How did you first get into the industry?
My journey into the creative industry was a natural evolution of my lifelong passion for art and creativity. Growing up, I always gravitated towards painting, drawing, and exploring various creative outlets. Despite pursuing formal education in science, education, and English literature, my passion for art remained a constant presence in my life.
After completing my Masters, I made a pivotal decision to follow my dreams of becoming an artist, graphic designer, and illustrator. With no formal training in design, I embarked on a self-taught journey over a decade ago. At that time, resources like online tutorials and design platforms were not as readily available, but my determination to develop my skills drove me forward.
I honed my craft through experimentation, perseverance, and continuous learning. Each project and challenge along the way contributed to my growth and expertise in the field. Platforms like 99designs and DesignCrowd provided opportunities to showcase my work, attract clients, and establish myself as a freelance graphic designer.
Over time, I embraced technological advancements and leveraged digital tools to enhance my creative process and expand my capabilities. This ongoing journey of self-discovery and adaptation has not only shaped my career but also reinforced my belief in the power of creativity to inspire, connect, and transform.
In summary, my entry into the creative industry was fuelled by passion, determination, and a relentless pursuit of artistic expression. It's a journey that continues to unfold, driven by a deep love for the craft and a commitment to delivering impactful and innovative solutions to clients worldwide.
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
I am currently based in Pakistan. As a successful freelance graphic designer, artist, and illustrator, I work independently with a diverse range of clients from around the globe. I collaborate directly with clients and also take on projects through platforms like 99designs and DesignCrowd etc.
What is your personal background and what role did it play in your career?
My personal background, which includes academic pursuits in science, education, and literature, has uniquely shaped my career in the creative industry. While my formal education was in different fields, my passion for art and design motivated me to pursue a path of self-learning and exploration.
This background has instilled in me a strong foundation of critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability—all of which are essential in my current role as a graphic designer and artist.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
In this scenario, I see myself maintaining a dual commitment to both the creative and educational realms, enriching lives through art, learning, and academic pursuits. Moreover, while I would never give up on my creative pursuits, I envision establishing my own art gallery or creative institute. Combining my love for art with education, I aspire to create a space that fosters artistic expression and cultivates talent.
On the other hand, drawing inspiration from my father, who was a PHD Doctor in physical chemistry, I could see myself exploring avenues related to education or literature. Teaching and inspiring others have always been passions of mine, and my background in education and English literature would lend itself well to a career in teaching or academic research.
Can you explain your creative process? What makes it unique?
My creative process is rooted in experimentation and intuition. I begin by thoroughly understanding the client's needs and vision, allowing me to brainstorm ideas and concepts. I then translate these ideas into visual representations, often combining traditional art techniques with digital tools.
What makes my process unique is my ability to blend self-taught skills with a deep understanding of design principles, resulting in innovative and personalized solutions for each project.
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as versatile and adaptive. I draw inspiration from various artistic movements and genres, allowing me to create diverse visuals that resonate with different audiences. Whether it's minimalist and clean or bold and expressive, my work is characterized by attention to detail, creativity, and a strong commitment to delivering impactful designs tailored to each client's unique requirements.
Which individuals do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?
[I draw immense inspiration from the individuals closest to me, my mother, father and my loving husband. In the initial stages of my creative journey, my mother played a pivotal role in nurturing my artistic talents and encouraging me to pursue my passion. Her own aspirations as an artist, albeit unfulfilled, became my wings to fly in my creative journey.
Despite losing my father at a young age, his belief in my abilities continues to inspire me every day, even though he couldn't witness my success in the creative field. My husband, however, has been my true hero and the love of my life. His unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in my creative pursuits have made my journey smoother and more fulfilling.
Since marrying him, I've been blessed with a supportive partner who not only champions my dreams but also actively contributes to my creative growth and success. His presence in my life exemplifies the profound impact of love and support in fostering artistic expression and personal fulfilment.
Moreover, from a young age, I have been keenly observant of the world around me, finding inspiration in the smallest details and interactions. I believe in drawing inspiration from everyone, whether they are fellow creatives or individuals from different walks of life.
What tips would you give to aspiring creatives looking for work?
I would recommend few tips: Showcase your best work that reflects your style and capabilities. Stay updated with industry trends and improves your skills through online courses and tutorials etc.
Connect with fellow creatives and potential clients. Seek out opportunities, whether through freelance platforms, internships, or collaborations. Communicate clearly, meet deadlines, and provide exceptional service to build a positive reputation.
What tips would you give to other professionals to get more clients?
To attract more clients: Focus on a specific area of expertise to target a specific audience. Clearly communicate what sets you apart and the benefits of working with you. Encourage satisfied clients to provide testimonials and refer you to others.
Utilize social media, a professional website, and networking to expand your reach. Delight your clients with exceptional work and customer service to foster repeat business and referrals.
Can you share a memorable experience from your career journey that shaped your approach to creativity?
One memorable experience that profoundly shaped my approach to creativity was the journey of learning and adapting to technological advancements in the creative industry. As a self-taught graphic designer and artist, embracing new technologies and tools has been essential to my growth.
