Paper Talk

Have you ever wondered how we capture those beautiful shots of our paper flowers? In this episode, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara pull back the curtain on their photography and videography equipment, settings, and creative processes.

Sara shares her daily filming routine and why she shoots the same action from multiple angles. Jessie breaks down her camera choices and explains why the person behind the lens matters more than the equipment. And Quynh reveals her favorite affordable tripod and why she upgraded her Canon for her book deal.



"Do a B-roll shot list of things that you want to capture because when you're filming, you forget you're thinking you're getting all this." - Quynh



Whether you're shooting with an iPhone or investing in professional equipment, this conversation is packed with practical tips to help you showcase your work beautifully.



Here’s What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

Sara's complete camera setup and why she switched from Canon to Sony

The importance of lenses over camera bodies (and which ones to invest in first)

How to shoot multiple angles of the same action for dynamic content

iPhone camera settings for the highest quality photos and videos

Why natural light beats artificial lighting every single time

The pre-production process: shot lists, prep work, and planning your day

Editing software recommendations: Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Lightroom, and more

How to find affordable secondhand camera equipment

The best tripods for overhead shots and easy movement

Microphone recommendations for clear audio in videos



Equipment & Tools Mentioned:

Sony cameras (various models) with GM 16-35mm wide angle zoom lens

Canon DSLR cameras

Fujifilm GFX 50S II (for professional photography)

Viltrox 20mm lens (affordable option, around $100)

iPhone 16 Pro Max with specific camera settings

Rode shotgun and wireless microphones

DJI Osmo and DJI wireless remote

Greek Geekcraft tripod (extends to 7 feet with magnetic phone mount)

Tethering cables for shooting directly to computer



Editing Software Mentioned:

Adobe Premiere Pro (video editing)

Final Cut Pro (video editing for Mac users)

Adobe Lightroom (photo editing)

Adobe Photoshop (advanced photo editing)

Edits app (mobile video editing)

Snapseed (mobile photo editing)

Capture One (professional photo editing with tethering)



👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20

Quynh: KraftGeek Magnetic Phone Tripod

Jessie: TetherPro USB-C to USB-C

Sara: Viltrox 20mm F2.8

Paper Talk is supported by our community of readers and listeners. When you click on our affiliate links, we may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through Amazon.com, Shareasale, or similar affiliate marketing programs. This commission goes directly into the maintenance of this website and our podcast.

What happens when the hustle slows down and you're left wondering if you should get a teaching credential instead? In this raw and honest conversation, Quynh, Sara, and Jessie open up about the parts of running a creative business we don't usually talk about: the financial worries, the seasonal doubts, and the struggle to keep going when your energy isn't the same.



"I feel like every year it repeats and it always starts in January and sometime in the summer for me when I go through these random moments where I'm like, do I need to go get a part-time job? Do I need to maybe change careers?" - Sara



This isn't your typical "boss babe" pep talk. We are three paper artists who've been in business for over a decade, sitting down to have the real conversation about what it takes to sustain a creative life. We talk about the pressure to look perfect on social media while hiding the messy truth, how motherhood changes ambition, and why finding your "why" is the anchor that keeps you from drifting when things get hard.



What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

Why January brings existential career questions (and why that's normal)

The uncomfortable truth about money conversations in the artist community

How to balance motherhood and creative ambition without feeling torn

Why your medium isn't your message and what is

The power of having people who understand your struggles

Writing as a tool for clearing creative space in your mind

How to tell if you're moving in the right direction (even when it's not clear)



👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20

Quynh: You are the Brand by Mike Kim

Jessie: Find Your Artistic Voice: The Essential Guide to Working Your Creative Magic by Lisa Congdon

Sara: Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek

Paper Talk is supported by our community of readers and listeners. When you click on our affiliate links, we may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through Amazon.com, Shareasale, or similar affiliate marketing programs. This commission goes directly into the maintenance of this website and our podcast.

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JOIN OUR PAPER TALK MASTERMIND!

If you've been running your paper business solo and you're tired of figuring out pricing, marketing, and selling alone, then this is for you. The Mastermind is back and we saved you a seat!

Starting March 3, we are leading a 6-month Mastermind for paper artists ready to build something sustainable. You'll meet twice a month with us and a small group of paper artists tackling the real stuff: pricing, social media, selling your work, newsletters, and building confidence in your business.

We’ll have honest conversations, dive into practical strategies, and be with people who actually understand what you're building.

It’s $125/month for 6 months. Pay in full and save $50. Registration closes March 1.

👉 Join the Mastermind now!

In Episode 187 of Paper Talk, your hosts Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim unpack one of the hardest but most necessary conversations for artists: branding, identity, and growth beyond technical skill.

