Meet Sayma Waleh: Creative Designer and Freelance Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sayma Waleh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sayma, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
This is a good question! I’m going to have to break the rules and give two. The first is to be proud of whatever it is you create. Put in the work and dedicate yourself so that you can be proud of what you make. This isn’t to say that everything you make will be ground breaking but it’s comforting to know that even if things don’t turn out the way you want it’s not because of your lack of effort. The second is cliché but it’s simply to have fun. Yes money, new opportunities, and pushing yourself are extremely important but if you are not enjoying yourself then what’s the point?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what sets me apart from others is that I am a multidisciplinary creative that is comfortable working in different mediums whether that be design, animation, photography, or video. What I am most proud of is the fact that I make a full time living from the work I create. It’s nice to know that I stuck to my guns and chose to be in a field where I feel fulfilled. I got to where I am in my career by being open to new opportunities, choosing to push myself, and make things that I am proud of. It definitely wasn’t easy for me to get to this point in my career, I had/have many days of self doubt, comparison traps, and just frustrations that come from being a creative. What has helped me to overcome those challenges is this quiet reassurance that reminds me this is what I am supposed to be doing and anything less would be selling myself short.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m not the best to answer this question since I just moved here two months ago but here are some spots I would recommend:

The Battery: This is a pretty new area that was built right next to the Braves stadium. It is full of cool restaurants with great social areas and bars. Braves games are also great things to go to for socializing and having a great time. Overall just a really nice new area. The Braves are also hosting the All Star Weekend in the MLB this year!

The Chattahoochee River: A fun thing to do in the summer. This is a river that runs through north Atlanta. You can enter the river just north of Atlanta probably about 5-10 mins away from the Braves stadium. It is free. All you need is a float and some shoes you don’t mind getting wet!

Ponce City Market: This is my favorite spot so far because of how expansive it is. There’s everything from walking trails, parks, restaurants, bars, and areas to socialize! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s so many to thank but first and foremost I have to thank God because without him nothing I do would be possible. I have to thank my friend Alex Baker who even suggested the idea that I pick up a camera and gave me so many tips to improve as a photographer. Thanks to my friend Julia Mallozzi who was the first person I took portraits of when I was got serious about photography. A big thank you to my friend Ashley Moore who motivates me, calls me higher, and is one of my biggest supporters! Last but not least, thank you to everyone who has ever stepped in front of my camera, recommended my services, or just showed support.

Website: https://saymawaleh.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saymawaleh/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saymawaleh/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sayma.waleh

Image Credits
Sonya Le (Took the photo of me in the red shirt.) (The rest of the images are ones that I shot and edited.)