Photographer: Darkhan Telmanov

1. What significant life experiences or events have influenced and shaped your artistic vision?

My passion for creativity began when I was 13 years old and first discovered my love for music. However, living in a small provincial town, I lacked support and was forced to take a more practical path. At 14, I launched my first business and spent the next four years convincing myself that I was a person with a mathematical mindset. It was my way of suppressing my creative nature.

The turning point came with bankruptcy. At 18, due to geopolitical events, I lost all my savings accumulated over five years and had to drop out of school. To figure out who I really wanted to be, I started identifying my strongest qualities: empathy, charisma, and improvisation. These traits led me to enroll in acting classes, and within a year, I landed two supporting roles in major projects.

On one of the sets, I met the renowned actress Linda Nigmatu lina. She saw potential in me and encouraged me to try modeling. A couple of photoshoots later, I was already holding my first magazine featuring me on the cover of MOB. This journey taught me that every crisis hides an opportunity for growth.

2. Collaboration often sparks fresh creativity. Can you share an example of a collaboration that led to an unexpected and exciting artistic outcome?

One day, a photographer friend asked for help with a small project: we organized a shoot for a local clothing boutique. What seemed like a simple experiment at the time turned out to be the starting point for my marketing agency.

A year later, this small idea had grown into a company that now collaborates with government organizations. We develop media strategies, help businesses become recognizable, and transform modest concepts into major projects. This entire journey started with one camera and a genuine desire to support a friend.

3. Walk us through a specific project that challenged your creative boundaries. How did you approach it, and what did you learn from the experience?

The most challenging project I've worked on was a commission from Kazakhstan's Committee for Combating Drug Crimes. We were tasked with creating a video aimed at discouraging young people from becoming drug couriers.

For me, this was more than just a creative endeavor-it became an investigation. I studied how these networks operate to depict the reality as authentically as possible. The project demanded immense emotional involvement, but the results were worth it: the video garnered millions of views and was shared nationwide. This experience showed me how art can be a powerful tool for societal change.

4. In the ever-evolving art world, what do you believe sets your work apart and makes it unique or groundbreaking?

I believe the uniqueness of my work lies in its freedom from constraints. We don't aim to follow trends or adhere to standards; instead, we seek our own path. This authenticity allows us to create something truly new and distinctive. In my opinion, art should reflect individuality, and this principle forms the foundation of my work.

5. As you reflect on your journey, are there any specific goals or milestones you've set for your artistic career in the coming years?

I believe in dreaming big. In the coming years, my goal is to see my face on the covers of international magazines like Vogue and to land a leading role in a Netflix series.

These ambitions motivate me to work on myself every day. Success is the result of consistent forward movement, and I am ready to walk this path to reach new heights.