Meet the latest Artist of the Month... Sadaf! Read on to find out more...
What is your background and when did your passion for Calligraphy and learning begin?
Hello, I’m Sadaf Khan, a live calligrapher, visual artist and architect based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I specialize in creating Arabic and English calligraphy in many medium like on paper, engraving on product live at events, exhibitions and cultural gatherings – offering and engaging in live work is an experience that brings the beauty of artistic work. Since childhood, I was always drawn to the love for drawing, patterns and artistic details. Over time, that curiosity turned into passion through consistent practice, learning I created sadafartsgraphy, a space where I can connect with people to personalized art and lettering. My journey into calligraphy began five years ago when I began my artistic career with growth, lots of challenges which came all the way in my career and endless inspiration. My work spans abstract painting, digital art, mural painting, jewellery illustration, engraving, heat foiling, origami and silhouette art.
Who / Where do you take your inspiration from?
I found my inspiration from my father to whom I grow up seeing as an Architect, his drawing, his inspiration towards drawing and painting which gave me a career to go into. By profession I am an Architect so my inspiration towards artistic work began from the very first I entered in the world of art. I use to admire the Arabic and English calligraphy which led me to become a calligraphy as well as an artist in all mixed medium.
What are your favourite tools to use?
I enjoyed working with dip pens, brush pen, fine liners, watercolour brushes, engraving tools. I love to buy new tool to set a hand on it. For live events I often use calligraphy metallic markers, heat foils, brush markers, different paints and many more I love to explore new tools. Each tool work differently on different surface weather it’s a paper, or product or leathers on luxury products.
Do you have a favourite style?
Yes- I love to do modern calligraphy mixed with elegant minimalism. One of my favourite style projects was for a luxury brand where we had to create the Eid messages in a very style-oriented way Chanel symbols calligraphy. I’m also deeply inspired by Arabic and Islamic artistic work which often appear in my work.
One of my signature styles involves combining Arabic calligraphy with abstract painting, often featuring qur’anic verses through various techniques such as pouring and flip painting. These created pieces have always been attractive feature for my client to get to me for an artwork. And some of my new style which I create doing a live event for my customer bring a smile and a unique attraction to them.
What, in your opinions, is the hardest and the most rewarding parts of working in a creative industry?
One of the hardest parts of being into the creative industry is staying consistent in your work. It’s a world of never ending, you have to learn consistently there is no end to just say ok I am done. In creative world, creativity never ends you will always see new things. Creative works requires patience, discipline and continuous learning. But at the same time, the most rewarding part is seeing your work connect with people in a very beautiful sense like emotionally and what we created brought happiness in their way, in their events, surprises for their dear ones which makes us more happy.
What is your best calligraphy tip, trick, or tutorial?
My biggest calligraphy tip is to focus on mastering basic strokes before trying complex and new lettering styles. Consistency in pressure and movement makes a huge difference in your learning. A simple trick that helped me improve was practicing slow, controlled strokes daily for even 15–20 minutes. Small consistent practice sessions are far more effective than occasional long practice sessions. So better to take out time in your daily routine for practice.
What would your advice be to people new to the creative industry and any tips on how to get started?
First of all, always start your journey by making yourself perfect in whichever medium you have started then only shift to a different medium. Practice consistently, stay patience with your growth and love your work as it is growing don’t compare your work or beginning with someone else journey. I believe every artist have their own way of style, they have come up till here with their hard work by using their time in continuous practice and experience. Share your work on social media, be patient and believe in your work. Never give up always have a believe in your work that you will achieve someday. Creativity grows when you stay curious and authentic.
What are the most exciting projects you have worked on and what are you working on at the moment?
I had the opportunity of collaborating with luxury brands including Vancleefarpels , Chanel, Swarovski, boucheron, montblanc, purification Garcia, sephora, kerastase, bvlgari ,guess etc across Saudi Arabia. Have worked on these brands with projects like live calligraphy, illustrations, engraving, product customisation which made beautiful art piece for the customer to take as a keepsake. One of my most exciting project I’ve worked was I wrote Eid greeting cards for a Saudi Royal family for a luxury brand boucheron which was a milestone for my career.
How does your work relate to your everyday life?
For me my passion for art has become a part of my daily routine and life. I always manage my personal life and my artistic life together. Some time it feels hard but I believe when you have a passion for something you have to compromise something on the other. My calligraphy teaches me patience, happiness, always be learning new medium, attention to detail, time management, focusing on things, which always reflect my everyday life as well.
To see more of her beautiful work you can follow her Sadaf (@sadafartsgraphy) and remember to follow @manuscriptpenco on social media where we will be showcasing her work throughout the month!
