065: Turning Curiosity Into a Creative Superpower

What if curiosity is your biggest creative advantage?

Have you ever been in the middle of a shoot and thought, “Wait… am I even present right now?” Adrian Mueller has too. If you’ve ever felt like you’re just going through the motions on autopilot, friend, you’re not alone.

If you’ve felt creatively stuck or unsure about your next move, this episode is going to have you nodding along like, “Yep. That’s me.”

Here’s the thing: You don’t need permission to try something new. You don’t need a massive breakthrough or a dramatic turning point.

What you do need is curiosity.

That tiny voice in your gut? The one nudging you to experiment, explore, or pivot? That’s not random. That’s your spark. And when you follow it, it can ignite something big. Like life-changing big.

Curiosity is the match. All you have to do is strike it.

Your curiosity is more than enough

In this episode of The Savory Shot, we jump into something we don’t hear enough about: how the most powerful creative careers are often built on intention, not hustle. We’re talking quiet confidence. Focused effort. Simplicity that speaks louder than chaos.

We unpack what happens when you stop doing all the things and start focusing on what matters most—like letting a dish shine without overstyling, or creating work that actually feels like you.

And if there’s anyone who knows how to follow curiosity and turn it into something magical, it’s Adrian Mueller. He shares how leaving behind a soccer dream led him to photography, how simplicity became his signature, and why he believes your style is your niche.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by trends, tired of chasing every platform, or just unsure if you’re even on the right path, this episode will help you get back to your center—and reconnect with your “why.”

Creating Something New From Letting Go

Instead of rushing into the next thing, Kira took her time. She asked better questions and worked with a coach. Kira listened inwardly. That’s how her next chapter—Standard Affair—began to take shape.

This episode is for anyone who’s in the middle of that shift. Whether you’re closing a chapter, beginning a new one, or lost in the in-between, Kira’s story reminds us that you don’t have to have it all figured out. That desire for more? It matters. You have the right to take up space. You get to evolve.

Meet Adrian Mueller

About Adrian

Adrian is a commercial photographer and tabletop director known for his clean, elegant, and thoughtful imagery. Raised in Switzerland, he originally pursued professional soccer before discovering a passion for photography. He’s worked on major advertising campaigns and editorial projects, and his approach is rooted in craft, curiosity, and collaboration. His motto? “Beauty in simplicity.”

Episode Breakdown: What you’ll take away from this episode

Why your creative pivot doesn’t need to be dramatic
How curiosity can lead to your next best thing
Why simplicity is often more powerful than complexity
The importance of evolving your style over time
How to collaborate with chefs, writers, and stylists
The role of thoughtful marketing in long-term success
Why excellent communication is your best marketing tool
How to approach people you admire without feeling awkward

Finding the Drama in Simplicity

One of my favorite moments in this episode was hearing Adrian talk about his love of simplicity in food photography. And y’all, this was a lightbulb moment for me. As someone who naturally gravitates toward bold, dramatic visuals, hearing him describe simplicity with so much depth totally shifted my perspective.

I asked him how his motto, “beauty in simplicity,” came to be, and wow his answer was packed with heart, wisdom, and strategy.

Adrian said something that really stuck with me:

“It’s actually quite difficult to create something that is both inherently beautiful and simple at the same time.”

Let that sink in.

Simplicity isn’t about making things plain or boring. It’s about stripping away the noise to find the essence of what you’re trying to say. It’s about being intentional. It’s about creating something so grounded, so clean, so true—that it makes people stop and feel something.

He described how our world is filled with noise—visual noise, digital noise, emotional noise. And his goal? To create work that cuts through all of that. To make something calm. Something that brings people a sense of joy and peace. That’s what simplicity means to him.

It’s not about empty spaces or minimalism for minimalism’s sake. It’s about focus. It’s about clarity. It’s about crafting images that feel honest, warm, and welcoming.

And as someone who used to think “simple” meant “not enough,” this was a game-changer.

Adrian reminded me that there’s so much power in doing less—but doing it really, really well. That kind of simplicity? That’s the drama. That’s the statement. That’s the story.

So if you’ve been trying to add more to make your work pop, maybe it’s time to do the opposite. Start peeling things back. Get to the heart of what you’re really trying to say.

Simplicity isn’t small. It’s bold in a quiet, confident kind of way. And sometimes, that’s exactly what your creativity needs.

Try these next steps

Ready to tap into your own creative curiosity? Here are a few ways to start:

1. Follow the excitement

If something lights you up, even a little, follow it. Whether it’s a new technique, a project idea, or a dream client, your joy is a compass.

2. Make your style your signature

Instead of trying to master every niche, get known for your style. Adrian explained how a consistent visual style can be your strongest niche, even if you shoot across different categories.

3. Build real relationships

Marketing isn’t about cold pitches. It’s about connection. Adrian reaches out to people with warmth and purpose. Whether it’s a printed mailer or a branded breakfast, he makes it memorable.

4. Communicate with care

Your emails, your calls, your follow-ups—they all matter. Clear, kind, honest communication will carry you farther than any fancy strategy.

5. Ask for help

Adrian encouraged reaching out to collaborators at all levels. Whether they’re just starting out or already seasoned, you don’t lose anything by asking. The worst they can say is no.

6. Keep evolving

Styles age. Markets shift. You grow. Adrian learned from Japanese artisans to see himself as a forever student. You’re always allowed to evolve.

You’re allowed to change your mind

If something isn’t exciting anymore, you’re allowed to let it go. If you’ve poured time, energy, and heart into a path but it no longer feels right, it’s okay to change direction. You’re not quitting. You’re choosing something better. That’s what Adrian did. That’s what you can do too.

And if your curiosity is nudging you toward something new? That’s your clue. Follow it. Let it lead you somewhere more aligned, more joyful, more you.

Want more episodes like this?

If this conversation with Adrian Mueller lit a fire in your heart, make sure to subscribe to The Savory Shot wherever you listen to podcasts. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts so we can keep bringing you inspiring guests and meaningful stories.