We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Samuel Olaniyan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Samuel below.

Samuel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I learned by watching and observing other creatives, then taking what I saw and applying it myself. Simply picking up my phone, pressing record, or capturing moments of my family helped me develop my craft. Hands-on practice was the best teacher. Looking back, I would have been less strict with my work and ideas. A lot of projects and opportunities were delayed because I was too rigid in my vision, waiting for the “perfect” execution instead of just creating. Letting go of that hesitation would have accelerated my growth. One of the most underrated skills is translating ideas into reality. Taking what’s in your head and making sure it resonates through the lens. You should want your art to carry your message clearly to your audience. That’s something I’m still working on, constantly refining how I bring my vision to life.

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’m a filmmaker and photographer, and my journey into this art form started with watching films and images that carried a message or evoked emotions deeper than words. I was drawn to how visuals could tell stories, shift perspectives, and create connections, and I knew I wanted to create that for others and bring my vision to life through the lens.

What sets me apart is my focus on bridging the spiritual with the complexity of humanity. I want my audience to experience something that feels otherworldly yet deeply grounded in human emotion and thought. My work isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about feeling, introspection, and connection.

One of my proudest achievements is finding my style and message. For a long time, I struggled with defining what I wanted to say through my art, but now, I create with clarity and purpose. I don’t take that for granted. If there’s one thing I want people to take from my work, it’s that it sees you. My art is a mirror of my soul, of yours, of our shared humanity. It’s about reflection, emotion, and experience, and I hope that every frame, every shot, and every story I tell makes people feel something real.

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

Yes, a major driving force behind my creative journey is breaking societal norms and spreading awareness about social issues. Nina Simone once said, “An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times.” I carry that with me every time I create. I want my art to reflect the lives of people and the weight of history, capturing both the struggles and the resilience of humanity. Through my projects, I aim to challenge perspectives, spark conversations, and evoke deep emotional and spiritual connections. My goal isn’t just to create—it’s to make people feel, to make them think, and, ultimately, to make them see.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is building community and seeing others impacted by my work. I wouldn’t have the confidence in my style or the ability to take feedback if I had never sought out other creatives. Engaging with their styles and processes has been crucial to my growth, pushing me to refine my craft. One of the most beautiful moments as an artist is noticing when my work truly connects with someone. It reassures me that my message is coming through clearly, and that validation pushes me to keep evolving. Every interaction and every reaction helps me explore new ways to reach people, finding different avenues to make them feel something.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamsamolaniyan/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@samuelolaniyan5176?si=KOTDCvoVLj7wKnSL