Mahmood Popal

What Program did you graduate from and when?

I graduated from the Industrial Design program in 2007. It was a long road for me to graduate than most. I took a break midway through the Industrial Design program and added an extra year to my education. I was curious about what other programs the school had to offer so I took courses in other departments, such as Integrated Media, Ceramics, Fibre Arts and Graphic Design. At the time, there was no such thing as a major or minor at the school so I took the initiative and asked the heads of the departments if they would be open to a student outside of their program taking courses in their department. It was the best decision I made. To this day, it helps inform my art and design practice and gave me more opportunities in my education. 

What is your current title or role? (ie. freelance designer, art practitioner, etc.)

I am the Creative Director of MAAST. MAAST is a boutique multidisciplinary studio launched in 2015 by myself and my partner Danielle Hession with a focus on commercial interior design projects, private commissions and public art projects. The studio has worked on a wide range of art and design projects for Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), Sub-zero-Wolf, Sid Lee, Metrolinx, City of Toronto, East End Arts and Quantum Coffee to name a few.

Why did you choose to attend OCAD U?

I never intended to attend college or university. High school was tough enough and I didn’t see myself following a traditional academic path.  Mid-way through high school I got an opportunity to work as a photographer's assistant and stylist in the UK so I moved there for a year. When I returned to finish high school I signed up for art class. My art teacher and friends pushed me to look into what was then, Ontario College of Art. I had no real art or design training but I was motivated to apply to OCA. Getting accepted to OCA changed the direction of my life and career path so I’m thankful I received encouragement to pursue a creative path. 

Please briefly describe your current job/practice.

As a Creative Director of MAAST, I’m responsible for all facets of the business. My job description ranges from design work, client relations, working with builders and contractors to choosing which projects the studio takes. 

How did you get started in your career? 

After graduating there was a bit of time where I was looking into what to do next and contemplating if the design was even a career path I wanted to pursue. During that period while working hospitality jobs to pay off student loans, I began to experiment with different materials and making art. This led me to apply to shows and start to exhibit my work. Showing helped me connect with people who saw potential in my work and wanted to collaborate on art and commercial interior projects. One project led to another and slowly I built a portfolio of work and a list of clients. 

What were your policies regarding internships, volunteering, and paid work?

We don’t usually hire interns or use volunteers for our work as we most often bring on skilled designers, artists and other workers to collaborate on specific projects. That being said, our policy is that each person should be paid fairly according to their skillset and experience. 

What do you enjoy most about your work? 

What I enjoy most about my work is the opportunity to learn, discover and experiment with materials, spaces and ideas. Every project is so different and I am always kept on my toes. I really enjoy problem-solving on a daily basis. It’s also great to meet new clients/people and learn about their lives and skillsets.

What is the most challenging aspect of your work?

The most challenging aspect of running a business is dealing with late payments, last-minute client requests and negotiating different personalities. A skill that comes with experience and confidence- is the ability to know when the project is not worth the money and stress. It’s important to look for red flags in your initial meeting with new clients. 

What skills or relationships developed at OCAD U helped you participate in your field? 

While at OCAD U, I was fortunate enough to meet a lot of great professors, students and technicians who all had their own perspectives on art, design and making. Each one taught me something and I still draw from this in my practice. A few specific skills that I developed at OCAD U are quick decision making, not being afraid to experiment with different materials, methods and processes and staying professional in all aspects of the work. 

Is there anything you would have done differently?

I’m pretty happy with the way my education at OCAD U played out but, if I was to do anything differently, I would have chosen to apply for the Mobility Exchange Program. The opportunity to live and learn in different environments isn't something that presents itself too often as a practicing professional so it would have been a great learning experience. It also would have been useful to push for internship opportunities within the program I graduated from. Internships are a great way to learn from observing while creating designs and being a part of a professional work environment. 

What are the key responsibilities you maintain for your practice? 

To be honest, to be kind and to take time to care for yourself, your staff and your collaborators. To take time to mentor and share your knowledge with up-and-coming artists and designers. The steps you take today to give and share, will come back and provide you with new opportunities for learning and experiences that you had never imagined. 

What are your personal and professional goals for the coming years?

Personal Goals

I’d like to create more objects and artworks, that don’t necessarily have an end goal or client attached to them. To take more time to travel and see the world and to mentor more. 

Professional Goals: I’d like the studio to push more into the product design category and diversify outside of the interior design field. The idea is to develop an in-house brand, that can be used to design, fabricate and sell lighting, ceramic objects and custom artworks. Another goal of ours for the coming years is to use our knowledge and experience to help mentor the youth in lower-income neighborhoods and help expose them to opportunities in the art and design fields.