Yik Keat on Creative Discipline, Purpose & Redefining Success
- MINDED
- Mar 30
- 3 min read
Photographer Yik Keat opens up about the power of creative discipline, the struggles of building an artistic career in Singapore’s traditional culture, and why true success isn’t found in follower counts or algorithms. In a world obsessed with metrics and overnight fame, YK shares what it really takes to develop a unique creative voice—through rejection, uncertainty, and the quiet victories that happen behind the scenes.
Building a Creative Life—When the Odds Are Against You
How do you stay creative when everything around you tells you to play it safe?
Photographer Yik Keat (YK) left an engineering degree behind and took a leap into photography—armed only with curiosity, discipline, and a belief that there’s beauty in the everyday.
“At the start, nobody recognizes your work. You have to be your biggest believer.”
In this MINDED episode, we explore what it takes to build a meaningful creative career—from pushing through rejection to protecting your vision in a metrics-obsessed world.
Structure Meets Soul: YK’s Take on Creative Discipline
While many assume creativity is pure instinct, YK sees it differently:
“I didn’t study art. I trained my eye. It’s 30% structure, 70% creative.”
From referencing iconic street photographers to creating a visual style people recognize instantly—he built his path through repetition, observation, and discipline.
The Power of Community in Singapore’s Creative Scene
Singapore may be rich in design and architecture, but its creative culture is still catching up.
“Artists here are the minority. And the definition of success is still tied to money and stability.”
YK credits his early creative friends and mentors for helping him push forward—shooting for fun, sharing feedback online, and helping each other get noticed in a competitive city.
“We connect over the struggle. That’s how the Singapore creative community survives.”
Defining Success Beyond Social Media
YK has over a million followers on Instagram—but he’s quick to challenge the trap of engagement metrics.
“Success, for me, is being satisfied with my work at that point in time. Not the numbers.”
Instead of chasing trends, YK doubled down on meaningful personal projects. His career didn’t explode overnight—it grew slowly through small wins, including a local newspaper feature and eventually, national TV.
Facing Rejection, Finding Belief
Moving out at 22, barely affording rent, and unsure when the next paycheck would come—YK faced immense pressure.But instead of giving up, he kept showing up.
“I created my own drive. I told myself—do this many photos, push this idea, manifest the next step.”
This mindset helped him weather years of rejection before things started to shift.
Using Photography to Reflect the World Around Him
“Photography is a reflection of what you observe—and who you are.”
YK’s work captures unnoticed moments in daily life: light slanting through a building, movement in a quiet street, human stories that would otherwise go unseen.
Today, he’s also expanding into education—teaching storytelling, composition, and lighting on YouTube to help other creatives sharpen their vision.
On AI, Authenticity, and the Future of Creativity
“AI speeds things up, but creative work still needs a soul.”
YK fully embraces AI as a tool—from Photoshop retouching to writing scripts—but draws a clear line between automation and authentic vision.
His advice? Learn it. Use it. But don’t lose your voice.
YK’s journey reminds us that creativity isn’t just talent—it’s commitment.His story speaks to every artist who’s had to fight for their voice, stay disciplined in the dark, and trust that showing up—again and again—matters.
“I want to highlight everyday beauty. The things we overlook are often the most powerful.”
FAQ
What is creative discipline in photography?Creative discipline is the ability to apply structure, repetition, and intention to your creative process—like training your eye, refining your style, and showing up daily.
How did Yik Keat start his photography career?He transitioned from studying aerospace engineering to photography by self-teaching, referencing work he admired, and committing to small progress every day.
What’s the creative scene like in Singapore?It’s small but growing—artists are a minority, and financial support is limited, which makes community and mutual support essential.
How does YK define creative success?Success is internal: being proud of your work in the moment, regardless of likes or shares.
Is YK using AI in his creative workflow?Yes—YK uses AI tools to support his workflow, but believes the human touch still defines powerful creative output.
YK Recommends
Read: The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
Watch: Interstellar – “a timeless film that always surprises”
Next Guest Suggestion: Yayoi Kusama – “I want to know what’s going on in her brain”
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