How To Transition From Corporate Life to Working Artist

NIONradio Ep. 114

Nick Onken
#NIONradio
Published in
2 min readFeb 8, 2017

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Today I’m talking to celebrity choreographer and creative director Luam. She works on events, concerts, music videos, galas, and more with celebrities like Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Janelle Monae, and Kelly Rowland. The list goes on and on.

I love Luam’s story of transitioning from a life in corporate America to a full time dance career and artist’s way of life, and then taking it even further with her passion and creativity. Listen in as we talk about her creative process and how she used all of her resources and skills to sustain her while she practiced her craft.

Don’t forget to head over to Facebook to join the Nion Life community. It’s a space I created for artists and creatives to connect with each other, share thoughts, and help each other.

“Use everything you know to do what you love. Use it all.”

Some things we learn in this podcast:

  • What is creative direction [3:50]
  • How she got interested in dance, choreography, and creative direction [7:05]
  • How to transition from corporate America to a working artist [15:15]
  • The downfalls of comparing yourself [21:05]
  • Why you have to be fearless [23:45]
  • How to switch mental states [25:25]
  • How Luam’s work evolved from dance to choreography [27:05]
  • The importance of being visible and present in the industry [30:05]
  • Why you have to maintain a sense of wonder [37:05]
  • How Luam helps celebrities feel comfortable and confident [40:25]
  • The challenge of being a female in a male driven industry [42:05]
  • The transition from choreography to creative direction [43:35]
  • What is Luam’s creative process [46:15]
  • Where Luam gets her inspiration [49:50]
  • The importance of defining your values [55:25]

Links mentioned:

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Nick Onken is a photographer, author, and creative entrepreneur. In NIONradiohe dives underneath the hood and into the mind of successful creative entrepreneurs, brilliant business minds, and other highly influential personalities. Discover how to make a living with your art, create your own creative lifestyle, and push past the fears that hold you back. Listen in to get inspired and unlock you inner creative.

Connect with Nick: Instagram | Twitter | Website

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Nick Onken
#NIONradio

Photographer | World Explorer | Podcast Host | Foodie