Meet Crystel Samia

We recently connected with Crystel Samia and have shared our conversation below.

Crystel, thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.

I have a tendency to overwork myself, so I’ve had to train myself to take time off. What refreshes me most after a long period of work is doing some physical activity, preferably in nature. As a self-employed freelancer and artist, I’ve created a healthy routine that helps me cover all the areas I need to attend to.

I start my day with a morning routine before checking my phone: I water my plants, do some sun salutations, feed my cat, and make coffee. Then, I sit at my desk and tackle the main tasks of the day. I take breaks to do chores, get groceries, and make lunch. In the afternoon, I handle more technical tasks, leaving the creative ones for the morning. Then in the evening, I try to see friends and family, work on art in my studio, go for a walk, or watch some series while doodling.

I make sure to get out of the house as often as possible, to catch some sunlight and fresh air. I’ve learned the hard way that overworking not only leads to burnout but also lowers the quality of my work. When I’m exhausted, I make mistakes that take longer to fix. But when I’m well-rested, I complete tasks more efficiently and with better results.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’ve been painting and crafting for as long as I can remember. I studied Graphic Design and Visual Communication at the Lebanese University Institute of Fine Arts from 2012 to 2017, focusing on illustration and classic frame-by-frame animation for my master’s project. Drawing has been a part of my life since childhood, and I love exploring various mediums to express my creativity.

In 2020, I moved to Istanbul and had the opportunity to showcase my art in exhibitions there and in Berlin. I also started sharing my work online and at art festivals, and the positive response I received motivated me to keep creating and sharing more. Currently, I freelance in animation, illustration, design, and tattoos. I also sell my art and crafts on my website and at exhibitions.

What excites me most is the ability to create unique 1/1 original paintings and hand-painted items, which can be customized to suit individual preferences. In addition, I offer limited art prints, with quantities following the Fibonacci sequence—larger prints are fewer, while smaller prints are more abundant. Each print is personally signed and numbered by me.

This summer, I’m showcasing and selling my art in shops in Lebanon alongside my website. I also create videos for my YouTube channel, where I share my process along with stories and thoughts related to the visual concepts.

My work is inspired by beauty, love, and our connection with the Earth and the cosmos. I hope to leave people with a bit of magic in their hearts, a love for mystery, and an appreciation for beauty—both in nature and within souls. My aim is to touch the core of every person I encounter or who encounters my art, instilling a sense of wonder and openness to the mystical and inner realms.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

It’s challenging to pick just three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge, but I would say the most impactful for me have been honesty, keeping an open mind and heart, and staying curious about learning and developing.

Honesty is crucial both towards myself and others. Being honest with myself helps me recognize my strengths and weaknesses, allowing me to work on improving myself and my craft. Honesty with others builds trust and makes interactions smoother, as everyone knows where they stand and can feel comfortable.

Keeping an open mind and heart is vital for growth and learning. If we believe we have all the answers or are perfect, we leave no room for improvement. Being open to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives enriches our minds and souls. It allows us to connect with others on common and unique stories, learning from each other and enjoying the journey together.

Curiosity is the driving force behind continual learning and development. Staying curious keeps us engaged and motivated to explore new things, refine our skills, and push boundaries. It’s about being open to the world and constantly seeking to expand our knowledge and understanding.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to cultivate these qualities by being truthful with yourself and others, embracing new experiences with an open mind, and maintaining a passion for learning. These practices will help you grow as a person and in your craft, and allow you to connect deeply with others.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I love collaborating with fellow artists, especially on projects like music videos, album art, visual art collaborations, whether it’s painting or animation. When I work with someone who is inspired, we fuel each other’s creativity, and great work is born! It’s especially rewarding when collaborators respect the creative process because they understand it. They trust me to do my thing, and I trust them for their unique contributions. We don’t interfere with each other’s work, except to offer constructive criticism and explore new ideas together.

If this resonates with anyone reading, I encourage them to visit my website to see my work. If it sparks a sense of excitement and a vision for a creative project, they can reach out through the contact page. I’ll make sure to respond as soon as possible. Let’s create something awesome together!

Contact Info:

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