Meet Katharina “Jude” Mundt

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katharina “Jude” Mundt. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Katharina “Jude”, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

I keep my creativity alive by constantly making things, even if they turn out badly or are not something I would ever share publicly. There is value in creating for the sake of creating. It can be challenging, especially with platforms like Instagram that reward a constant stream of output to push you through the algorithm. That pressure can feel discouraging, almost as if you are being forced to create, which has never worked for me. I try to find a balance between doing what feels right for me and what I need to do to share my art with others.

There is also the ongoing challenge of competing with AI-generated “art,” which can produce endless pieces that algorithms favor. Quantity over quality.

To stay grounded, I try to separate the monetary side of photography, film, and animation from my love for them. Of course, it is rewarding to make a living doing what you love, and it is necessary to support yourself, but I never want money to become the only reason I create.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a multimedia producer who moved to the US for graduate school in 2021. I use the term “multimedia producer” intentionally because my work spans many disciplines. I am a photographer, cinematographer, and animator, which gives me a wide range of tools to create whatever I envision.

I work for Kino Factory, a film production studio based in Brooklyn, and collaborate closely with my creative and business partner, Elizaveta Tokareva. Together, we support local businesses with both long and short form video, create music videos for bands, and occasionally help clients with web design and general branding.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

In the creative industry, three qualities have been essential to my growth: communication, patience, and flexibility.

Communication is key because so much of this work depends on building strong relationships and clearly understanding a client or collaborator’s vision. As a cinematographer and photographer, I often work with people who may not have a technical background, so translating ideas into practical execution is crucial for alignment and trust.

Patience matters because projects are often unpredictable. Timelines shift, creative direction changes, and technical challenges arise. Staying calm and focused helps keep the team on track and the environment collaborative.

Flexibility is equally important in a field without traditional hiring processes or long lead times. Many opportunities come through direct connections or social media, often with little notice. Being able to adapt quickly has allowed me to take on valuable projects and deliver quality work under changing conditions.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I think it depends on what you want to achieve. If a certain type of work doesn’t interest you, there’s no need to invest time in it just to be “well rounded.” For example, if you have no desire to do headshot photography, focusing on it won’t make you happier or necessarily more successful. Instead, I believe it’s better to explore the styles and creative directions that truly inspire you and build on those strengths. As much as I dislike the cliché, it’s about creating a brand for yourself.

In my experience, clients often choose to work with someone not because they can follow technical steps, but because they have a distinct creative voice. Carving out your own corner in the industry makes you memorable. My photography, for example, is experimental, using textures and photo manipulation to create a dreamlike atmosphere. This style isn’t for everyone, but it has led to some very interesting and fulfilling opportunities that I would never have gotten by trying to appeal to everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.judemundt.com
• Instagram: jomiejeo

Image Credits

Personal Photo: Navid Hasnain