Meet Stefan Amali | C.E.O & Interactive Art Director

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

Hi Stefan, is there something you believe many others might not?
I definitely disagree with the notion that when you find what you love, you won’t work a day in your life. The more I explored my creative talents and found what I loved is the more facets of myself I discovered. Being a naturally competitive person with myself, I felt compelled to spend copious amounts of time learning each aspect of craft and that took work. From sound design, to songwriting, to performing, abstract expressionism, journalism, to marketing , to art direction to being a talent manager – each facet of the craft took a specific amount of work to excel.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I’m really excited about my art show coming up in August in Kingston, Jamaica called Worlds Collide- The Endless Summer Edition . It’s primarily a visual art show but this staging we will be including a fashion show element, alongside live performances and insanely talented DJs. My partner in this Worlds Collide venture is Brittne Murray, who is a brilliant abstract expressionist and resin artist also from Jamaica. We are proud to announce Hyundai as our first sponsor and we will transforming their showroom in Kingston , into an art gallery and runway.

Worlds Collide, just like every other facet of my creative venture taught me the value of limitlessness. It’s an event that fully tests the measure of my determination. I’m involved heavily in the conceptualisation of the show alongside Brittne, I create visual art for the show and I perform at the show. Preparing for Worlds Collide can be overwhelming but it’s a rewarding feeling when we execute at high level. This year I look forward to sharing the stage with the beautiful Dania Duntin from Trinidad & Tobago.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is so much cultural diversity in Miami, I wouldn’t want to make any suggestions that aren’t inclusive but a lit night Blackbird Ordinary up in Brickell is something everyone should experience at least once in their life. lol

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I love the concept behind this series and I think its so important to acknowledge all the people that contribute to your success and even your taste level. One of the most unique blessings of my life , is that in every facet of my creativity I was privileged to be mentored by one of the greatest in that field. As a sound designer, I was mentored by Peter Damski who worked on tv shows like ‘My Wife & Kids’ and Mitch Gettleman who worked on shows like ‘Californication’. In fashion and model scouting, I was mentored by Miss Jay Alexander from America’s Next Top Model and Roc Anderson from Ikon Management. As a writer I have been mentored by Melanie Schwapp and with this type of mentorship list, I honestly look at mentorship as a cheat code to success.

Mentorship doesn’t have to be this overbearing , sycophantic experience. A few words of genuine encouragement and wisdom can go a far way to any young mind , open to receiving knowledge from the persons who have trod the path before you. It also does a lot for you confidence and self belief , when you align with the right mentors. The day Melanie Schwapp told me I was a gifted writer, there was nothing anybody could tell me to dissuade me ever again, because in my mind she is the standard for literary brilliance.

False mentorship is definitely something to be cautious of though, as some persons will identify young, talented individuals and have no true regard for their well being, Its all about them using you to fulfilling their dreams and that’s unfortunate because its hard to tell who is genuine sometimes.

Another aspect of mentorship that often goes under -discussed, is peer mentorship. There is also tremendous value in aligning with people who share a similar vision to you and seeking advice from people in your age bracket. A mentor doesn’t have to be older than you. Able Don Foote, Marlon Dayes and Julian Forte are great examples of my peer mentors I have been blessed to have on my journey.

Website: https://www.stefanamali.com

Instagram: Stefan Amali (@stefanamali)

Twitter: Stefan Amali (@stefanamali)

Facebook: Stefan Amali

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@amalivevo6575

Image Credits
Black & Gold Shirt – Julian Forte Black Shirt – Bryan’s Photo Studios Black & White – InkTheHeart