An interview with Zooey Kraemer
Zooey Kraemer is a ballet dancer, model, actor and artist who resides in the Southern California part of the United States.
Upon connecting with Zooey, I was compelled by how passionate they were about creating and perfecting the various artistic crafts they practice. Modeling, acting, dancing and painting; In each division Zooey consistently sharpens her metaphorical blade, improving and learning from every session in each genre. Below are some of my favorite photos from our recent photoshoot, and an interview with her.
What crossover do you find between being an actor, artist and model?
As a model, I think about how the body occupies space and conveys emotion through posture and stagnant poses. As an actor, I'm focused on understanding people—their motivations, emotions, and relationships. As an artist, in both ballet and when creating works on canvas or paper, I combine those two ideas. I’m studying the body not just as an anatomical form, but as something capable of expressing feeling, tension, and vulnerability through movement.
Do you ever find that people try to box you in as just one of your creative professions? (Instead of accepting that you encompass all 3?) and how do you handle that?
I do encounter that, particularly within the fine art community. Gallery owners and curators often seem hesitant to accept that I can be fully committed to multiple creative disciplines. I'm frequently asked how I manage my schedule, how I fit everything in, or how I can take building a career in fine art seriously if I'm not devoting every waking moment exclusively to it.
My response is always the same: why would I limit myself if pursuing multiple creative paths isn't compromising the quality of my work?
I've never viewed creativity as something that exists in separate boxes. Ballet has given me an understanding of anatomy, movement, and discipline. Acting has taught me empathy, storytelling, and emotional nuance. Modeling has made me more aware of composition, light, and the expressive potential of the body while stagnant. Those experiences don't distract from my painting—they strengthen it. Likewise, painting has made me a more observant performer and actor.
I think our culture often encourages specialization, and there's certainly value in mastering a single craft. But for me, each discipline feeds the others. I don't see myself as someone trying to do everything; I see myself as someone exploring the same artistic questions through different mediums. As long as I continue producing thoughtful, meaningful work, I don't believe my commitment should be measured by how narrowly I define myself, but by the quality and intention of what I create.
Where do you find inspiration and motivation for your painted works?
My biggest source of inspiration is the human body itself. After spending most of my life studying ballet, I developed a deep appreciation for the body's ability to communicate without words. A slight shift in weight, the tension in a hand, or the curve of a back can express just as much emotion as a facial expression.
That understanding naturally found its way into my visual work.
I'm also continually inspired by nature. I find myself noticing the similarities between the human body and organic forms. Those visual relationships have become a recurring theme in some of my works because they showcase my belief that our bodies are just as much a part of nature as the landscapes around us.
More than anything, though, I'm interested in how people perceive the human form and how those perceptions change when familiar cues, like facial identity, are removed. Every painting is an opportunity to ask a new question rather than provide a definitive answer. That sense of exploration is what keeps me constantly motivated to create.
How do you structure your day?
As a freelancer, my days are rarely structured the same way twice. Since I’m responsible for creating opportunities and managing my own career across multiple creative fields, my schedule is constantly changing. Some days are filled with ballet rehearsals, auditions, shoots, interviews, painting, networking, or administrative work behind the scenes to keep everything moving.
I’ve learned to be extremely adaptable and self-motivated because there isn’t usually someone else setting my schedule or creating the next opportunity for me. I have to actively seek out work, promote myself, and make sure I’m continuing to grow in every area of my career.
Oddly enough, I actually enjoy being busy. I’d much rather have a schedule that is overflowing and slightly stressful than have too much free time. I find that having multiple creative outlets keeps me energized and inspired. Even though the unpredictability can be challenging, I love that no two days look the same and that I’m constantly learning, creating, and pushing myself in new directions.
How has your relationship with your body changed over time?
My relationship with my body has always been rooted in appreciation for what it can do rather than simply how it looks. Growing up in ballet gave me a profound respect for the strength, discipline, and resilience of the human body.
Of course, there are moments when it's easy to become caught up in appearance—we all experience that. But whenever I find myself thinking that way, I return to a place of gratitude. My body has allowed me to dance professionally, create art, travel, perform, and experience the world. That's far more meaningful to me than striving for an impossible standard of perfection. I hope my work encourages others to see their own bodies through a similar lens: not as something to critique, but as something to appreciate for all that it allows them to do.
Do you have a ritual to get into character/get warmed up before stepping onto a set or a stage?
I don't have a strict ritual before stepping on stage. If anything, my ritual is allowing myself to feel whatever nerves are there instead of trying to eliminate them. I love taking that nervous energy and holding onto it until the moment I step on stage. The instant I'm in front of an audience, that anxiety transforms into adrenaline and excitement. It's impossible to recreate anywhere else. No matter how many rehearsals, hours of preparation, or moments of self-doubt come before it, the second I step on stage, everything else disappears.
How do you take your coffee?
I love a good iced latte, the sweeter the better. I’ve fallen into the habit of adding extra ingredients whenever I order. Extra caramel, or like last week when I was out, I asked for sprinkles on top of my coffee.
Ballet entails expressing ideas or a narrative without words. Does that wordless expression aspect of your training inform you when interpreting a script for acting?
In ballet, the body often communicates more honestly than words ever can. It’s very venerable. Every movement has intention, and the smallest gesture can completely change the meaning of a performance. You're constantly asking yourself what your character is thinking, feeling, and trying to communicate without saying a word.
That mindset has carried directly into my acting. When reading a script, I focus not only on the dialogue, but on what the character is expressing through their body, their silence, and their reactions. Ballet has taught me that some of the most powerful moments in a performance happen in the pauses—the emotions that exist beyond the words themselves.
What’s something people might be surprised to know about you? (Or the question: What are 3 facts about you?)
As much as I love fashion, makeup, and the opportunity to dress up and feel polished, I wouldn't describe myself as a traditionally “girly girl.” I've climbed and repelled mountains, and I love tail running, camping, hiking through waist deep water in the valley. I’ve mountain biked 27.4 miles in a day, and I enjoy outdoor endurance challenges, class four whitewater rafting, and going to National Parks. My perfect day is getting grubby while challenging myself at an extreme activity in the outdoors.
Top 5 favorite movies? (Not like, first; seconds third. Just 5 movies that are your favorites)
The Big Lebowski, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Amélie, Star Wars (1-6), Treasure Planet
Favorite foods?
My favorite food is probably poutine. I first tried it while attending the Joffrey Ballet Summer Intensive in New York, where the hotel restaurant happened to serve it, and I've loved it ever since.
New York-style pizza is a close second. One of my all-time favorites is the black bean pizza from Georgio's Pizza in East Lansing, Michigan. I also have to give an honorable mention to DiGiorno's Rising Crust Mac & Cheese Pizza, which became a weekly buy for me until it was discontinued.
When it comes to comfort food, though, my mom makes a great white chicken chili, I top with (probably too much) cheese and sour cream. I always ask her to make it for me whenever I'm visiting my parents.
You can follow Zooey on her Instagram at @Zooey_Kraemer and her website at: www.zooeykraemer.squarespace.com
Keep an eye on the Zine for future photoshoots featuring Zooey.
Until next time,
-Oliver Endahl