Beyond the Instagram idyll: an unvarnished look at the digital nomad life

Oliver, Lena – you've been living as digital nomads for over two years. That sounds like freedom and adventure. What does this lifestyle mean to you?

Oliver : Freedom, definitely. We decide anew every day what our lives should look like. The feeling of not being tied to a fixed location is indescribable. But it's also more than that: It's the opportunity to harmonize our art and our lives.

Lena : At the same time, it's also a way to constantly look in the mirror. You can't hide anywhere – neither from life's challenges nor from yourself. It's beautiful and exhausting at the same time.

How did you come up with the idea of ​​leaving everything behind in Germany and living a life as digital nomads?

Lena : I've always wanted to explore the world and travel, but I never had the chance. Whether it was because there were too many obligations at home, too many animals, too many children, or not enough money. And I never figured out how to earn enough money to travel. Eventually, I reached a point where I asked myself: What am I waiting for? This desire to explore the world is so strong! Why am I waiting for some random moment that never seems to arrive? I'd much rather travel with all my issues and live in the world, continuing to figure out – just like I've been doing at home – how I want to live each month, how I want to make it happen, and where I want to go. And: I'd rather face the same struggles in different places than stay in the same place and finally be rid of them!

Oliver : I'd been toying with the idea of ​​emigrating for a while when I met Lena. At the same time I fell in love with her, I learned that she was moving to Scandinavia – with no intention of returning to Germany. That was a tough pill to swallow! But it was also the catalyst for my own liberation. I was so drawn to her that I was ready to leave my life in Germany, which no longer fulfilled me, completely behind. I asked her if I could join her and document the journey with my camera. She said "Yes," and that unleashed an incredible energy within me – so much so that even a 14-hour drive to meet up in Sweden was possible. Since then, we've been traveling and living together.

When we hear the term "digital nomads," we immediately think of beaches, folding chairs, and laptops. How much truth is there to this stereotype?

Oliver : (laughs) We tried that in Mallorca – and quite honestly? It's a myth! No laptop in the world is bright enough to compete with the blazing sun – at least not without a power outlet! And internet reception isn't guaranteed on the beach either.

Lena : Yes! And the world has so much more to offer than baking on the beach all day. There are so many ways to live as digital nomads . Either traveling from region to region in our small car and renting an Airbnb for a month or more. Or building a simple bed in the back of a station wagon and touring Europe with that as our home for an entire summer – we've already done both. Maybe next we'll have a home on wheels in the form of a caravan? Who knows! It's important to us to be open to the opportunities life offers us and then to listen to our gut feeling.

What makes your photographic art so special – and how does it touch people?

Oliver : Our current series, "Symbiosis," opens up a space for people to pause, feel, and remember. The multifaceted, emotional compositions embody the depth of spontaneous, intimate moments—moments that are often lost in the hectic pace of everyday life. They convey that love and connection are not only possible but can also endure in our fast-paced world. For some, this might seem like a quiet, rebellious act: consciously connecting with love and constancy. These works remind us that such profound feelings exist—and that they are a gift.

Lena : Our paintings invite people to feel connected to themselves and the world around them. For me, they embody the profound understanding that everything is interconnected. This message touches, inspires, and empowers. What makes our art special is that it tells of the beauty of nature and how it constantly bestows magical moments upon us – often unexpectedly. This feeling of wonder and discovery is inherent in our works, creating a deeply personal experience for every viewer.

Who do you find your works particularly inspiring?

Oliver : Our works are designed for people who create spaces where feelings and experiences take center stage. They are art for hotels and restaurants as well as for cafés, galleries, or healing spaces, such as yoga studios. There, they add emotional touches that enrich the atmosphere. And they create moments that touch people, stimulate reflection, and give them an impulse to perceive their own lives more consciously.

Lena : On a deeper level, our work speaks to all those who sense that there is more possible in their lives. People who are looking for inspiration to live more freely, authentically, and consciously. Our art reminds us that deep love, genuine connection, and a self-determined life are attainable for everyone – and invites us to give these values ​​more space in our daily lives.

What would you describe as your biggest challenges?

Oliver : Financial stability is our constant companion – or rather, the search for it. Since the beginning of this chapter of our lives, we've tried everything imaginable to generate a stable income and build up reserves for emergencies. Among other things, we've released print collections, started a YouTube channel, and produced user-generated content (UGC) for brands. So far, this has always managed to get by, even if resounding success and financial freedom are still eluding us.