Early in my career, I faced many challenges where my clients requested some complex design requiring advanced digital techniques beyond my current skill set. Instead of turning down the opportunity, I saw it as a chance to push my boundaries and learn something new.
I dedicated myself to mastering the necessary techniques through practice and experimentation. Despite initial frustrations, I persisted, and eventually, I successfully delivered the project beyond the client's expectations.
This experience taught me the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and resilience in the creative process. It instilled in me a belief that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and innovation. Since then, I've maintained a proactive approach to exploring new tools and techniques, allowing me to continually evolve and enhance my creative capabilities.
Overall, this experience has shaped my approach to creativity by emphasizing the value of perseverance, curiosity, and the willingness to embrace technological advancements as catalysts for creative excellence.
What kind of tools/kit/software could you not do without?
The essential tools and software that I rely on for my creative work include Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for graphic design and digital illustration. These industry-standard applications are integral to my workflow, allowing me to bring my ideas to life with precision and creativity.
In addition to digital tools, I also value traditional mediums such as sketchbooks, pencils, and paints for initial concept development and exploration. These tactile materials offer a hands-on approach that complements my digital process, fostering creativity and spontaneity in my work.
Furthermore, it's important to note that my creativity was not hindered by the availability of expensive tools. I began my creative journey with simple resources and older versions of software, demonstrating that passion and dedication are the true driving forces behind artistic success.
By leveraging a combination of digital and traditional tools, I am able to execute projects with versatility and depth, ensuring that each creation is infused with artistic expression and innovation.
What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?
To stay inspired and motivated, I constantly seek inspiration from diverse sources such as nature, art history, and contemporary design. I also believe in taking breaks, exploring new hobbies, and connecting with my small circle of friends and family. Setting achievable goals and celebrating small victories keeps me driven and passionate about my work.
What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?
One of my most proud achievements is successfully transitioning from a self-taught freelancer to collaborating with a start-up as an Art Director (Remote), where I led impactful projects and contributed to the company's growth. This experience taught me valuable leadership and project management skills while allowing me to showcase my creative vision on a larger scale.
Throughout my journey, what truly sets me apart and fills me with pride is the vast range of creative skills and specialties I have developed. Despite being self-taught, my artistic approach and services transcend specific fields.
From product packaging and label designs to logo designs, greeting cards, invitation designs, branding, business cards, car/vehicle wraps, books/e-books/CD covers, T-shirt apparel and clothing designs, posters, pattern designs, stickers, wall murals, among many others. Illustrations, paintings, drawings, sketching, and even photography, I take pride in my ability to navigate diverse creative challenges with confidence and creativity.
This diverse skill set not only defines my unique creative journey but also allows me to approach each project with a broad perspective and adaptability. I am proud to offer clients a comprehensive range of creative services, showcasing versatility and innovation across various artistic domains.
As someone with experience in the industry, what trends do you foresee shaping the future of creativity?
Looking ahead, I foresee trends such as immersive technologies, sustainability-focused design, and the integration of AI in creative processes to play significant roles in shaping the future of creativity. Additionally, remote collaboration and the rise of freelance platforms will continue to reshape how creatives work and collaborate globally.
What do you think sets apart truly exceptional creatives from the rest of the pack?
Exceptional creatives demonstrate a unique blend of technical expertise, originality, and a deep understanding of their clients' needs. They continuously innovate, embrace challenges, and strive for excellence in every project. Moreover, exceptional creatives possess strong communication skills, professionalism, and a genuine passion for their craft.
How do you think technology has influenced the creative industries and how have you adapted to these changes?
Technology has revolutionized the creative industries by providing powerful tools and platforms that streamline workflows and expand creative possibilities. As a self-taught creative, I have adapted by embracing new software, staying updated with emerging trends and leveraging technology to enhance my creative process and deliver exceptional results to clients.
What is the one thing that you would change about the industry?
If I could change one thing about the industry, it would be to foster more inclusivity and diversity. Embracing a wider range of perspectives, voices, and talents not only enriches creative outcomes but also ensures a more equitable and supportive environment for all creatives to thrive. Specifically, I believe in the importance of creating more talent hunt platforms from around the globe that offer equal opportunities to emerging creatives.
Increasing opportunities for remote work would also enhance accessibility and flexibility within the industry, allowing creatives to collaborate and contribute from diverse locations. Additionally, a platform that facilitates the direct sale of self-made readymade designs or creative services to clients would revolutionize the industry. This type of platform would not only empower individual creatives but also stimulate business growth and innovation within the creative community.
Moreover, it's crucial to preserve the integrity of original art and graphic design services in the face of advancing technologies. While embracing new tools and technologies is important for innovation, maintaining the authenticity and originality of artistic expression is paramount. Art should be celebrated for its uniqueness and creativity, and efforts should be made to ensure that artists are recognized and compensated for their original work.
By championing inclusivity, diversity, and innovation, we can create a more dynamic and inclusive creative landscape that empowers artists and designers worldwide.
