We recently connected with Sam Sasan and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sam, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
Taking care of oneself is crucial, regardless of the industry one is in. As an art director and photographer, my occupation requires creativity, attention to detail, and a significant degree of mental energy. I have learned that self-care is not merely an option but a necessity to maintain this demanding rhythm of work.
My self-care regimen is a fusion of the physical, emotional, and intellectual aspects. On the physical side, I make sure to incorporate regular exercise into my schedule. Whether it’s a morning cold plunging, yoga, or a quick gym, these activities help clear my mind and keep my body in shape, ready to take on the day. I have also learned to appreciate the value of a balanced diet and proper sleep, as both contribute to sustaining my energy levels and overall well-being.
Emotionally, I dedicate time each week to disconnect from work and immerse myself in activities that enrich my soul and spark joy. This might be camping, going in nature, or simply spending time with loved ones. It’s a conscious decision to step back from my professional life and give attention to the personal and emotional aspects of living.
Intellectually, I regularly engage in activities that stimulate my mind outside of my work. This could be anything from local festivals, going to the swimming pool, or exploring new philosophical ideas through books and podcasts. By constantly engaging my intellectual curiosity, I ensure that my creativity remains sharp and robust.
The impact of this self-care approach on my effectiveness has been profoundly positive. It has helped to maintain my physical health, reduce stress, and ensure that I can always bring fresh ideas and perspectives to my work. More importantly, it has given me a greater sense of balance in life, which I believe is critical for long-term success and personal fulfillment.
I’ve found that the art of self-care is a lifelong journey, and it’s something that evolves over time. It’s a continuous process of discovery, trial, and refinement to find what truly nourishes one’s spirit and optimizes one’s performance. As an art director and photographer, this sense of balance and self-awareness is what I believe brings the best out of me, allowing me to create work that resonates and leaves a lasting impact.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
It’s exciting to talk about Extenso, a production company that I founded with the aim of pushing creative boundaries and expanding on a global scale. The name ‘Extenso’ stems from an ancient term signifying ‘the maximum.’ To me, it reflects a limitless reach and epitomizes the spirit of what we strive to achieve – pushing creative horizons to their utmost extent.
Extenso is more than just a production company; it is a haven for unbounded creativity, a realm where there are no restrictions, and no limitations to what one can imagine or create. This ethos is heavily influenced by my personal journey in photography. Often criticized for my unconventional thinking and unique perspective on imagery, my university experience was marked by continuous debates with my professors. I was drawn to experiment in areas others would often avoid, like playing with distinctive lighting techniques. These experiences taught me that the road less traveled can often lead to extraordinary vistas of creativity.
Our mission at Extenso goes beyond creating remarkable art. It’s about evoking emotions and helping people feel good about themselves through our medium. We believe in the power of art to touch hearts, stir emotions, and create unforgettable experiences.
We are thrilled to announce some exciting news as we continue to grow. We have recently established our official studio, a space brimming with possibilities and potential. Alongside this expansion, we have assembled a full team of creative professionals, including a set designer, makeup artist, hair stylist, designer, stylist, and cinematographer. It’s a true testament to our belief that together, we can show the world that creativity knows no bounds, and that there’s always a way to bring our artistic visions to life.
At Extenso, we’re not just crafting art; we’re on a quest to create a positive impact on people’s lives. Whether it’s through our photography or the various artistic ventures we embark on, our journey is an exciting blend of limitless creativity, continuous learning, and an unswerving commitment to our mission.
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?
Reflecting on my journey so far, I can identify three crucial elements that significantly shaped my path and continue to drive my success: creativity, resilience, and continuous learning.
Creativity is paramount in my line of work as an art director and photographer. It’s what sets one apart in a field that thrives on originality and unique perspectives. The beauty of creativity is that it’s a skill that can be nurtured. For those starting out, my advice is to regularly expose yourself to different art forms, cultures, and perspectives. Challenge the norms and don’t be afraid to experiment with new ideas. Creativity blossoms when we are open-minded and eager to explore the unfamiliar.
Resilience is another essential quality that I believe has been pivotal in my journey. It’s the fuel that keeps you going amid setbacks, criticism, or failure. Building a business, especially in the creative industry, is full of ups and downs. One must learn to stay resilient and maintain the courage to keep moving forward. For those early in their journey, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to make mistakes. In fact, they often provide the most valuable lessons. Resilience is nurtured over time by overcoming challenges, so don’t shy away from obstacles; instead, view them as opportunities for growth.
Lastly, continuous learning is a skill that has been instrumental in my professional and personal growth. In a rapidly evolving industry like ours, staying updated and acquiring new knowledge is vital. My advice to newcomers is to always keep an open mind and stay curious. Attend workshops, read books, follow industry trends, engage with mentors. Embrace every opportunity to learn because it not only keeps you relevant but also fuels your creativity.
In sum, harness your creativity by embracing new experiences and perspectives, build resilience by learning from your challenges, and foster a mindset of continuous learning to stay relevant and innovative. Every journey is unique, but these qualities will certainly help pave your way to success.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Feeling overwhelmed is a common part of the human experience, particularly in a demanding field like ours. Over time, I’ve learned to recognize these feelings as indicators that it might be time to step back, recalibrate, and care for my mental wellbeing.
My first response when feeling overwhelmed is to pause and breathe. It may sound simple, but taking a few minutes to practice deep, mindful breathing can do wonders for reducing stress and regaining composure. It helps me reconnect with my body and anchor myself in the present moment, away from the whirlwind of tasks and responsibilities.
Secondly, I find that physical activity can be a powerful antidote to stress. A brisk walk, yoga, or even just stretching can help clear the mind and bring a renewed sense of energy. It’s a way of channeling that overwhelming energy into something productive and reinvigorating.
Another key practice for me is to declutter and prioritize. Often, feeling overwhelmed stems from having too many tasks on our plate and not knowing where to start. In such cases, I list down everything I need to do, then categorize and prioritize. It’s amazing how a simple act of organization can provide clarity and make the workload seem more manageable.
To anyone who often finds themselves overwhelmed, I’d suggest finding strategies that work for you. It might be one of these or something completely different – everyone is unique. What’s crucial is to listen to what your mind and body are telling you and take steps to address those feelings. Remember, it’s okay to take a break, and it’s okay to ask for help. Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://samsasan.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/extensoofficial/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@saamsasan/
Image Credits
Abdenour, rachel, jules, donya,kallie,moshe,olena,siavash