We are two very versatile, creative people who like to follow our impulses. But what we do with love – creating together in a wide variety of ways and experimenting – doesn't necessarily find a market. So it's always a search for the intersection: What can we do with passion AND also generate income?

Lena : Another issue is visibility. We've had about 200 followers on Instagram for two years now, and no matter what we try, nothing changes. It's frustrating, especially because we get very touching feedback from the people who see our work.

When it comes to traveling, Airbnb surprises are unfortunately all too common. Mice in the bedroom, a smoking stove in the living room – we've experienced it all! We learned that it's worth fighting for what you find! These experiences strengthened our team spirit and made us even stronger.

Were there any particular moments when you felt validated?

Lena : Absolutely! One example is an exhibition date that almost came together at a café in Helsingborg. We were so excited because it would have been the first big step in the direction we want to go: presenting our art in places we travel to. Unfortunately, the organizer mixed up the dates and never got back to us. That was a real blow.

Oliver : Nevertheless, it was confirmation that we were in the right place with our art and that it was being seen. It's like a quiet hope that drives us: Somewhere out there are people who want exactly what we create. We just have to find them!

How do you deal with these setbacks?

Lena : It's not always easy. However, I always hold onto the hope that it will ultimately be possible for me to live the way I've dreamed of for so long. Why not? After all, we've been living like this for over two years now! We remind each other of our vision – the joy we feel when we can capture magical moments and share them on our own artistic journey. Supporting each other and using the love we have for one another as our foundation helps enormously.

Oliver : Exactly. Our relationship is generally at the heart of our art. With my work, I want to create a monument to what's most important to me: Lena and our love – in all its facets, in every season and mood. That gives us strength time and time again. And always being able to return to that, even in difficult moments, and not lose sight of our goal, is probably the most important skill on this path.

You mentioned that you live from month to month. How do you deal with this uncertainty?

Lena : We try to keep our running costs as low as possible so we have resources for what's most important: a solid roof over our heads—preferably surrounded by nature—high-quality plant-based food that nourishes our bodies and gives us enjoyment, plus, of course, keeping our little old VW Golf running. That's why we've canceled almost all our insurance policies. Sometimes that weighs on us, especially when unexpected expenses like car repairs or a dentist appointment come up. But so far, we've always had the money we needed. That gives us more and more confidence that things will continue to go well in the future, even when things look tight.

Oliver : It's a balancing act between trust and planning. Luckily, we can keep costs down through very conscious consumption. Here in Estonia, for example, fresh fruit and vegetables are significantly more affordable than they were recently in Finland, which is a huge advantage for us. In 2025, we'll continue south, and after the Baltics, Romania, Bulgaria, the Balkans, and Greece await us. There, we'll get considerably more for our euros than, for example, in Scandinavia – a thought that definitely puts my mind at ease.

What would you wish for in the future?

Oliver : We hope that our art will finally reach the people who will be inspired by it. Ideally, all around the world, because I see us as international artists. Our prints are more than just wall decorations. They are magical, multifaceted companions full of emotion that touch people and draw them into another world. The idea that our works will be present in cafés, galleries, or healing spaces all over the world is what drives us.

Lena : First and foremost, we want to travel the world and discover and experience as much of it as our lifetime allows. I'm drawn to other continents like Africa and Asia – and how wonderful would it be to be able to make a difference from there? And how wonderful would it be to share this with others? Of course, we also wish for more financial freedom so we can dedicate even more time and energy to what truly fulfills us. Our goal is to be creative with ease and joy and to show people that a self-determined, authentic life is possible.

What advice would you give to people who are considering leading a similar life?

Lena : Be honest with yourself about your values ​​and priorities. This life isn't a constant vacation, but a constant adventure – with everything that comes with it. And sooner or later, it will become clear whether you're truly following your own vision or chasing a false dream that comes from somewhere outside.

Oliver : Exactly! It's a path full of challenges, but also full of magic. And no matter how difficult it sometimes is, we would choose it again in a heartbeat. Because this freedom to shape our lives according to our own vision is priceless. Waking up together every morning in a place we've chosen, and then being able to move on when the lure of distant lands beckons, without the pressure of having to return someday – I wouldn't trade that feeling for anything.

This interview was conducted in January 2025.

Follow us on Instagram too!