We recently connected with Shozab Raza and have shared our conversation below.
Shozab, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive by continuously exploring new avenues in the realms of art, design, and technology. My journey began as a traditional artist, focusing on painting, drawing, and illustrating. Over time, I transitioned into graphic design, expanding my skills to include digital illustrations and web design. I also developed a deep interest in performance and theater, directing the award-winning theater society Neo Transitional Mime in Pakistan. Currently, I specialize in visual and computational design, interactive technologies, human-computer interaction, and digital fabrication technologies.
My design vocabulary is shaped by watching TV shows, movies, audiobooks, and games on themes of science, technology, human evolution, and science fiction. I listen to audiobooks and podcasts on philosophy, science, and design. Some of my favorite books are “Human Errors,” “Superintelligence,” “Humans 2.0,” “The Singularity is Near,” and “Sapiens.”
The combination of practical and theoretical knowledge allows me to stay engaged and keeps my creativity alive.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My professional journey began as a graphic designer in Lahore, Pakistan. I completed my undergraduate degree in Visual Communication Design from the National College of Arts, Lahore, and later pursued a master’s in Multimedia/Communications at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston. Throughout this time, I acquired various skills and accolades as a Visual Designer and Creative Technologist.
My current practice involves creating visuals, interactive surfaces, objects, and sensory-rich experiences that allow humans to reflect on their relationship with machines. My mission is to visualize, design, and speculate on a future where machines merge with the human form, and I am committed to this lifelong project of designing organic machines of the future.
In October 2023, I held a solo exhibition, ‘Material Nature,’ at the Godine Gallery in Boston, MA. The exhibition featured several 2D, 3D, and interactive pieces that addressed the material nature of human and machine existence. The exhibition was met with great acclaim and was an incredibly rewarding experience that made a lasting impact.
One of my key projects is “Low Resolution Beings,” a book exploring the relationship between humans and machines and the evolution of machines into organic forms. This work examines themes of transhumanism, posthumanism, biomimicry, Artificial Intelligence, and human-computer interaction, envisioning a future where machines and humans seamlessly merge. A digital PDF of the book can be accessed through my website.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
One of my most important qualities is treating my failures as accomplishments. I keep a spreadsheet of all the opportunities I’ve applied for, marking the ones I didn’t get with a red highlight. At the end, I see many red lines and a few green ones. The more red lines I see, the happier I am because each failure is a chance to learn and improve, serving the ultimate goal of continuous growth and self-improvement.
Secondly, I am highly flexible and adaptable. I quickly adapt to different work environments, which has allowed me to have many different careers in diverse settings, including small companies, large corporations, educational and governmental institutions, warehouses, and residential settings. Throughout my career, I have been an educator, graphic designer, concept artist, muralist, and installation artist.
Finally, I thrive in collaborative settings. I am extroverted and outgoing, with a likable personality, as people have told me. This helps me form solid connections and good working relationships. My flexibility to work with a diverse range of people allows me to expand my network and ultimately have more opportunities.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Ray Kurzweil’s “The Singularity Is Near” and “The Singularity Is Nearer.” These books have profoundly influenced my perspective on the future of machines, Artificial Intelligence, and nanotechnology, shaping my vision.
“The Singularity Is Near” introduced the concept of technological convergence, where advances in Artificial Intelligence, nanotechnology, and biotechnology lead to a future where machines and humans merge. This idea has driven my artistic exploration, inspiring me to design organic machines that blend technology and life. Kurzweil’s prediction that AI will surpass human intelligence by the mid-21st century has guided my work toward creating technologies that enhance human capabilities.
In “The Singularity Is Nearer,” Kurzweil discusses the potential of nanotechnology to revolutionize medicine and manufacturing. This has influenced my designs by encouraging me to incorporate biomimicry and sustainable practices. His vision of nanobots repairing tissues at the cellular level has inspired me to explore integrating advanced technologies into the human body, creating innovative designs that push the boundaries of human-computer interaction.
Overall, Kurzweil’s books have instilled a deep appreciation for emerging technologies and the importance of forward-thinking design, driving my passion for creating innovative and impactful work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shozabraza.design
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shozabraza.design
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shozabraza
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