From an early age, Sarah Hobbs knew her path would be creative. “I was always artistic,” she recalled. “Even in high school, I tried to be one of the science kids because everyone around me was heading that way, but I never really enjoyed it. Art stuck with me.” That passion guided her through college, where she combined advertising and marketing—a marriage of artistry and strategy that would later underpin her studio, Polydextrous.
By 18, Hobbs made a leap that many would find daunting: she skipped university to launch her own business. “My mum was incredibly supportive, which gave me the confidence to just roll with it,” she said. Today, at 24, she reflects on six years in the industry, and the lessons have been as much about storytelling as photography. “Mentors teach you technical skills, but storytelling is a lost art. A single frame has to say something,” Hobbs noted.
Her photography journey began with the vintage clothes she sold in high school. “I bought my first camera to photograph them, and I’d rope in my friends, pose them with my grandma’s antiques—everything became playful, collaborative. That’s how I fell in love with photography,” she recalled. The experience also gave her insight into working with talents: understanding models from the inside out. “Being in front of the camera makes you a better photographer—you know how to direct and connect. I think that more photographers should try out modelling. That’s what I want to say here—more photographers need to try out modelling to talk to their models better,” she said.
Polydextrous itself is a testament to collaboration. Initially intended as Ambidextrous Studios, Hobbs rebranded after a partner backed out. “Polydextrous represents many hands contributing—teamwork, delegation, the essence of making a production successful,” she explained. The philosophy extends to female leadership in a male-dominated industry. “Being young and a woman is f*cking hard. A lot of photographers and gaffers are men, and you always have to prove yourself more. But when you have a female-led team, the energy, the kindness, and the honesty you can bring is unmatched. Having a woman’s touch on any project is so different,” she said.
Hobbs’ risks extend beyond photography and creative direction. “I felt a little left behind because all my friends had that uni experience—everyone who’s my age just graduated. And I’ve had almost six years of working experience, and I think that sitting with myself when I was 18 and being like, No, I need to start something, and I need to be the leader of my life. I think that was probably the best risk I’ve ever taken, which so happens to be creative,” she said. She founded her studio entirely on her own, with no mentor to guide her at first.
Yet, creative success has never shielded Hobbs from the challenges of business ownership. “At one point, we had seven employees, and I realised we were operating like an agency, not a creative hub. I had to take charge, reorient, and refocus on storytelling and art rather than just churning content,” she reflected. Her approach is grounded in sustainability and trust: retainer clients provide stability, allowing space for creative projects. “You have to set yourself up so that when the industry dips, you can keep going.”
Her ventures continue. She’s now launching a home decor line for cat owners. “It’s about creative control and reconnecting with my pets,” she laughed. “I had this idea to create sculptural pieces for homes that are like cat trees. It’s branded as: these cats are your artists. So, when they scratch, it creates something that is unique to the piece. It’s very exciting, and I’m very excited! It works well with my photography career because it’s finally something I can have complete creative control over.” It’s a playful and thoughtful venture, embodying her belief in mixing life and art.
Through all the risks, successes, and challenges, Hobbs remains reflective. “I want to let go of ego. This industry is full of materialistic, egotistical energy. I want to stay grounded, focused on the craft, and live life less attached to things.” Her philosophy—balancing creativity, business, and personal growth—is also a lesson in resilience for anyone navigating ventures.
Photography: Sarah Hobbs
Styling & Creative Direction: Joseph Cheng
Art Direction: Nadia Aswardy
Hair: VV Chan, Zac Lee, Philex Chin, Cody Chua
Makeup: Eranthe Loo, Crystal Fong (Plika Makeup)
Styling Assistants: Sarah Chong, Lorraine Chai, Maryssa Helmi
Photography Assistants: Ayiesha Almas, Brandan Simon
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