"It only takes one video or post catching the right eye to turn this hobby into something you do full-time — like it did with me."
Every Stitch is a new interview series asking fashion’s new creative class how they manage their closets, lives, and careers.
Kayli Sandoval is a Creative Director & Editor based in New York and L.A. Her bright, frenetic, sharp-as-candy work — which mixes print media with the video textures of the '80s and '90s — has amassed over 12 million likes on TikTok and is changing the way artists are interacting with the platform itself.
Here’s how Kayli picks up every stitch.
The self-appointed work uniform:
My go-to work attire consists of absolutely anything comfy — typically a hoodie and some loose shorts. As a creative professional, I often work irregular hours, frequently extending into the middle of the night. For this reason, I predominantly work and grind from the comfort of my own room.
However, on the days I get out of the house to work from a cute cafe in the city, you can almost always find me in thrifted baggy denim, layered tops, and tons of accessories.
The journey to becoming a creative director:
After graduating high school, I pursued higher education with the idea of becoming a professional journalist and focusing full-time on my writing. Suddenly, COVID-19 hit the second semester of my first year. I moved back into my family home, attended school online, and tackled my first existential crisis (of many) in adulthood. This ultimately led me to download TikTok, reigniting my inherent creative spark and motivating me to consistently post my work online.
After quickly achieving some online success, I pivoted the direction of my career and worked tirelessly to finish school to dedicate myself fully to my creative projects. By networking with other creatives and building a community online, I was able to build a foundation for the career I am now so grateful to have.
The hardest project she's ever worked on:
I cannot pinpoint one project that was more challenging than the others; however, I can certainly admit that any passion project of mine is typically where I place the most pressure on myself. It is also these personal projects that often lead me to disregard a normal sleep schedule (work/life balance is def something I am still working to improve). With the aim of constantly leveling up and surpassing expectations, I am frequently more critical of myself than I probably should be.
The way she gets her creative juices flowing:
Since the beginning of my career in the creative industry, I have consistently sought inspiration from movies and music. Some musicians who have significantly influenced and inspired me include A$AP Rocky, Tyler, the Creator, and Pharrell. Additionally, one of the most influential movies in my creative work has to be Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023).
The art of risk-taking:
I take risks with every new project I undertake. I fear creating art that is mundane and foreseeable — and I strive to avoid producing work that closely resembles anything I’ve already done. Nevertheless, I am always open to experimenting with new styles, unfamiliar tools, and innovative methods of achieving a desired look (i.e., the use of artificial intelligence) and adapting it into my own!
The idea of "making it":
As grateful and utterly happy as I am in the place I stand in the creative industry, I think there is much more I must accomplish before feeling as though I’ve truly “made it.”
As a second-generation Mexican-American, the values of hard work and persistence have been deeply ingrained in me by preceding generations. I want to inspire the masses, take care of my family, and truly make meaningful art in this world. I’m taking my career step-by-step, day-by-day, and allowing myself to learn new things constantly. I love where I am — and I’m even more excited for where I will be.
The discarding of the rulebook:
In the act of creating, I genuinely do not think there is a set of rules to adhere to.
As the Internet can significantly influence the success of emerging creatives, there is often an emphasis on the concept of “niching down.” HOT TAKE: I disagree. Be your authentic self, make stuff that resonates with YOU, share your passions with the world, and that community you desire will naturally follow.
The advice she'd give burgeoning creatives:
The best advice I can give burgeoning creatives is to (1) teach yourself to not give a f*** about the way others perceive you and your work, and (2) use the Internet to your advantage!!!!
It is genuinely unfathomable the way we have hundreds of thousands of eyes accessible at the tip of our fingers. Post, post, post! The world deserves to see your art, and it only takes one video or post catching the right eye to turn this hobby into something you do full-time — like it did with me. 🌀
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