We recently connected with Shami Sosa and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Shami, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic comes from my family, mainly my parents. For children of immigrants, the experience of moving to a new country often invokes hard work and determination to establish a better life. This is passed down to succeeding generations, perhaps as a cultural norm. Witnessing my older brother raise his family at an early age (and now becoming a father) instilled a sense of responsibility and commitment deep within me. I’m in a unique position and have the privilege to create because of the sacrifices generations prior have made. It’s a work in progress and I do need reminders, but I no longer take my freedom for granted. Also, being able to identify what truly made me happy, cutting out toxicity, and cultivating positive outlooks, all contributed to my effectiveness and success. I am able to focus on what and who I love.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Shami Sosa is a multimedia designer and music/television producer based in Chicago, IL whose work spans multiple decades and disciplines. As a first-generation Pakistani-American, his work is influenced by musical genres ranging from Classical South Asian to Hip-Hop and R&B, and Electronica. Shami employs a wide range of musicians and displays public street art which culminate in a flamboyant yet enigmatic musical and marketing style that often defy convention. As a television producer, he has travelled extensively on behalf of major networks such as CBS and VICE to assist in the creation of segments that showcase local arts, culture, and economy.
Shami is also the principal of Emerald Resources, a transmedia storytelling agency that consults with corporations, public figures, artists, and brands of various scales, both domestically and internationally. His latest venture Synth On My Sleeve is an online publication and clothing brand that looks to bridge the gap between luxury streetwear and synthesizer enthusiasts.
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?
Being a great producer requires a diverse set of qualities, skills, and knowledge to navigate the multifaceted production. A blend of artistry, technical prowess, and effective project management. Having good taste and finely tuned eyes and ears is essential. Since art is subjective, being able to identify and analyze all the different elements that make some sounds and artwork more appealing than others is vital. Since the industry is dynamic and ever-changing, producers need to be adaptable and open to experimenting with new styles and techniques. Cultivating creativity, combined with unique life experiences and the ability to think outside the box, allowed me to bring fresh and innovative ideas to each project. Effective communication and transparency is also important in my collaboration with artists, musicians, and other professionals involved in the process. A good producer can articulate ideas clearly, provide constructive feedback, and most importantly facilitate a positive creative environment. Understanding and being able to adapt to technology has also impacted my journey in a positive way. These qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge collectively contribute to my ability to transform concepts into productions.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
With my newest venture “Synth On My Sleeve” I’ve faced unique challenges from a luxury clothing manufacturing and product design standpoint that stem from the pursuit of exceptional quality, cuts, exclusivity, and craftsmanship. One primary difficulty is finding a manafacturer that sources premium materials, such as rare fabrics and high-quality leathers, which are often limited in availability and is able to ship quickly. Ensuring consistency and perfection in each garment is another hurdle, as I tend to prioritize meticulous detailing and flawless finishing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.synthonmysleeve.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaspergomez
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3CEChF8TrKAh4iB5r0zm75 IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7902969/
Image Credits
Aatish Puniani, Marc Hauser, Adrian Rosado, Ammar Khan, Jose Perez Jr.
