Mikaela Stafford: Diving into a Surreal World of Digital Art

Mikaela Stafford: Diving into a Surreal World of Digital Art

Sep 24, 2024
We recently connected with Mikaela Stafford, a talented artist known for her playful creativity and unique mix of 3D motion graphics, sculpture, and installation art, Mikaela shares insights into her daily life, artistic process, and how she stays inspired. From her morning walks to creating art for brands like Nike and MECCA, she gives us a glimpse into what fuels her passion and keeps her grounded in both her work and personal life.       

    

    

Mikaela, so nice to connect with you.

I have only met you a handful of times when we both lived in Melbourne but each time has been such a joy.

I wanted to take the time to sit down and ask you some questions I think the world would love to know the answers to!

To properly introduce you, have you got any nicknames?

    
Thank you for having me and likewise!
But yes, most people call me Mik or Miki (which I prefer) - saying my full name always sounds so formal.
   
   
   
      
        
      
     
         
  

How would your friends describe you?

   
Playful, creative, driven, good storyteller and inquisitive.
  
   
   
   
  
  
    

Star sign?

Sun: Aries

Moon: Virgo

Rising: Taurus

    

  
   
  

Where do you currently live, and who with?

   

I recently moved to Paris 3 months ago and I live in a very typical french 5th floor apartment with a painter from Sweden.
I’m so happy to have connected with such talented and kind people so quickly after moving here.  

   

   

  

   

      

      

   

  

   

   

   

Have you been there most of your life?

     

Although the move to Paris has been quite recent, I’ve been planning it for a long time. I’m from Sydney originally but lived in Budapest for a couple of years between 2009 and 2012, then I moved back to Australia to do uni. The seed to live in Europe was planted way back then. My initial plan was to move to Melbourne after finishing my honours and to stay for a year or two but that plan got derailed by COVID, so I ended up staying for six and they were some of the best years of my life. I met many of my best friends who I call family and had a major career pivot that made the move to Paris possible.    

      
      
          
      
        
           

What are your daily rituals?

    

I like to wake up at around 6am and make a percolator coffee - first thing's first! 

   

I’ve been avoiding going on my phone first thing in the morning so I’ll go for a walk and try to go on a different route as often as possible. I find this is a fun way to explore places and have little side quests and opportunities to see new things in unexpected places.  

    

      

            

           

       

 

      

My morning rituals lately have been walking to the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur to do a skipping routine for about 40 minutes which I find really sets up my energy for the day. Admiring the beauty of the Cathedral on top of the hill on a sunny Autumn morning really makes me feel present. I’ve also been going to sound baths as a meditation practice which I found has been really helpful in connecting mind and body. I often have quite epic experiences of synthesia while I’m doing this which is really helpful in calming my nervous system, boosting my creativity and improving problem solving skills. 

    

       
     
  
   
     

What are you currently reading? 

    
  
 
    
      
       
     
             
    
      
       

What do you currently do for work?

    

I’m a full time artist working primarily in 3D motion graphics. I work on a variety of commercial projects for brands like Drunk Elephant, Nike, MECCA, Penfolds, OPI and others. For the most part, these projects are how I sustain myself financially as an artist but I also do public art projects that span across motion, installation and sculpture.  

      
     
         
           
           
            
       

Did you study anything in particular or are you self taught?

     
I initially studied art history because I wasn’t confident enough to pursue being an artist, but eventually I changed my mind and did my honours in painting at Sydney Uni. By the time I finished that degree I had already transitioned more into an installation-based art practice that was self taught. This got me into stage design which ultimately led me to learning 3D animation. I am a self taught animator and learnt how to use 3D modeling software and Adobe during lockdowns on Youtube.
      
       
      
   
Photograph by Sam Wong
       
       

What sparked your interest in digital art and sculpture?

   
I started learning 3D purely because of circumstances. Prior to COVID I didn’t use or know any digital programs - everything was by hand or in my head. I was quite burnt out and unhappy working as a stage designer and installation artist but I felt I couldn’t change careers at the time because I didn’t feel as if I was technically qualified to do anything else. So, when the lockdowns kicked in and the future of live events was extremely uncertain, I started learning 3D because I thought the time forced inside would be a good opportunity to upskill. I was fortunate enough to receive Job Keeper and I knew an opportunity like this wouldn’t come again. The initial plan was to learn how to 3D model so I could conceptualise more ambitious stage designs but after getting comfortable with the software I decided to take it down a more visual art path. With my background in sculpture, installation, lighting and spatial design I was able to utilize these skills in the software I use, both digitally and physically - digitally for animation, physically for 3D printing.
       
