Rising Stars: Meet Yousef Al-Mukradi of Toronto

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yousef Al-Mukradi.

Hi Yousef, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey began in Yemen when I was just a child. I used to spend hours drawing on any piece of paper I could find and capturing moments with any camera I could borrow. I still remember the first time I held a small point-and-shoot camera — I was fascinated by how one photo could freeze a moment forever. That passion has stayed with me throughout my life.

Even during difficult times, art and photography were my escape and my way of expressing myself. Over time, I developed my skills and later moved to Canada, where I pursued academic studies in design and photography.

In Canada, I founded a creative studio called Salam Designs, which focuses on visual storytelling through photography, videography, and design. My work reflects a blend of my cultural roots and modern artistic vision. I’ve had the honor of participating in international fine art exhibitions, including Threads of Light in Manhattan, Five Roses and the Right of Truth in Turkey, as well as other exhibitions in Toronto and the city of Bursa.

None of this would have been possible without the love and strength of my family. My father, a figure of quiet strength and deep wisdom, instilled in me the values of patience, resilience, and dignity. His words — many of which I ignored when I was younger — turned out to be the very lessons life would later teach me the hard way. My mother’s compassion and unwavering emotional support, along with the loyalty and presence of my siblings, carried me through some of my darkest moments and reminded me that I was never alone.

I’m also deeply grateful to Reema, a person whose belief in me came at a time when I had almost forgotten how to believe in myself. She saw the artist in me when I couldn’t. Her words, full of faith and encouragement, sparked a return to my creative path. Some people enter your life like a mirror reflecting back the version of you that you were meant to become. Rima was that mirror. Her presence was brief, but her impact was lasting and her influence still echoes in the work I create to this day.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Growing up in Yemen during a time of war came with many challenges — from power outages to lack of resources, and living under constant uncertainty. Yet, I held onto art and photography as a way to cope and keep hope alive.

One of the most painful experiences I went through was losing a sketchbook that I had filled with my drawings over seven years. It was like a visual diary of my growth, emotions, and imagination. I lent it to a teacher I trusted, and she later told me it had accidentally been burned. That moment broke me — it felt like a piece of my soul had been erased.

That loss deeply affected me, and I stopped drawing and practicing Arabic calligraphy for a long time. It was as if I had lost my creative voice. But even in that silence, something inside me kept holding on to the dream.

Eventually, I found my way back to art, stronger and more determined — carrying not only the pain of the past but the strength it gave me.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a multidisciplinary creative — a photographer, designer, visual artist, and Arabic calligrapher. My work bridges traditional and modern aesthetics, combining the timeless beauty of Arabic calligraphy with contemporary design and storytelling through photography and video.

I specialize in capturing authentic human emotions and cultural narratives, whether through portrait photography, branding, or visual installations. I’m known for creating work that feels personal, soulful, and deeply rooted in identity — especially as someone who carries both Yemeni heritage and a modern creative vision shaped by my life in Canada.

One of the things I’m most proud of is founding Salam Creative, my creative studio that has allowed me to collaborate with communities, artists, and organizations on meaningful projects — from branding cultural events to exhibiting in international art shows. I’m also proud of representing my culture through art in spaces where our stories are often underrepresented.

What sets me apart is my ability to weave multiple disciplines — photography, design, drawing, and Arabic calligraphy — into cohesive and emotionally resonant work. I don’t just create visuals — I tell stories with depth, heart, and purpose.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Yes — I believe in constantly learning and staying inspired, so I regularly turn to a mix of resources that fuel both my creativity and personal growth.

For creativity and design, I love using apps like Adobe Creative Cloud (especially Lightroom, Photoshop, and Illustrator), as well as Behance and Pinterest to explore visual trends and find inspiration from other artists around the world.

When it comes to business and personal development, I often listen to podcasts like “The Futur with Chris Do” — it offers incredible insights into creative entrepreneurship, branding, and the business side of art. I also enjoy “Creative Pep Talk” which gives an emotional boost and practical tips for artists trying to find their voice.

As for books, one that had a big impact on me was “Show Your Work” by Austin Kleon — it encouraged me to share more of my creative process, not just the final product. I also find “Steal Like an Artist” by the same author very insightful.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://salamcreatives1.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salamcreative.ca?igsh=MXN0ZjZyejhoOGgwcA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1LuPhrqG2k/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• LinkedIn: I don’t have
• Twitter: I dont have
• Youtube: I don’t have
• Yelp: I don’t have
• Soundcloud: I don’t have