Content creator and model Hanna Goldfisch on the many ways she expresses her creativity, how nature keeps her grounded and why she loves to call Berlin home.

Could you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

My friends would describe me as goal-oriented, emphatic and creative. I’ve been living in Berlin for 11 years and have been a full-time model for the past six years. Two years ago, I decided to focus more on content creation because it gives me the opportunity to work creatively behind the camera, which I love.

Where I’m from, creativity means learning a craft. Before I became a model I completed a retail apprenticeship in the field of fashion, then an apprenticeship as a hairdresser, where I also won the German championship in hairdressing. I also worked as a baker for a while. Everything I did was somehow connected to creativity, so I would say it has always been part of my life.

What has been your biggest influences and inspirations?

I see inspiration in the simplicity that is easily overlooked in everyday life. Sometimes it’s a challenge for me because, by nature, I always strive for the “better” and distract myself from the essential beauty.

How does being behind the camera differ from being in front?

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. I used to love to stand in front of the camera and make sure that the vision of the team or the customer is implemented in the best possible way. Over time, however, it became clear to me that I also have visions and want to bring own my creative ideas to life. Being behind the camera gives me the feeling of being in control of how I’m seeing myself as a person.

You express a lot of emotion in the photographs you model in. Where do you draw that emotion from?

Definitely through my past. I experienced severe trauma in my childhood which was buried deep down for half of my life. When I moved to Berlin, everything slowly came up to the surface and I was diagnosed with PTSD. Creative work is an outlet to let go of everything dark or sad that was locked inside my head.

Why did you choose to live where you are now?

I was born and raised in a small village with 700 residents in Bavaria and moved to Berlin 11 years ago. For me, Berlin is a melting pot of people out there who feel somewhat different. That’s why I chose to live in this city. I love its diversity and vibrancy. So many different cultures are living here and life is still quite affordable compared to other capitals in the world. The city is grey with a lot of colourful sprinkles on top!

How does nature weave into your life and work?

I’m a village kid who was surrounded by nature from an early age. I always think back to that time when I was a kid and gathered mushrooms with my brother in the large meadows at the edge of the forest of my hometown. Nature makes me feel grounded and helps my mind stop racing. For that reason, it alone plays an incredibly important role for me. Nature cannot be controlled and always finds a way. We are all part of it and it helps me not to give up on difficult days.

Follow Hanna @hanna.goldfisch