@sama_illustrates

Instagram: @sama_illustrates

1. What’s your story? Where are you from?

I'm a 25-year-old architect and a part-time illustrator from Jordan. Juggling between the two and at the same time, I combine architecture and illustration in everything I do. So you can call me an archillustrator, if that makes sense haha! 

2. Tell us about your aesthetic.

My aesthetic is based on dreams, I like to reflect the image of my dream world within beautiful architectures and soft pastel colors that come with an edge. I always imagine myself standing in my illustrations, they are usually places I’d love to live in.

3. What is your favourite medium and why?

I mostly work with procreate using an iPad pro, I like the flexibility it allows, where I am not afraid to make mistakes! 

4. What is your artistic process like?

When it's a personal piece, I like to pour in whatever I'm feeling usually starting with a sketch of the space, the architecture ending with the smallest details. 

5. Who and/or what inspires your work? 

Beautiful serene things! Summer, architecture, shadows, flowers and beautiful women of course. And one of my favorite surrealist artist, Rene Magritte is a big source of inspiration. 

6. What role does art play in your life? How does it change the way you view the world?

Art has always played a big role in my life somehow. As a kid, I was always into drawing and coloring and that has accompanied me as I grew older, and it actually grew with me as well.

7. Where did you study?

I studied Architecture at the German Jordanian University. I believe architecture gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation for art that I haven’t really had before. 

8. Where do you see yourself in five years?

That’s a hard one! But I know that I want illustration to have a big part in my life, and I want it to be a part of other people’s lives as well. 

9. What about in ten?

Me, my husband, our cat and our design studio with big french windows, overlooking the sea.

10. What do you hope to achieve with your art?

I want to bring a sense of calmness and serenity to people's lives. The calmness within the chaos. That's how I feel when I illustrate.

11. Now, tell us a little more about you as a person: what is your favourite food?

Shawerma! A very yummy Levantine dish made of thinly sliced meat pieces with beautifully made sauces and veggies. 

12. Favourite book?

I love Khaled Husseini's books as they touch the soul, exactly how I like my art. 

13. Favourite genre of music? 

Alternative for sure.

14. What are your hobbies? 

Illustration is still considered a hobby to me, as well as yoga, a newfound escape. 

15. If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?

A stay at home cat mom with lots of plants to take care of.