April 12 : 2023
Karin Mueller
As the Visuals Director at Conde Nast Traveller Magazine, Karin Mueller is a cultural tastemaker passionate about photography and embracing its power to tell stories.
by Lily Fierman
Q:
What is the most impactful project you've ever worked on to date?
A:
The Gallery of Lost Art, curated by Tate Galle ry, was a groundbreaking multi-award-winning online exhibition that told the stories of artworks that had disappeared. Launched in 2013, the website lasted for only one year before, fittingly, becoming ‘lost’ itself. The exhibition generated over nine hundred features in print and online media and reached an estimated 3.4 million people worldwide.
© Tate
Q:
What advice would you give to photographers looking to expand their practices or gain more visibility in the space?
A:
Stay relevant and aware of visual trends. Know your audience and do your research prior to pitching. Be people-specific with any proposal and consider the client you are approaching and their visual language requirements.
Q:
What are you looking forward to about being a judge at the reFocus Awards?
A:
Being surprised and excited by creative ingenuity and fresh visual voices.
I love the creative process – from receiving a first story outline, all the way to the final layout. Making visual choices and guiding how a story is executed and perceived is a great joy.
Q:
If you could own the work of one artist, photographer, or otherwise (and regardless if it is in a museum or collection), what work or artist would it be?
A:
Edward Hopper’s enigmatic ‘Nighthawks’
Q:
Who are some of your favorite photographers working today?
A:
Alistair Taylor-Young creates stunning works of art every single time he picks up a camera. Robbie Lawrence for his unique way of seeing the world, ability to catch evocative moments and incredible use of light and Accra-based Prince Gyasi’s bold use of vibrant colours and dynamic aesthetic is very exciting.
Q:
Tell us about your role at Conde Nast. What does a typical day look like for you?
A:
My day usually begins with creative features and arts team meetings where we discuss the issue progress. A large chunk of my day is then consequently spent setting up photo shoots, liaising with photographers about the visual brief, contracts, fees, image rights and also researching and sourcing visuals for stories that require a more lateral visual approach. I receive a lot of photography story proposals and portfolios for viewing too. No two days are ever the same.
Q:
What is your favorite part of your job?
A:
I love the creative process – from receiving a first story outline, all the way to the final layout. Making visual choices and guiding how a story is executed and perceived is a great joy.
Finding the right photograph for a lateral, visual story interpretation or selecting the right photographer for each project is crucial to the end result. Being able to work with leading photographers in their field is such a privilege. I also love having the freedom to find and nurture new talent. Following their progress is what keeps my job exciting.
Q:
What are you currently excited about? How can people follow your work?
A:
Print is alive and well and I’m very much looking forward to our July-Aug 2023 issue, which is on sale 29th June 2023.
Website: CNTraveller.com/subscribe
Follow Karin:
@condenasttraveller
@karinmuellertraveller
JUDGE