     
     
  
  
   
     

Have you always wanted to be an artist?

   

Yes, definitely! It’s been a journey figuring out what kind of artist I am and want to be, but I think over the last couple of years I’ve found my voice and space within the community that aligns with me. It’s taken almost 10 years of trial and error but I think I’ve found my place. In saying that, I’m still evolving and figuring out what my next move will be but I doubt that will ever change. As artists we’re always evolving in some capacity.  

     

      

     

           

    

    

   

If we wanted to see some of your works, where would be the best place to visit?

    
I’m currently preparing for an artist residency in Canberra with the National Sound and Film Archive. As part of the residency, they are commissioning a large scale multimedia installation that will be on display throughout August - November next year so I’m going to be spending the next few months preparing for that. My plan for the next year is to do less but do what I do better.
    
       
       
         
     
        
        
In the meantime, I’m having a public art exhibition at the Galeries in Sydney that spans across motion and large format prints that will be live from 30 September.
        
I’ll also be showing my work at Subjective Festival in Tribeca, NYC at the end of this month which I’m really excited about.
   
   
  

We adore the ingenuity behind each of your works.

Each piece is so original, yet so easy to recognise as A Mikaela Stafford.

Is there any consistency in your creative process that might affect this?

    
I’m not sure! I suppose I never approach an artwork with an end goal in mind that I’m working towards. It’s more of an intuitive process that I use as an opportunity to explore my creativity. I imagine there are parts of my conscious/unconscious self that creep out through this process every time.
   
   
         
    
   
    
    

Do you have a favourite piece you have ever created?

 

My favourite piece is yet to be made, I think! But I’m having a bit of a creative breakthrough at the moment so I have the feeling something good is just around the corner. 

 

The battle between personal expectations, potential and reality is an ongoing battle. 

     

    

    

  

       

        

   

Do you listen to music when you create?

     
Definitely! I usually prefer to listen to mixes without too many vocals. This way I don’t change or check my phone for the next song for hour blocks at a time. This really helps me stay focused and get into the zone 
   
    
 
           
      
   
     

What is your go-to comfort meal?

   

I love a creamy pasta with heaps of parmesan, lemon and herbs.

  

 

     

          
  
  
  

Coffee order?

  

Cappuccino! 

         
    
    
               
   
   
          

What helps you when you’re lacking in creative inspiration?

    

Good question, recently I’ve been trying to figure out what works best but I usually try to remove myself from the pressure of trying to work and go see an exhibition or do a breathwork class. When I’m lacking inspiration I spend time with friends who help ground me and make me laugh. I often find I’m uninspired if I’m stressed or frustrated so finding ways to undo those feelings makes room for inspiration to find its way. 

     
     
     
  
   
   
   

How would you describe your personal style?

    
I think my style delicately dances the line between timeless but still playful. I try to wear things that compliment/ accentuate my body shape whilst still being comfortable. In saying that, it’s gone through many, many iterations over time.
  
  
     
                  
 
  
      

How do you approach getting dressed?

I start with how my body feels that day and go from there. If the body doesn’t feel comfortable, it’s not happening.
   
  
 
            
  
   
    

Favourite items in your wardrobe?

I’ve bought some pretty insane vintage pieces since arriving in Paris that would be up there but my favorite would have to be my acid yellow salmon leather corset jacket by Galliano for Christian Dior.
    
  
   
  
 
 
    

Something you can’t live without?

BEST FRIENDS - so cheesy but truly couldn’t without them.
  
   
      
 
   
       
      

How do you feel when you wear your Après pieces?

   
I feel elegant, timeless, confident and comfortable. Honestly, all my favourite things!
      
   
   
           
      
        
         

What are you currently obsessed with listening to?

Downtempo, dubby, r&b/ melodic rap, pop.
         
         
          
  
  
     
   

What have you been listening to lately?

     

       

         

Listening to recently:
   
    
    
A timeless go to:

   

   

    

Mik has curated a playlist with a mix match of vibes to refresh your rotation

  
   
   
   
Listen to Miki's Playlist
 
   
    
    
Thank You Miki 
Xx   
   
 
    
Photography by Johnny Jordan
    
   
   
Mikaela Stafford wears our Ruched Strapless Dress, Black Valentine Ruched Longsleeve, Black Fringe Dress & The Sold Out Black Bubble Skirt

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