We had the good fortune of connecting with Sabina McKenna and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sabina, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
This is something I have been thinking about a lot lately. It is hard to know whether or not your ideas are valuable until you put them out into the world, which is something that keeps me going. But at the same time – since creating your own job or side hustle is not following a pre-outlined path – it can be very hard to create that structure for yourself and to do so in a way that is going to create longevity and sustainability for whatever it is you want to achieve.

So that is the current gripe I am having – knowing where to take my work next, and to establish something consistent.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a writer, curator and model and general wearer of many hats. I started my career as a writer, working predominantly doing interviews and features on creative people. In 2016 I moved to New York City where I worked in a number of creative jobs including at Frieze art fair, which lead to my love for the commercial arts industry and large scale arts events.

A couple of years later, I moved back home to study writing and eventually started Where are you from? which is a photojournalistic project about cultural identity that I have been working on ever since.

When I think of how I got to where I am now, it definitely feels like the work I do now is a culmination of the many years I spent trying different things, making connections and putting it out there. As well as the relevant study I undertook. I love that my many interests are reflected in my day to day. It has been a challenge in terms of all the necessary juggling that comes naturally with freelance creative work, and finding balance among all of the commitments but I am constantly checking in with myself to make sure that no matter what I am doing it is still aligned with my goals and purpose.

The biggest lesson I have learned is probably to know your worth and ask for it. In any occupation it is really important to know how to set your terms for what you are and are not willing to spend your time on. If you believe in the value of what you are doing other people will too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Eat Morning Market for coffee, cakes food
Tip00 for handmade pasta
Coda or Tonka for a more fine dining experience!

Drink
Joe’s Shoe Store for Natural Wine
Milney’s for something casual
Above Board for Fancy Cocktails

Visit
The NGV
Neon Parc
Gertrude Contemporary

Hang out
Carlton Gardens
Edinburgh Gardens
Cinema Nova

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Lilah Benetti @easy_lilah lilah.benetti@gmail.com

Website: www.whereareyoufrm.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art_workr/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://au.linkedin.com/in/sabina-mckenna-67914012a

Other: Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@art_workr

Image Credits
Jess Brohier

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.