We recently connected with Rashad Bedeir and have shared our conversation below.

Rashad, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I believe measuring success is subjective. What’s important to me and what I think makes me successful is not necessarily true for someone else. That being said, I also believe there are universal criteria for being successful in any field.

– Being punctual and respecting other people’s time is essential. It is truly our only commodity and appreciating that it is finite goes a long way when spending it.

– Reading the room. When hired for a job with specific instructions, you should know to play your role and not overstep. Other times, interjecting when you see it fitting can result in better work. Being extremely observing and self-aware is key in navigating client work and working closely with a team.

– Communication. Say what you mean and mean you say. Its cliché but it’s true.

– Intention and planning . Working with purpose makes even the most difficult of tasks a breeze. When you know what you’re doing and why, the job becomes faster, easier, and funner.

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 guess I knew at an early age that I wanted to do something creative in the visual arts. Other than music, nothing captivated me more than film, TV or simple advertising billboards. I was curious about different software when we got our first family computer and spent a lot of time playing around on them. Enough to gather minimal knowledge to offer video, photo or graphic design services for odd jobs right out of high school. But the importance of education and schooling was always instilled in me from a young age. So dropping out was never really an option, although often considered. After having completed a CEGEP diploma in cinema (a college level degree between high school and university that is mandatory for Quebec residents), my application for film production in university was rejected. The second choice on my application was a Major in Philosophy into which I eventually enrolled. After 5 years, I finally graduated. I handed the diploma to my parents and decided I’d seek employment in a field that would fulfill my desire for creativity.

I got a job in a marketing agency that opened my eyes to the administrative and corporate world behind creative work. After about a year, I felt confident that I can do similar work on my own. I quit and registered myself a business. That was in 2016 and I’ve been self-employed since.

I find myself to be ever evolving within the same field. As of right now, I’m best known for photography and content strategy for brands. I’ve managed to build myself a reputable list of clients both locally and globally. In an effort to return to “my first love”, I’ve also directed a few video projects and plan on switching my primary focus towards film. But what I do now definitely pays the bills.

I seem to have become specialized in helping brands convey their message through photography. But to be honest, I’m most proud of the work that I do for myself. Whether that be photos or videos I shoot while travelling or simply on creative shoots. I’m lucky to be doing something that puts me in position to travel and meet new and interesting people that let me tell their stories.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think having a good work ethic has helped. But more importantly, being easy to work with, has proven to be the most referable quality about me. Regardless of your talent, skills, or what field you’re in, nobody likes a know it all. Being receptive and attentive have made me trustworthy. Being kind and courteous has gotten me this far. Don’t be a dick.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I have non-creative friends that have a hard time wrapping their heads around what exactly it is that I do. Sure, telling them that I’m a photographer, kinda simplifies it. However, if I mention a job where I’m only directing, consulting, or strategizing, they seem confused. What I’ve learnt over the years, is that people that are not in a creative world, often overlook how much attention to detail is involved. For example, art directors or set designers are not postions they consider when watching a commercial or a movie. Whereas those jobs are only properly executed when you can’t even notice it. Taste is often overlooked and not valued amongst non creatives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rashadbedeir.com
• Instagram: rashad.be
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashad-bedeir-36625a90

Image Credits

Rashad Bedeir