Breaking into the Creative Industry: Saddam’s Journey
The Egyptian creative director and photographer Saddam, who is well-known in the music industry, had a unique childhood that undoubtedly influenced his artistic career. Saddam spoke openly about the ways in which his life's chaos, varied surroundings, and encounters with new people shaped his artistic path.
ART
Adham El Deeb
11/10/20242 min read
Exploring the Inspiring Culture of Egypt
The influence of Saddam's upbringing in Egypt on his approach to his craft is significant. The diverse artistic expressions, vivid colours, and long history of the country were all sources of inspiration.
"I am proud to say that I truly belong to Egypt," he spoke. It is a gift to be able to appreciate this nation's aesthetic qualities. Any artist would be lucky to call this place home thanks to the rich history of creativity and the presence of some of the region's most gifted minds.
Stepping into the Music Industry: Turning Love Into a Career
Saddam's entry into the music industry was natural; his enthusiasm for music and desire to work with others were his driving forces. Collaborating with the Beatroot label provided Saddam with a professional environment to push his artistic limits. “Working with Beatroot allowed me to refine my process and execute projects with a higher level of polish,” he adds.
It wasn't easy making this change, though. A great deal of commitment and risk-taking is required to craft creative work of high quality.
"Working on every aspect of the creative process to achieve top-quality results was one of the toughest challenges at the start," said Saddam. "It took a lot of courage to give 100% of myself to my work, but it was necessary."
From Idea to Reality: The Creative Process
In response to a question regarding his creative process, Saddam said that "it involves both organised brainstorming sessions and more impulsive sources of ideas."
"After doing some initial research and brainstorming, I move on to concept development and mood board creation. Before I get into the execution phase, I need to plan all the pre-production details."
In his visual projects, music acts as a compass, influencing both the direction and mood of the work.
Navigating Creative Burnout
The risk of burnout is a real concern for anyone working in the creative industries. But Saddam has learnt to adapt by welcoming new ideas and innovations. Stating, "I don't like to force creativity,". My preferred method of refreshing is to try something new or to meet new people. It's crucial to allow yourself enough room to breathe.
Advice for Aspiring Creatives
For young artists and photographers hoping to make their mark, especially in Egypt’s competitive creative scene, Saddam offered simple but powerful advice.
"My advice is to stay present and consistently post your work. The key is to focus on quality — it may take time, but working hard will eventually pay off."
However, he also pointed out a common pitfall he sees among emerging talents.
"Using the same references repeatedly over the past few years has made the scene a bit stagnant," he noted. "Artists need to innovate and push boundaries instead of sticking to what's already been done."
As Saddam continues to push his own creative boundaries and explore new projects, his journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance, cultural pride, and an unrelenting passion for art.
A close-up on Saddam's work
