We recently connected with Aki Sano and have shared our conversation below.

Aki, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I don’t know where to start, so I will just begin typing. I am writing this from my new flat located in the beautiful city of Marrakech, Morocco. For those who may not know, Marrakech is situated in North Africa below Spain. To this day, people ask me how I got here, and I smile because it’s a long story with a lot of details. But for now, let’s focus on the creative venture and the new adventure I’m on.

I have always been creative, ever since I was a kid. Creativity followed me throughout my life, but I never took it seriously until college when I created my first clothing brand called Yume. I designed characters based on everyone in my life in the form of pastries. This was my first major project where I went all in creatively and business-wise. Even to this day, you can see that first project along the way with my other projects.

Back to the main story – how did I end up in North Africa? Well, honestly, I like many Americans were sold a dream, the one with a family, a house on the hill with a white picket fence, and a pit lab mix. I don’t regret it at all, but I was not happy with my everyday career. On top of that, I always felt pressure to help the ones I love, and with limited time to create and be an artist, I didn’t realize that if you don’t practice your art as an artist, you can feel a sense of unhappiness and a kind of emptiness. I was really feeling that at this point, I was feeling an overwhelming amount of burnout. I needed another outlet, and that’s how I discovered DJing. It was never my intent to become a world-class DJ, but it became my therapy through all the pain and pressure I was feeling from life. So, I kept playing at home, and my family at the time would have fun and mix for hours every Thursday into Friday because my work schedule was four days a week. To this day it felt like almost nothing else mattered during the week once Thursday night came.

I did this for a while as a therapy, and you would think at this point in the story things would get better. However, I got hit with a lot more pressure and I started losing family members, and one of my closest friends at the time. No matter how much I kept trying, one thing after the next would happen, and my whole world felt like it was falling apart. It was taking a major toll on my marriage. I was losing my mind even my hair, and I just couldn’t take any more of anything else. So, I quit my job and decided to take a trip by myself to clear my mind and figure out how I wanted to move forward with my life. I had always wanted to visit Morocco, so I said, “Why not give it a try?” along with a few other cities – Paris, Berlin, and Prague. Keep in mind; that this was during Covid so travel was very bizarre at this point.

I didn’t know how much that trip would really change my life and how much I needed it. But when I got back, I started taking control and making hard decisions. I still did not think moving out of the country would be in the plans, but I knew there was a feeling that I felt in Marrakech that I had not felt anywhere else in my travels. So, I came back that summer, spoke to some artists and other creatives, and saw there was a lane for me and the possibility to truly start over and create the life I wanted, mainly to be an artist and give myself a chance to hit the reset button on all the pressure I was under. After that trip, I said, “Let’s do it.” I returned to America, sold all my stuff in three months, and moved.

I have been in the Space Between Worlds for 2 1/2 years now, and it has been very difficult at times. Parts of me have been broken down in ways I have never felt before, but I have also experienced moments of pure bliss and growth that can’t truly be expressed or explained. What’s cool is, as I’m writing this, I am thinking about all the growth I have gone through and how my art is truly evolving with me and my experience of bringing in Morroco So, The question is was it worth the risk I feel the best is yet to come.

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?

I am a multidisciplinary artist from Atlanta, Georgia, currently immersed in the vibrant city of Marrakech. My brand is Akisano, I produce bodies of work that evolve with each passing season. I use different mediums such as DJing, painting, fashion, product, and interior design, creating a narrative that transcends individual mediums. Once a body of work is completed, I orchestrate a holistic experience, seamlessly integrating all these diverse elements into a singular, immersive presentation.

My creative journey draws inspiration from my extensive travels, serving as the foundational building blocks for my art. Presently, my focus lies on a project entitled “The Space Between Worlds.” This project delves into the intersection of my roots in Atlanta and my current life in Marrakech. It unravels the complex emotions and the sense of being caught between two distinct cultures, exploring the constant emotional turbulence in both locales. Through this project, I have crafted clothing that reflects my experiences within this transitional space, gradually discovering a new artistic style unique to this phase of my life.

A significant aspect of “The Space Between Worlds” is the creation of a 14-hour DJ mix, designed to accompany the journey from Atlanta to Marrakech. This mix extends beyond music, offering a curated experience for air travel. From audiobooks to movie clips, yoga stretching sessions, and soothing 432Hz frequencies for relaxation, the mix aims to enhance the entire flying experience. The excitement lies in the unpredictability of how this body of work will ultimately manifest—its visual aesthetic, auditory landscape, and overall form remain an intriguing mystery even to me.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most gratifying facets of being an artist and creative is the ability to wake up each day with genuine excitement for what I love to do. Every morning, I eagerly anticipate the day ahead, fueled by the passion and purpose that my creative pursuits bring to my life.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

At this moment, my driving force stems from the curiosity to unravel the full potential of my new life and witness the unfolding of this exciting new chapter. Gratitude fills me as I reflect on the diverse experiences I’ve encountered, serving as a guidebook highlighting both cautionary tales and cherished aspects from my previous life in the States.

Life’s myriad encounters have proven to be the greatest teacher, and the knowledge gained, now applied to navigate this new season, transforms into wisdom. While acknowledging the ongoing journey of growth and realizing I’m not yet at my destination, reaching this point fills me with immense pride.

Despite not being a millionaire artist or possessing grand accolades, I want to encourage anyone reading this to persist or initiate their journey now. The unwavering drive that has fueled my pursuit of excellence since my youth remains steadfast. I’ve discovered that perseverance leads to a compilation of learned skills and experiences, shaping your craft.

In this process, doors begin to open as the right people take notice. All it takes is that one opportunity or shot. Therefore, whether you’re on the path already or contemplating the first step, remember: that your accumulated efforts will not go unnoticed, and success is often just a chance away.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.akisan-o.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akisan.o
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpxYUCNvVFGnVZVcdNEfhnQ
• Other: Dj Mixes: soundcloud.com/akisan-o Interior Design: instagram.com/petitatelieratl

Image Credits
Nazih – nazihilyass.com Jorge – J.sandphotography – jorgesandovalphoto.com