We reflect on what happens when everyone’s work starts to look the same, why burnout often stems from misalignment, and how honest outside feedback can shift everything. We talk about naming our businesses to photographing our work, from showing up consistently to embracing life experience as an asset.



“Hard conversations hurt, but they’re usually where the real change starts.” - Sara



Whether you’re early in your journey or years in, we hope our conversation offers perspective, encouragement, and a gentle push to evolve your art practice.



👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20

Quynh: Dungeon Crawler Carl

Jessie: Benjamin Moore Paint Colour Samples

Sara: Screenprinting workshop

Paper Talk is supported by our community of readers and listeners. When you click on our affiliate links, we may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through Amazon.com, Shareasale, or similar affiliate marketing programs. This commission goes directly into the maintenance of this website and our podcast.

________________________________________________

JOIN OUR PAPER TALK MASTERMIND!

If you've been running your paper business solo and you're tired of figuring out pricing, marketing, and selling alone, then this is for you. The Mastermind is back and we saved you a seat!

Starting March 3, we are leading a 6-month Mastermind for paper artists ready to build something sustainable. You'll meet twice a month with us and a small group of paper artists tackling the real stuff: pricing, social media, selling your work, newsletters, and building confidence in your business.

We’ll have honest conversations, dive into practical strategies, and be with people who actually understand what you're building.

It’s $125/month for 6 months. Pay in full and save $50. Registration closes March 1.

👉 Join the Mastermind now!

In Episode 186 of Paper Talk, we welcome the incomparable floral designer and educator, Hitomi Gilliam for a deeply thoughtful conversation on floral mechanics, Ikebana, color theory, and what it truly means to make flowers feel alive.

Hitomi brings decades of experience in floristry, Ikebana, and teaching to our discussion. In it, she shares how “economy of means” shapes her work, why neutrals like browns and grays quietly hold color stories together, and how mechanics become the bridge between imagination and execution. Together, we explore the powerful overlap between paper flowers and fresh floristry, sustainability, interdisciplinary learning, and the idea she calls the “hand of nature.”



“Mechanics are the enabler. Without them, the vision stays a sketch.” - Hitomi Gilliam



This episode is especially valuable for artists interested in sustainability, Ikebana principles, and designing with intention rather than excess. Learn more about Hitomi on her website and follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube!



👉 Join Hitomi and Quynh at their Paper Flower Crown Workshop in April 2026! Sign up before February 15th to get FREE complimentary paper flower supplies. Register here.



👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20

Quynh: Petite Knit Sophie Hood Pattern

Jessie: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Sara: Brown woven scalloped baskets

Paper Talk is supported by our community of readers and listeners. When you click on our affiliate links, we may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through Amazon.com, Shareasale, or similar affiliate marketing programs.. This commission goes directly into the maintenance of this website and our podcast.



------ Join the Conversation!

We'd love to hear from you! Share your insights with us on Instagram @papertalkpodcast or join our Facebook community discussions. Your experiences inspire us just as much as we hope to inspire you.

Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes, and don’t forget to subscribe to Paper Talk wherever you listen to podcasts.

If you’ve been craving a creative community or wondering how to take your next step, let this episode remind you that you are not alone. You can start small. You can begin today.

How niche should you be as a creative? In this episode of Paper Talk Podcast, Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim sit down for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about niching down. They reflect on how their businesses have evolved, the challenges of serving multiple audiences, and the clarity that comes from defining who you are truly creating for.



“Teaching art and selling art are two very different conversations.” - Jessie



Jessie shares her decision to separate her fine art practice from her educational offerings, while Sara reflects on choosing cohesion over complexity within one brand. Together, they discuss branding, price points, audience expectations, and why confusion often leads to disengagement.

This episode also offers a glimpse into the kind of real, thoughtful conversations that happen inside the Paper Talk Mastermind.



Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

What it really means to niche down

One brand vs. multiple brands

Teaching vs. selling art

Audience confusion and clarity

Branding consistency

The role of feedback and community



👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20

Quynh: White Plastic Panel

Jessie: USB-A to Lightning Charger Cable

Sara: Salvo Plant Stand

Paper Talk is supported by our community of readers and listeners. When you click on our affiliate links, we may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through Amazon.com, Shareasale, or similar affiliate marketing programs.. This commission goes directly into the maintenance of this website and our podcast.



------ Join the Conversation!

We'd love to hear from you! Share your insights with us on Instagram @papertalkpodcast or join our Facebook community discussions. Your experiences inspire us just as much as we hope to inspire you.

Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes, and don’t forget to subscribe to Paper Talk wherever you listen to podcasts.

If you’ve been craving a creative community or wondering how to take your next step, let this episode remind you that you are not alone. You can start small. You can begin today.