From DIY Diasters to Diorama Dreams …

Embarking on a creative journey isn't always smooth sailing. For me, the world of dioramas began with a series of trial-and-error attempts at crafting my own 1:6 scale furniture and scenes. Little did I know that the road to realizing my miniature dreams would be paved with both costly mistakes and invaluable lessons.

The initial excitement of creating my own play scale world quickly dwindled as my DIY projects turned disastrous. It became evident that crafting wasn't my forte, and I faced the realization that I needed help to bring my vision to life. However, finding makers and artists who shared my passion for the Modern Midcentury aesthetic I loved, proved to be a daunting task in the niche world of play scale decor.

Custom requests became a time-consuming and, let's be honest, a more expensive alternative. Two years of searching for pieces and a modest collection of play scale furniture later, armed with newfound photography skills, I decided to share my creations on Flickr. Little did I anticipate the challenges – my work didn't align with the popular styles of Modern Glam or Shabby Chic, resulting in exclusion from Diorama groups and a lackluster response caused what I thought would be a permanent halt to my Diorama journey.

Moving to Nebraska in 2016 brought its own set of challenges but became the reason I returned to Dioramas. Without clients for my photography business, I found solace in sharing doll photos on Instagram. Tentatively, I reintroduced my dioramas, transforming my account of Nesha Kaye into all things fashion dolls and miniatures. The tide began to turn as my follower count grew, and I had finally found my creative stride.

Navigating setbacks and hiccups is an inherent part of any journey. It was only when I discovered my audience, a community that believed in my vision, that I truly stepped into my role as an artist. My Instagram account evolved into a haven for diorama enthusiasts, a space where my creativity flourished and resonated with those who appreciated the unique aesthetic I brought to the miniature world.

Every twist and turn in my creative journey led me to where I am today – a testament to the resilience that comes with pursuing one's artistic passion. The road may be bumpy, but finding your people and staying true to your vision can make all the difference.