Hamid Kamyab

Hamid Kamyab is an award-winning artist based out of London, England. Although proficient in a wide range of mediums, Hamid works primarily with oils and is known for his bold use of texture and colour. Having attended the notable London School of Art, Hamid has made a name for himself in the abstract space. His recent works explore the effects of social media on mental health, and he is hoping to unveil his latest collection later this year. While Hamid enjoys creating, he also serves as a mentor to many young artists in the city.

Where did the idea for your career come from?

I have always considered myself to be a very creative person. I was drawn to art from a young age, but it wasn’t until I reached university that I began to explore my creative side. I took several art classes before finally enrolling in the London School of Art. There I was able to harness my skill set and discover my preferred mediums. Following graduation, I started taking commissions, and now, I work as a full-time professional artist.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

For the most part, I find that I am most productive in the mornings. I normally wake up early and plan out my day. I have a studio very close to my flat, so I spend most of my days there. I am lucky enough that I have a large space all to myself to experiment with different mediums. Despite choosing my own hours, I try and maintain a set schedule as best I can as it keeps me productive throughout the week.

How do you bring ideas to life?

My days vary. Some days I am able to work nine hours straight while other days I struggle to find inspiration. When I am feeling uninspired I normally go for a walk or listen to music, anything to stimulate my creativity. If that doesn’t work then I may take a day or two off to re-charge.

What’s one trend that excites you?

That artists nowadays no longer afraid of experimenting with different art forms and ideas. I am noticing an increase in digital and 3D art recently, and it always amazes me how far we have come in terms of art standards and how artists choose to express themselves.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

While I don’t necessarily consider myself an entrepreneur at this stage in my career, I recommend establishing boundaries between your personal and professional life. When it comes to self-employment, it can be hard to pull yourself away from your work. I have spent many weeks working long hours just to feel burnt out and exhausted.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to pursue art earlier on. I feel as though I waited a long time to really to just do what makes me happy. I was so concerned with job security that I didn’t think about that I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

There is no such thing as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ art. Art is a form of self-expression, and all art is beautiful. It is easy to get caught up on technique and overall skill. But I like to think that art is more about how it makes you feel. Does it challenge your perceptions of the world? Does it make you feel a certain emotion? Does it inspire you or remind you of a memory? These are questions that I ask myself when I am creating or viewing a work.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

I like to push myself out of my comfort zone when possible. Art is about discovery and the only way to really be creative is to try new things. If it makes you feel scare or uncomfortable then it is likely something you will grow from.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

While I spend most of my days creating, I also serve as a mentor for several up-and-coming artists around the city. These are all individuals I have met at various networking events and art shows over the past three years. While the pandemic halted my ability to attend these types of events, I am always looking for new talent where I can.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

It isn’t necessarily a failure, but I learnt pretty early on that not everyone is going to have a positive response to your work. Eventually I learnt not to take criticisms personally as art is subjective. Now, I listen to my gut and just focus on producing the best work possible.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Perhaps an app that could help you collect and sell works for art. I know many artists who struggle to get exposure, so an online app that provide an overview of their skills may be very helpful.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I spend most of my money on art supplies, but most recently I purchased a blue tooth speaker. I find that listening to music while I work relaxes me and gets my creative energy flowing.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

As an artist I don’t usually use a lot of software in my work; however, I have used Photoshop in the past to map out my ideas.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. This book provides compelling insight into an artist’s journey and offers suggestions on how individuals can harness their artistic abilities.

What is your favorite quote?

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” – Edgar Degas

Key Learnings:

• Don’t let criticism impact your confidence
• Exploring avenues outside of your comfort zone leads to growth
• Don’t be afraid to pursue your passions