Pinkorange Meets Tim Olivier Somer

At 31 years old, Tim isn’t just a theater actor, he’s also a chef and currently diving into carpentry. Born and raised in the Netherlands, he now calls Amsterdam home.

What would you say is the key to your own creativity?
I think it’s about being your true self and reconnecting with your inner child. That brings a lot of joy, and I believe creativity comes from joy. When you feel that joy, it reflects on the people around you. It’s also important to take life a bit lightly sometimes. Sure, life can be hard and heavy, but finding the light parts is essential.

Why acting?
For me, acting taps into my inner child. I always wanted to be a knight, I still do, honestly. If I could play a knight in a movie, that would be the dream.

Acting is about connecting with the audience. You can explore heavy themes, but it should still be enjoyable. People should leave the theater having had a good night, even if they walk away questioning something. That’s the magic of theater, every night is different, and the energy in the room shifts every time.

You’re a multi-passionate creative, and everything you do is so varied. What keeps you motivated to keep exploring?
I believe creativity runs through everything I do. Cooking is creative, I think about how to plate the food beautifully. Carpentry too. One day, I want to build my own house, and that’s a creative process in itself.

My biggest motivation is to never give up on my dreams. It sounds cliché, but the idea of doing the same thing for the rest of my life terrifies me. Being creative is tough, it’s an insecure world, and it doesn’t always pay off. But you have to keep believing in it.

What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is creative for me, and it affects how I feel. When I’m hungover, I put on my best suit because it makes me feel better. And when I’m working in the kitchen, I try to channel the vibe of the guy from The Bear.

I like experimenting with different combinations. When I was younger, I dressed like the characters I admired. Over time, though, I found my own style. Now, I only wear loafers or boots, never sneakers anymore.

How does nature influence you?
Nature gives me time to reflect. I think it’s important to get out and walk. The city overstimulates you, but the forest is quiet. That quiet helps me think more freely and listen to myself.