We were lucky to catch up with Omar Seitisleam recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Omar thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Art has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a child, I spent countless hours sketching and drawing, often at the expense of my studies. However, despite my passion for art, I never seriously considered pursuing it as a profession until later in life.

During the pandemic, with an abundance of free time on my hands, I found solace in my art. I used it as a means of escape and a source of comfort during trying times. It was during this period of reflection and introspection that I began to seriously consider the idea of turning my passion for art into a full-time career.

It was my friend, a successful freelance video editor, who first inspired me to take the leap and pursue a career in art. Witnessing his achievements in the competitive world of freelancing gave me the confidence I needed to believe in myself and my abilities. With a newfound sense of purpose, I purchased my first tablet and began to explore the vast and exciting world of digital illustration and concept art.

Despite the many challenges that come with being a freelance artist, I have found the experience to be immensely rewarding. Each day, I wake up with a renewed sense of purpose, pursuing my passion and using my skills to bring joy and beauty to the world. Whether it’s through creating whimsical characters, breathtaking landscapes, or thought-provoking concepts, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment knowing that my work has the power to inspire and uplift others.

Art has the power to change lives, to touch the hearts of people from all walks of life, and to connect us in ways that transcend language and culture. As a freelance artist, I am privileged to be able to use my skills and talents to make a positive impact on the world around me, and I am committed to continuing to refine my craft and push the boundaries of what is possible in the art world.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hello there! My name is Omar Seitisleam, and I’ve been a creative spirit since I can remember. Drawing and creating art has been my lifelong passion, and it brings me immense joy to express myself through visual storytelling. As an illustrator and concept artist, I specialize in crafting unique, story-driven art that evokes emotions and inspires others.

One of the things that sets me apart from other artists is my dedication to creating something meaningful. My art is not just about creating aesthetically pleasing visuals; it’s about telling stories that resonate with people on a personal level. Whether it’s designing fantastical characters or illustrating poignant scenes, I always strive to create something that touches the hearts and minds of my audience.

As a freelance artist, I’m constantly exploring new horizons and taking on exciting challenges. From concept art for video games to book covers and beyond, I love working with clients to bring their visions to life. Collaborating with other talented professionals is also a big part of my creative process, as I’m always learning and evolving as an artist.

What I love most about being an artist is the chance to connect with people through the language of art. It’s a unique and intimate way of sharing stories, ideas, and emotions that resonates deeply with me. Whether it’s through social media, exhibitions, or personal interactions, I’m always eager to engage with others and inspire them with my work.

Ultimately, I take pride in staying true to myself and my artistic vision. I never create art just to follow trends or please others; instead, I always strive to create something that reflects who I am and what I stand for. It’s my mission to inspire others, to create something of value, and to make a positive impact on the world through my art.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As an artist, I have faced many challenges throughout my journey. Early on, I struggled with the judgment of others who didn’t understand my passion for art. Family and friends didn’t always see the potential of my chosen career path and it often felt like a lonely road. Despite these obstacles, I was determined to pursue my love of creating and sharing art.

Over the years, I learned to embrace the struggles as part of the journey. I found solace in the creative process and discovered that the act of making art brought me immense joy and fulfillment. This realization fueled my resilience and kept me pushing forward, even during the toughest times.

I remember a specific moment in my journey when I faced a major setback. I had been working on a big project for months, pouring my heart and soul into it, only to have it rejected by a potential client. It was a huge blow to my confidence and I felt like giving up. But instead of letting it defeat me, I used it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

I took a step back and analyzed what went wrong, and realized that there were things I could improve upon. I invested time in refining my skills and techniques, and I continued to create, experiment and push myself. It wasn’t easy, but I kept going, fueled by my love of art and the joy it brought me.

Now, looking back, I realize that those tough moments were instrumental in shaping me as an artist and as a person. It taught me the importance of resilience, perseverance, and staying true to myself. And it reminded me that the love of creating art and the joy it brings me will always be worth the struggle

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Sure, let’s add some personal voice and variation in tone to make the response more engaging and relatable:

As an artist and creative, I feel that society plays a crucial role in supporting the arts and fostering a thriving creative ecosystem. We need to recognize and appreciate the value that art and creativity bring to our lives and communities. This means encouraging young people to pursue creative careers, attending local art exhibitions, and buying artwork to support artists financially.

Education is also critical in supporting the arts. We should be promoting art education in schools and universities and providing resources for those who may not have access to it. As someone who benefited greatly from art classes in high school, I can attest to the positive impact it can have on a young person’s life.

However, it’s not just about supporting traditional art forms, but also about being mindful of emerging technology like AI art. While AI art can be fascinating and innovative, we must also be aware of its potential impact on traditional artists. We should be advocating for ethical practices and transparency in the development and use of AI art, and supporting artists whose work may be threatened by its rise.

Moreover, communication and collaboration are crucial in building a strong creative ecosystem. Networking with other artists, attending art events, and sharing each other’s work can provide opportunities for growth and exposure. I have personally found that being part of a supportive community has been instrumental in my own artistic journey.

In conclusion, society can do a lot to support artists and creatives. By recognizing the value of art and creativity, promoting education and resources, being mindful of emerging technology, and fostering a supportive community, we can build a vibrant and inclusive creative ecosystem that benefits us all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://omarpst.artstation.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omar.seitisleam/