Jeffrey Sun has a story that's as intriguing as it is inspiring. Born in China and raised in Texas, Jeffrey grew up blending two cultures, which shaped him into the creative force he is today. Starting off with painting and dance, he eventually found his passion in photography. However, Jeffrey is not just capturing images; he's also a data analyst with a stint at IBM under his belt.

Through his Instagram reels, Jeffrey shares stories that hit close to home, mixing personal reflections with everyday moments. His knack for storytelling shines through whether he's behind the camera or crunching data, making his work relatable, and his approach unique. He's more than just a photographer; he's a storyteller at heart, and there's so much more to his journey than meets the eye.

Q&A

How has your background shaped you as a person & artist?

As an immigrant only child with parents working seven days a week, I channeled my solitude into creating imaginary worlds and delving deep into art classes. I think I just used my boredom to learn to make things. I started with flute, painting, and dance before anything camera related. It's cool to see your personality seep and shape itself using the amorphous and abstract vessel of creative hobbies.

Growing up, were you an introvert or extrovert? Has that changed since? If so, what would you say was the cause?

An extrovert. I was fascinated by people and tried to meet more as I gained more independence. I want to see how everyone lives as a reference for myself. Since a solo backpacking trip, I've also started to appreciate my alone time more. Lots of worlds to explore in movies and books. I'm finding that the quiet helps me figure out my own thoughts more. Helps important things rise to the surface. I think having elements of both is great.

Was your creativity always supported? Biggest supporters?

Definitely by my mother, a dancer and artist in her own right. She still works so hard on her craft and it's inspiring to see. I also have an amazing slew of friends that believe in me more than I do myself. I should learn from them.

You’re a data analyst full-time. How did that come about?

My path to becoming a data analyst began in business school, where data analysis seemed like the most reasonable route to go. I honestly wasn't learning too much in school and it felt like I needed some type of hard skill. An internship in Tokyo at a blockchain company solidified my transition into tech and I later worked at IBM. Especially with this whole AI world, it's been fascinating to see.

Your IG bio is “deliver a feeling!” and throughout your content, it’s evident you’re introspective. When did you start writing?

I only started writing last fall, but I started journaling during my first backpacking adventure in 2022. It felt like a natural thing to do when you didn't really have wifi, but then thoughts emerged out of me that I wouldn't have had if they just stayed bouncing in my head. I just kept following that trail. I'm still so new, but it's an amazing way to have an asynchronous conversation with someone.

I noticed you travel frequently, what has been your favorite place and why?

Peru! I think the longer you spend anywhere, you can learn to appreciate it more. I had 3 weeks here eating the amazing food, photographing its crazy mountains, and getting inspiration from moments like getting my phone stolen.

How would you describe yourself?

I'm still figuring myself out, but words like creative, kind, and curious come to mind. I think there is a huge desire to figure myself out, and I'm exploring different mediums to do so.

Was the motive behind moving to NYC solely for work? And how long have you been here?

It was solely for work to start with. I was given the option to choose NYC or Austin (my college town), and I opted for change with the hope that it would be good. The first 6 months sucked, and I really regretted my decision, but the year following that came with tremendous growth. I'm grateful.

Despite going through friendship breakups and adjusting to new life in NYC, what would you say was your driving force to continuously put yourself out there?

I think we can catch ourselves in habitual routines and find ourselves leading narrower and narrower lives unconsciously. I want my life to be expansive, especially this young, and that only comes with new experiences and people.

What are your feelings now about finding community, and has your perception of it changed at all?

It's crazy essential. It's a shot of feeling alive again when you meet other people who are so passionate about similar things you are. It's hard to start though, but it's exponential. One good person always knows other good people.

What are accomplishments you’d like to share or that you’re proud of?

I helped a dream client launch a new product! I'm still under NDA so I can't say much but I feel so proud of this. Other than that, I'm starting to get a better hang of this taking care of yourself thing. I think that's the biggest thing I'm happy with.

Your motto is to constantly learn and create sketchbook pieces, not portfolio pieces. How did you come to this conclusion?

I find that the goal is to create more things, not just one good thing. It often leads to an even better result over a large stretch of time. So you just make and make, and your life experiences alter the things you make. You iterate a bit, and some pieces suck, and maybe you look back and a lot of stuff sucks. But that's information too, so you learn and grow.

What is your favorite video you’ve created and why?

My first Youtube video! I've never done long form before, and it was scary to figure out how to structure a story out of an experience that I recorded, but did not plan for. It was just life as it happens, and it felt like a puzzle to piece together the writing, visual, and audio to create something that feels like me.

Being multifaceted, are photography and videography the main mediums you plan to pursue professionally? Or do you enjoy being a content creator along with working a 9-5?

My biggest task right now is figuring out a sustainable life mix that works for me—how much time and energy I can pour into my relationships, health, job, passions, etc. I'm stubborn and I want it all to work, but I know it'll come with sacrifices. I think I'm enjoying creating things along with a 9-5 for now because there is no financial pressure to create.

For more, read Sun’s story on our Instagram @KIEMCOLLECTIVE.

Jeffrey Sun

Parin Rekhraj - Werldpiece