Interview with Simon Schmidt

London-based Simon Schmidt is hard to put in a box when it comes to work; he is a creative, visual artist that truly inspires us (we want to live in his Instagram feed). And being boxed in is something he fights - not just in his work life, but in his personal life too. He believes labels can be damaging - and we agree: we’re surrounded by things that are bound to shape our own reality, like Hollywood films, advertising and something so universal as our language. But as Simon so beautifully shares; it can have a profound impact on our own identity, and the way we view intimacy. We hope this conversation inspires you - it inspired us. And please go follow Simon right here.

Hi Simon, thank you for agreeing to this interview. To start, could you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what’s been on your mind lately?
Thank you for having me. I’m Simon, a German-born art director and photographer, based in London for more years than I can count. My work operates under the concept of “own way of inspiration”, reflecting my belief in carving out an authentic path.

Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about the balance—or maybe the tension—between working in an industry that can sometimes feel shallow and staying true to what really matters. It’s a constant question for me: How do you keep your integrity in a world that feels increasingly unstable?

We’re very inspired by you, and you have an incredible visual eye. Sexiness is something that’s often portrayed as physical and visual. What does sexiness mean to you?
Thank you—that’s kind of you to say. For me, sexiness has changed a lot over the years. What used to feel tied to external things—success or looking a certain way—now feels more connected to how at ease someone is with themselves.

It’s about confidence, yes, but also about being honest with your flaws. I think there’s something incredibly attractive about someone who can own their vulnerability. It’s that openness that really draws me in.

In your opinion, are there societal misconceptions about intimacy? What are they, and how do you think we can challenge these perceptions?
Definitely. As a queer person, I’ve spent a lot of time running up against societal misconceptions, especially from a heteronormative perspective. One big misconception is the idea of assigning certain traits or energies as inherently masculine or feminine.

We need to move past these labels and really listen to who people are, without forcing them into predefined boxes. Intimacy isn’t about fitting a mould—it’s about connection, no matter who you are or how you identify.

How do you personally define intimacy? Has your understanding of it changed or evolved over time?
Intimacy is sacred to me—something profoundly special, perhaps even private. For the longest time, I didn’t think I had ever truly experienced it. Meeting my partner, Dan, changed that entirely.

For the first time, I felt desired and supported even at my most vulnerable, moments when I once thought I was unworthy of love. Intimacy now means the ability to stand exposed in your fragility and still feel seen, cherished, and understood. Even conversations that challenge us deeply—ones that could break us apart—become intimate because they stem from a place of knowing and trusting one another fully.

Do you think intimacy plays a significant role in overall well-being? How has it impacted your life or creative work?
Absolutely. Feeling in tune with my body and mind has transformed my well-being and, in turn, my creativity. In recent years, I’ve embraced practices like therapy, personal training, yoga, and a more mindful approach to nutrition and joy. This journey has allowed me to cultivate a stronger connection to myself, which naturally spills over into how I engage with others and my work.

Intimacy isn’t just emotional—it’s a holistic state of being, a harmony between mind, body, and soul. And when that harmony is present, it opens the door to deeper creative exploration and expression.

Are there any taboos related to pleasure, sex, and intimacy that you would like to see challenged?
All of them. Taboos are barriers that confine individual experiences, and they have no place in the pursuit of personal truth. Intimacy, pleasure, and sex are as unique as fingerprints, and they should be free from the weight of shame or societal judgment.

Finally, what advice would you give someone if they didn’t know how to freely be themselves intimately?
Start by tuning out the noise of other people’s opinions. Take time to figure out who you are, and let that be your guide.

No one else can tell you how to be yourself—that’s something only you can discover. Once you do, protect it, nurture it, and let it grow.

simon: we need to move past labels

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