Meet the latest Artist of the Month... Femi! Read on to find out more...
What is your background and when did your passion for Calligraphy and learning begin?
My creative journey began long before I stepped into architecture. I’ve been painting and exploring different forms of art for as long as I can remember; creativity has always been a natural part of my life. I later chose to study architecture because it beautifully combined my love for art, design, and visual aesthetics. Even though I eventually moved into a different artistic path, architecture shaped the way I see balance, structure, and detail, and that understanding still influences my work today. I discovered calligraphy in 2015, and it felt like the perfect extension of everything I loved; art, elegance, and expression through handcrafted detail. What began as a personal passion quickly grew into a career, and since then, I’ve had the privilege of working on over 100 brand activations across Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Today, I work across multiple mediums including live calligraphy, engraving, illustration, foiling, leather customization, and embroidery. My foundation in art, combined with the discipline and eye for detail I gained from architecture, continues to shape my style and approach.
Who / Where do you take your inspiration from?
Nature has always been my earliest and strongest source of inspiration. Before I ever picked up a calligraphy pen, I painted a lot, and the colors, textures, and peaceful details of nature shaped the way I see beauty. When I began learning Arabic calligraphy, my inspiration grew deeper through Qur’anic verses. Their meaning, rhythm, and spirituality guided my practice and made each stroke feel purposeful. As I stepped into my career as a live event artist, my inspirations expanded even further. Now I draw ideas from almost everything; brand themes, event concepts, fashion, architecture, and even the atmosphere of a space. Each activation brings its own story, and that keeps my creativity evolving. I am also inspired by other artists and traditional craftsmanship. The dedication, patience, and skill behind handmade work always remind me why I love creating with my hands.
What in your opinion is the hardest and the most rewarding parts of working in a creative industry?
The hardest part of working in the creative industry is keeping up with fast-changing trends while staying true to my own style. Marketing my work, managing social media, and maintaining visibility alongside hands-on projects can also be challenging. The rewards, however, far outweigh the challenges. Seeing clients’ joy during live activations, being remembered for work I created years ago, and hearing from other artists that my work inspires them are some of the most fulfilling experiences. Positive feedback from luxury brands and returning clients continually motivates me and reminds me why I love what I do.
Do you have a favourite style?
I enjoy exploring different styles across my work, but I do have favourites depending on the medium. For illustrations on paper, I love realistic watercolor illustrations, which allow me to capture delicate details and subtle expressions. When working on products, I prefer acrylics for their control and vibrant results. In English calligraphy, I’m drawn to dip-ink calligraphy for its precision and timeless elegance, while in Arabic calligraphy, I love modern styles which is fluid, expressive, and contemporary, yet still rooted in tradition.
Exploring different styles keeps my work versatile and allows me to bring a unique touch to every project.
What are the most exciting projects you have worked on and what are you working on at the moment?
I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with luxury brands including Prada, Hermès, MIU MIU, Cartier, Fendi, Creed, Montblanc, Hublot, Panerai etc across Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. These projects ranging from calligraphy and engraving to illustration, leather customization, and crocheting have allowed me to create personalised experiences for clients in diverse mediums. One of the most meaningful milestones in my journey was being entrusted to write envelopes and letters in my calligraphy for the Royal Family members including His Majesty Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa , the King of Bahrain and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. It was a true honour. I also had a wonderful experience during Ramadan working for Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa at Majlis of her Royal Palace , across three events; each one special in its own way. At the moment, I continue to work on live brand activations and personalised creative projects, always looking forward to new opportunities that allow me to blend craftsmanship, creativity, and meaningful interactions.
How does your work relate to your everyday life?
My work blends naturally into my everyday life because creativity is something I carry with me throughout the day. I’m always observing colours, patterns, and little details around me, and these moments often become inspiration for my calligraphy, illustrations, or customisations. As a mother of two boys, my routine blends family life with creative work. I often create during quiet hours, late nights, or in between my children’s schedules, which has made my artistic process more flexible and intuitive. Some of my most creative ideas come from these peaceful everyday moments at home; whether I’m painting or simply noticing the little details around me. Because many of my projects are live brand activations, my work also connects me to people. Meeting clients, seeing their reactions, and creating personalised pieces on the spot brings a sense of joy into my day-to-day life. My art isn’t separate from my life; it influences how I see the world, and my everyday experiences continuously shape the art I create.
What are your favourite tools to use?
My favourite tools are the ones that feel natural in my hand and allow me to create freely. For calligraphy, I love dip pens with metallic or richly pigmented inks; the flow and precision make every stroke expressive and intentional. For illustrations, I enjoy high-quality watercolors on paper for delicate layers and subtle details, and acrylics when working on products for vibrant, controlled results. During live brand activations, I often use engraving pens, metallic foils, leather paints, and brush markers, adapting each tool to the surface while creating personalised pieces in front of guests. Each medium has its own charm, and I love how the right tool can bring an idea to life; whether on paper, leather, or a luxury product.
What would your advice be to people new to the creative industry and any tips on how to get started?
My advice for anyone starting out in the creative industry is to stay curious, patient, and persistent. Creativity is a journey; it takes time to discover your style, build confidence, and find your niche. Start by experimenting with different mediums, tools, and techniques. Get inspired by others, but never copy ; your unique style is what will set you apart. Find peace in creating, practice consistently, and enjoy the process. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow, and the more you practice, the stronger your skills will become.
Networking and visibility are important too. Share your work, collaborate, and engage with other artists. Social media can be a great platform to showcase your work, but quality, consistency, and authenticity matter more than numbers. Ultimately, the most rewarding part of a creative career comes from the joy of making, the connections you create, and seeing your work appreciated by others. Passion, patience, and persistence are key.
To see more of her beautiful work you can follow her Femi-Bahrain (@fsinscape) and remember to follow @manuscriptpenco on social media where we will be showcasing her work throughout the month!
