Meet Sinbad Kazakian | Fine Art Commercial Photographer

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

Hi Sinbad, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking a risk is one of the most important things you will do in your life. And the fear of failure is its little sibling that always tags along. Without risk there is no success. And without fear of failure there is no risk. I always say, fear is freedom. Once you are aware of it and embrace it in your life you will never hesitate taking that risk. My family and I immigrated to United States from Russia in 1973. We came here without knowing anyone, and with three hundred dollars in my Dads pocket. We were dropped off in a parking lot of an Armenian church at one o’clock in the morning, and that was it. And here I am.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For the past 20 years I was a motion graphic senior designer at FOX Sports, working on some cool projects. But it wasn’t enough for me creatively. So I started shooting as a side kick, just to fulfill my creative juices. My photography began after high school. Took some classes at a junior college. But did not persuade as a profession. But it was always part of me. And now I finally decided to quit my six figure job at FOX and pursue my true passion.

What I love about photography is that you can tell your story your way. Simplicity was never my style. I must have more. More texture, layers, color, complexity, emotion. I want to tell a story and inspire people to create art that stirs the emotions and moves the viewer. That is true art.

One thing I would say to anyone who is struggling with life decisions is to focus on what it will take to achieve your goals. Truly focus on your life’s dreams, and do not listen to the noise, take those risks.

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 would definitely go to all the places that I have not been in LA. For a couple of days we would hang out in Venice, checking out the art seen and the nite life since I lived there for fifteen years and know all of the locals, local spots. Next I will take him to Traverse Tony greek restaurant in Malibu on Friday night. And then for the grand finally I would call Dan Bilzerian and have him hook us up with one of his infamous parties.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would say that would be my Mom. I had a quite an amazing life, but unfortunately did not have a scene of direction, focus, and what I wanted to do in life. I was like a piece of a log that floated in a river, bouncing from rock to rock. One day my Mom and I were talking, and to make long story short, she said the most incredible and life changing wards, “Well… you’re a looser”. Those wards changed my life forever. At age 40 I decided to take some motion graphic classes at a community college, and after freelancing for a few years secured a position at FOX Sports as one of their senior designers, wining multiple awards. And all of this I accredit to my Mom who inspired me to become someone.

Website: sinbadkazakian.com

Instagram: sinbadkazakian