Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ulrik Christian Ahlefeldt-Laurvig. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ulrik Christian, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
For me, the importance of optimism for artists is nurturing a positive mindset. As an artist, it can be challenging to maintain a positive mindset when dealing with stress, creative blocks, and a lack of sales. However, cultivating optimism is essential for overall well-being and can help you stay motivated and productive. So, nurturing a positive mindset and finding inspiration, even during difficult times, is vital for me to become a more optimistic and resilient artist.
When I’m challenged in maintaining a positive outlook, especially when stress and lack of sales set in, there are certain sources I rely on to keep my optimism intact and my spirits high.
Firstly, I draw inspiration from my friends and family. I started as an artist because I experienced stress after 20 years as an Art Director in the advertising industry. Their support is a lifeline of energy, but knowing I can get out of a struggle by using my creativity and their support is a core driver – knowing being bold and not perfect gives strength and freedom to shine, play and be much more optimistic.
I also find comfort in connecting with my community of fellow artists. Whether through social media or in-person events, speaking with other creatives and sharing our experiences can be incredibly uplifting and reassuring. Seeing them pursue their passion and create beautiful works of art despite their challenges gives me hope and motivates me to keep pushing forward. In addition, I turn to my art for a dose of optimism. Taking the time to reflect on my progress, the skills I’ve developed, and the joy that comes from creating something beautiful.
Finally, I try to maintain a positive mindset by focusing on the bigger picture. It’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day struggles of being an artist, but remembering the purpose behind my work and the impact it can have on others is a powerful motivator.
Overall, drawing upon the support and inspiration of others, reflecting on my progress, connecting with my community, and focusing on the bigger picture all help me maintain a sense of optimism as an artist.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
For 20+ years, I have navigated a creative world of advertising, design, film, and content creation as an art director in the advertising industry; I have worked for: Mediacom, McCann Copenhagen, Advance, Bates/Red Cell, Tribal DDB, and TBWA\COPENHAGEN.
I’m known for my humor and twisted, colorful mindset. Some think I’m too much, while others love it, as I always aim to challenge the norms… But one day, I was hit by stress and decided to fight it with creativity. So, in 2018 I started painting – first oil on canvas, a bit dark, but it reflected my feelings. Then I started experimenting with different shapes, materials, colors, and light. Today 5 years later, I found a balance to use my skills as an art director to build the base for my pop art before printing lithography and painting in my ‘signature’ style which is playful, full of colors and humor, timeless, and without boundaries. All is unique 1:1, and nothing is static.
For me, art is not just an object to admire from afar. It is a multi-faceted experience that engages all our senses and emotions. Art is more than a pretty picture hanging on a wall or a sculpture displayed in a museum. It is an expression reflecting our experiences, ideas, and beliefs. Art has the power to evoke emotions and feelings that words alone cannot express.
I experiment and embrace the power of boldness to grow my artistic skills. I have found my ‘signature’ style in pop art but constantly test different media, formats, and materials mainly because I strive through optimism and enjoy the creative process and feedback from viewers.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Starting in a new field can be daunting, but hey, everyone starts somewhere. So I’d recommend trying this based on my learnings:
1. Seek out fellow artists: Find someone with experience and ask if they would be willing to mentor you.
2. Community/network: Attend events, join communities, and connect with people on social media. Building a strong network can lead to new opportunities and help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends, dos and dont’s, and shortcuts.
3. Learn everything you can: Take courses, attend workshops, and read books and articles related to your field. The more you learn, the more confidence you will feel in your abilities. And accept you are learning, growing, and on a journey. You only climb Mt Everest in one go with research, training, advice, and preparation.
4. Be bold: Don’t be afraid to take on new projects or media outside your comfort zone. Kill perfection and focus on the journey. This will help you grow and develop your skills.
5. Stay positive: Starting in a new field can be tough, but stay positive and don’t give up. Remember that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
To begin with, my family and friends, especially my wife, have believed in my new journey and supported me in growing as an artist and having the space for trial & error.
Later, I started to grow my network of fellow artists which helped me in developing my skills and techniques, but also in boldness and optimism. And finally, the community I’ve gained through international events and art exhibitions is like an art family I just love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ucal.dk/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucal.art/
