Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hammad Abid. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hammad, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
For me, creativity thrives when it is nourished by curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to embrace both chaos and structure. Inspiration, I’ve found, is everywhere—in the ordinary and the extraordinary. Every conversation, every sunrise, every fleeting moment of stillness or chaos holds the potential to ignite new ideas and perspectives.
This sense of possibility stems from a deep, lifelong curiosity—since childhood, I’ve had an innate desire to question the world around me, to peel back its layers and uncover the “why” behind what I see and feel, a quality that has shaped how I experience the world. Whether in moments of sadness, joy, ecstasy, or quiet reflection, I’ve always been drawn to question what lies beneath the surface. If someone explained a phenomenon, I couldn’t resist peeling back the layers to uncover its deeper truth. Walking through nature, surrounded by beauty and mystery, I felt compelled to understand why the light filters through the trees in a certain way or how patterns emerge in different forms, governed by their own logic—a structure of order and chaos that sometimes defies human reasoning.
This natural curiosity evolved into a guiding philosophy during my time pursuing an MFA in Textiles at the Rhode Island School of Design. It was a transformative period when my creativity gained structure and purpose. I developed a design methodology uniquely my own, shaped by my heritage as a fifth-generation weaver and enriched through my skills and experiences. This process became more than a framework for creating; it became a lens through which I interpret the world, a voice that allows me to express my perspective authentically and meaningfully.
Through this lens, I’ve come to understand that creativity thrives on balance for me. It requires the freedom to explore—to read, observe, dream, and wander—but also the discipline to transform those explorations into tangible forms. Creativity flourishes when it is treated with care, when space is made for both experimentation and consistency, even in moments of imperfection.
I believe creativity isn’t a finite resource but a flowing river that gains momentum when unblocked. Approaching it with an abundance mindset, I see it as an ongoing dialogue between the wonders I observe and the expressions I create based on my observation. It’s the process of transforming questions into meaningful forms, of shaping the intangible into something tangible.
To keep this river flowing, I challenge myself to step beyond my comfort zone, question my assumptions, and embrace failure as a natural part of growth. For me, creativity is more than a fleeting spark—it is a constant, evolving relationship, one that deepens as I remain open, curious, and willing to explore the unknown.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
From a lineage of Indian weavers steeped in rich textile traditions, I am a fifth-generation weaver, multidisciplinary artist, and New York-based textile designer specializing in woven fabrics. My heritage forms the foundation of my practice, grounding my work in a deep understanding of craftsmanship while inspiring me to push boundaries in both design and art.
As a designer, I bring extensive experience in creating textiles for the contract and residential textile industries. My work merges the technical intricacies of fibers and fabric construction with innovative, sustainable solutions. I strive to design premium, high-performance fabrics that are not only visually compelling but also functional and durable—tailored to elevate modern spaces and meet the evolving needs of contemporary lifestyle. I am particularly passionate about incorporating sustainability into my work, ensuring that my designs align with a future-conscious ethos while maintaining the quality and luxury that enhances everyday surroundings.
At the heart of my design philosophy is a desire to redefine materiality in textiles. I explore how diverse materials can be seamlessly integrated into weave structures, resulting in fabrics that go beyond aesthetics. These textiles can be stronger, lighter, sound-absorbent, or even sculptural, opening up exciting possibilities for reimagining what woven materials can achieve. For me, this fusion of the weaving tradition with forward-thinking design is one of the most exciting aspects of my work, allowing me to operate at the intersection of art, craft, and innovation.
In contrast to my design work, my fine art practice is more experimental and unconventional. Inspired by architectural phenomenon, my art explores themes of structure, materiality, memory, and the passage of time. Through three-dimensional hand woven sculptures, I challenge conventional perceptions of textiles as a two-dimensional medium, transforming them into dynamic and transformative forms. These works invite viewers to experience woven materials in entirely new ways, showcasing their potential to transcend functionality and embody artistic expression.
Whether I am designing textiles for functional spaces or creating artistic installations, my ultimate goal is to foster a deeper appreciation for the possibilities of woven materials. Through my work, I aim to bridge the rich traditions of weaving with innovative, transformative horizons, offering new ways to engage with and understand the timeless art of textiles.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Embracing Failure as Part of the Process: One of the most transformative lessons I’ve learned is to not fear failure but to embrace it as an integral part of growth—both in life and in design. When you walk a path that is uniquely yours, especially one less traveled, failure becomes inevitable. It’s a sign that you’re exploring new territory, pushing boundaries, and challenging norms. Each misstep is a learning opportunity, revealing insights you wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. My advice to those starting out: welcome failure as a teacher. Reflect on it, adapt, and keep moving forward. Innovation thrives in the spaces where we dare to take risks.
2. Cultivating Curiosity: A curious mind has been one of my greatest assets. Curiosity opens doors to uncharted ideas, fuels creativity, and keeps you engaged with the world around you. It drives you to ask “why” and “what if,” transforming everyday observations into opportunities for exploration. For those early in their journey, I recommend nurturing your sense of wonder—read widely, observe keenly, and never stop questioning. Curiosity is what bridges the gap between inspiration and innovation.
3. Balancing Discipline with Flexibility: Creativity flourishes when it has space to breathe, but it also needs structure to manifest into something tangible. I’ve found that a balance between discipline and flexibility is essential. Discipline ensures that you show up consistently, hone your skills, and follow through on ideas, while flexibility allows you to adapt to unexpected changes and embrace new directions. My advice: establish routines that support your growth but leave room for spontaneity. The ability to adapt while staying committed to your goals will set you apart.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
An ideal client for me is someone who cherishes the intersection of craftsmanship, innovation, and intentionality in their creative endeavors. They approach design and art with a mindset that goes beyond practicality or decoration, seeing them as profound mediums for storytelling, emotional connection, and the creation of spaces that hold enduring significance. Such clients understand that every project is an opportunity to weave a unique narrative—one that mirrors their identity, aspirations, and values—while elevating their surroundings into meaningful and immersive experiences.
They are drawn to the extraordinary and have a discerning appreciation for the meticulous thought and care infused into every detail. Whether its commissioning bespoke textiles tailored to a specific vision or envisioning an artistic installation that challenges conventional norms, they embrace the creative process as a collaborative journey. They recognize that the choices made in design have the power to transform spaces into reflections of intention and purpose, harmonizing form and function in ways that inspire and endure.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hammadabid.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abid.hammad/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hammad-abid-97a811117/
Image Credits
Image 1-7: Jordan Petsy
Image 8-9: Ivan Suslov
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