Katrin Aasmaa: Peace of mind is the greatest luxury for creatives

The work of a creative professional never ends at the close of office hours.

We often get the best ideas when we let our minds wander, whether while taking a walk, traveling, or during moments when our minds are free from practical concerns. That is precisely why fashion designer Katrin Aasmaa – currently a freelancer but previously employed at the KENZO fashion house in Paris until spring earlier this year – believes that our most valuable resource is space for thought, not time or money.

‘Having mental space is an invaluable asset for a creative person. I can focus on my ideas and creative pursuits when my finances are in order.’

Success does not happen overnight

Years ago, Katrin, like many of us, believed that if you work hard enough, success will inevitably follow. She no longer holds this view.

There is no linear progression in the creative world. Sometimes you have to wait years for an opportunity to come along. Sometimes you have to put in a lot of work before anyone takes notice.

Patience has been one of her most valuable lessons from Paris: ‘The most exciting journeys unfold over many years.’

Winning the Hõbenõel (Silver Needle) prize, moving to Paris, or working for a high-end fashion house once seemed like ultimate goals. Today, Katrin considers them more like checkpoints on a longer journey.

Photo: Silver Mikiver

When money stops being an energy drain

Just as her creations have changed over the years, so too has Katrin’s relationship with money.

As a freelancer in Estonia, her earnings were often unpredictable. This meant stress, and she was forced to spend a large part of her mental capacity on figuring out how to plan ahead for the coming months.

Nowadays, she draws up a monthly budget, keeps track of her expenses, sets money aside, and believes that saving should not be postponed until you start earning more.

Katrin says that we should talk more about how setting aside even small amounts of money is a healthy habit. It is habits, not numbers, that create a sense of security in the long run.

The biggest shift, however, had nothing to do with money itself.

It was about peace of mind.

Once you have your finances under control, you no longer have to spend all your time stressing about money. For her, it means that she has more time for doing what she loves most – creating.

When your bank moves with you

Katrin currently divides her time between Estonia and France. She travels a lot and works in an international environment where speed and efficiency are expected on a daily basis. Because of this, she appreciates solutions that help save time.

In Katrin’s view, good banking service means that everything you need is in one place and works logically. No double-checking of payments, no individual insurance policies for each flight, and no waiting in line at the airport thanks to Fast Track.

‘Time is the most precious resource we have.’

Photo: Silver Mikiver

When all the practicalities are sorted out in the background, there is more headspace for what really matters to a creative, i.e. new ideas, experimenting and continuous growth. That is precisely what Katrin considers the greatest luxury.

The point is not to make life easy, but to unleash the mind.

Knowing that their day-to-day affairs are running smoothly helps people feel confident enough to make big decisions. For Katrin, this means that banking, travel insurance, and other practical matters do not distract her from following her own path. Premium does not dictate her choices, but supports a lifestyle where such choices are easier to make.

‘Estonians of Six Cities’ is a portrait series by creative director Silver Mikiver (TRACE Studio) featuring Estonians whose lives and work transcend national borders. The series was shot on Super 8 film, and the photos were captured on 35 mm film.

‘I am moved by craftsmanship and the realisation of potential. With my projects, I wish to inspire and provide an impetus for more people to choose the most authentic and unique path. Walking your own path is not always easy, but for me, it is the only truly rich way to live,’ Silver Mikiver says.