of Creative Champs; a learning platform designed to make expert knowledge, resources and support more easily accessible for creators from under-represented backgrounds.
Where are you going?
Forward. Always learning, always picking things up along the way – always listening and taking notes. Always adapting.
Finally, what’s occupying your thoughts today?
How I’m going to organise the remainder of my week! This is the busiest week I’ve had since starting my business, so I’m working out how best to structure my time and energy so as not to burn out and overwhelm myself.