Meet Carmel Samiri | Creative Director & Photographer

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

Hi Carmel, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Hm, the word risk is interesting. A risk can be a good or a bad thing depending on the outcome. Some of the risks I’ve taken may seem impulsive, but ultimately each decision brought me to where I am now. Some of those risks include dropping out of high school to pursue a career in creative, moving to a different country for a job that didn’t pan out like I’d hoped, continuously pitching editors (back in my PR days) or cold emailing potential clients with little return. My instincts at the time led me to say yes to certain opportunities and eventually played a very positive role in my personal and professional growth.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a one-stop shop for brands that are looking to develop or recreate their visual identity. My first job was in Public Relations, designing look books and line sheets and pitching editors, while simultaneously producing and shooting to build a photography portfolio. At the time I was 16 years old. Since then, I’ve worn the hat of each role on a creative team. I’ve learned that I enjoy both fulfilling each of those roles as well as overseeing a team as a Creative Director.

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 live in Santa Monica and usually stay along the water (from Venice up to Malibu).

If a friend is in town, I’d probably do one day in Santa Monica area and another day in Malibu.

Santa Monica/Westside: We’d start the day with coffee/tea from Blue Bottle on Main or LoCal on Pico. Both great spots for an iced latte and the best customer service in town. We’d then head to the boardwalk for a stroll – although I’m from LA the view of the pier never gets old. If my friend is interested, we could meditate on the beach or lay out if it’s sunny. The beaches are usually quiet and empty during the week which I love. If it’s a Wednesday or Saturday, we could walk the farmer’s market. Then for brunch or lunch we could go to either Rose Cafe or Ashland Hill. If we decide to drink earlier in the day, I’m a sucker for Ashland Hill’s froze! We could also do some shopping on Abbot Kinney. We might head back toward the beach to watch the sunset and then for dinner, either Teddy’s Red Tacos or if we wanted something fancier, Gran Blanco or Belles.

Malibu: I’d pack us a big beach bag and head toward Malibu. We’d stop at Vintage Grocers for snacks and the best ever deli sandwich for later. There are a lot of beautiful private beaches but if it’s not too crowded we would go to Point Dume and lay out, build sandcastles, potentially go in the water if it’s not too cold. In the afternoon we’d drive back down PCH and either stop at Duke’s for some appetizers or Cholada for some delicious thai. If it’s already dark I would take them to one of my favorite spots: Golden Bull. After hours their tiny bar area gets poppin’ with oldies music and awesome drinks. Definitely an underrated spot.

I’ve learned that the perfect day always includes: sun, beach, coffee, maybe some drinks, and food 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My good friend and confidant, Taylor Davis: taydavis.com.

Website: carmelsamiri.com

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

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

Image Credits
Carmel Samiri Marc Gabor