Episode #66 - Besher Alyoussef (BESH Prints)
This episode was recorded on 06.11.2024 in the atelier of Sébastien (#1)
in the Kunstfabrik HB55 in Berlin-Lichtenberg.
Name: Besher Alyoussef, @b.e.s.h._z
Topics: art, architecture, creativity, design, prints, Syria, Berlin
Landed in Berlin: March 2015
I met Besher at Wedding’s kreativ Flohmarkt. Numerous colorful buildings, beautiful lines and a very well presented booth – I couldn’t be more curious and was thrilled by his presentation of “a small but ambitious one-person project”.
Born and raised in Damascus, Syria, Besher tells us how he settled in Berlin, developed a career as an architect and eventually started his own project, BESH Prints, which “started as a partime/hobby and grew into something slightly bigger”.
I really enjoyed this conversation and hope that you too, have fun!
Notes from episode #66
Born and raised in Damascus, Besher applies for a student visa and comes to Berlin in 2015. Discovering the city, adjusting to a new culture, taking on financial responsibility and growing through his work – Besher takes us on his journey of arriving and settling into a new country.
After the Covid outbreak, Besher is required to work part-time 4 days a week. In his free time, he develops his creativity through digital artwork. He enjoys this so much that he applies for a 3-day week instead of working full-time in the office again.
I loved how Besher took his success into his own hands by cutting back on outsourcing, exploring, doing lots of research, both on a bureaucratic and artistic level, and reaching out to experts, even outside of his field, to learn from them. Since 2022, Besher has participated in over 30 markets and gives us all tips and tea about flea market etiquette.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to trust your gut, embrace your creativity, stay focused, and keep going to discover that you’ll get much farther than you expected.
Also mentioned:
- Association of Illustrators AOI in London
- Artist Marcus Marritt
- Architectural Photograph Iwan Baan
- Creative Lunch Club
- Logo for a friend?
Spotted in Berlin
- Kreativ Market, Wedding
- Corbusier House, Charlottenburg
- Bergmannkiez, Kreuzberg
- Neue National Galerie, Kreuzberg
- Mäusebunker, Lichterfeld
- The Feuerle Collection, Kreuzberg
- Albatros, Kreuzberg
- Hansis Brot, Wedding
- Le Brot, Neukölln
More about the guest
Date of your arrival in Berlin? March 2015
Why did you come to Berlin? I came to Berlin from Damascus for better opportunities to continue my studies in architecture and to start my career here.
What do you like the most about Berlin? Even though Berlin can be a bit too competitive and overwhelming,I love that it offers different possibilities on so many levels. I appreciate that it’s a city that allows you to be serious and responsible one day, and gives you the option to let loose and decompress the next, which can be a risky cycle but feels quite unique. I also love the variety of amazing food.
What bothers you the most? First of all, the very frustrating housing market. Additionally, certain trends can feel overly aggressive and, in my opinion, somewhat insensitive to the city’s history, identity, and structure. And, of course, just Berlin in general during January and February. »
What are your 3 favorite places in Berlin?
- Pound & Pence (Burger place in Moabit)
- The Ping Pong Tables at the Rütli School in Neukölln
- Bouldergarten in Neukölln
What is the most Berlin-like thing about you? probably my beanie
Your recipe for a successful integration? I can only repeat the commonly known, and sometimes not very helpful, tips, but they did work for me to some extent. I think the easiest and most important one is learning the language. Of course, you can get by without it, but everything is easier to navigate if you speak German — it’s just how this complex system is built. I would also say having the courage to step out of your comfort zone, putting yourself out there, and allowing yourself to be a bit vulnerable is crucial. Be open and accepting to all the different inputs and interactions you’re definitely going to be faced with. All of these tips are, of course, ‘easier said than done,’ but when they work, they are usually effective.
Your recipe for homesickness? go to Sonnenallee
Who should come on the show? boah! so many cool people to recommend: Gaia Marturano, Nick Cocozza, Rita Adib, Fanni Udvarnoki and the list goes on.
For what reasons could we contact you? For so many reasons! I’m always open and excited to engage in fun discussions on topics I enjoy, whether it’s architecture, art, video games, metal music, or more. If you’ve seen my work and are curious to know or see more, have a cool idea for a fun collaboration, or would like to see something you like illustrated in my style, that’s definitely a great reason to reach out. I’ll always be happy to find a way to make our interaction meaningful and rewarding for both of us.
Do you want to add anything? I have one controversial statement and one normal one:
– Instant coffee gets too much hate… I like it.
– This podcast is awesome, and everyone should follow it! I’m very grateful Gabrielle « discovered » me, and we had this lovely conversation. She’s a great, smart, and genuine person, and she should definitely be more famous than Joe Rogan.