NOORA SHERIF
Digital Illustrations: A Reflection of My Thoughts
Portrait courtesy of Noora Sherif.
Architect at PremierQ
Business Developer and Graphic Designer
Inspired by the ongoing events happening in the world, Noora Sherif tries to reflect the thoughts talking in her head through painting, her art doesn’t revolve around a specific message or style she just tries to get the thoughts out .. she always believed that by trying she will discover her own style. The beauty of imperfection is explored by applying colors to deliberately distorted forms, challenging the inherent perfectionist Noora is at heart. Noora is currently in private practice in Bahrain where she is trying to figure out what the future has for her.
Inspiration
What inspired you to pursue digital illustrations? How did you get into it?
I've always liked drawing; it was my way to speak from a young age. But growing up lots of words couldn’t be delivered through words, only painting was my way to express hidden feelings and thoughts.
Noora Sherif, Untitled. Image courtesy of Noora Sherif.
Image courtesy of Noora Sherif.
Image courtesy of Noora Sherif.
Image courtesy of Noora Sherif.
Image courtesy of Noora Sherif.
Time Management
How were you able to maintain your time especially as a student studying architecture?
I have always liked helping people and exploring more sides of me. During university, you would find either planning for an upcoming event or going on another adventure with my friends. i always had something to do ….but I found having more stuff to do organized my priorities and the way I handle work.
Ideas
As designers, we understand the power of art to convey a message. Your illustrations are very powerful in speaking to ongoing crises in our world. What inspires your artwork?
My work never revolved around a specific message, where it can be a tragedy happening in the world or a poetry that made my heart flutter. I find inspiration in everything and anything.
Noora Sherif, Untitled. Image courtesy of Noora Sherif.
Noora Sherif, Untitled. Image courtesy of Noora Sherif.
Noora Sherif, Untitled. Image courtesy of Noora Sherif.
Noora Sherif, Untitled. Image courtesy of Noora Sherif.
Resources
What are resources (tools, influence, mediums) that you use?
Drawing pad and a pen – paper and pencils
What are the bases to start freehand illustrations?
Find an inspiration.
Brain storm
Sketch a basic idea.
Start coping to the final idea and try different styles.
How do you get creative?
Try to always have a memory library and that will only happen by seeing new art pieces and different kind of art styles frequently. but always try to reflect your self never try to be a copy of someone. And always always travel and create your own adventure there is nothing better than live sightseeing.
What digital programs do you use?
Photoshop + Illustrator
What images do you reference?
Mostly portraits and animes.
In terms of rising concerns and problems (in the architectural profession) over the past year, what is one change that you wish would happen and it did not?
My rising concern is not having enough crisis architects to handle ongoing or upcoming pandemics. Architecture plays a main rule to control the disease if there were prior thoughts, not to mention the isolation that made everyone discover how they don’t feel comfortable staying in their own houses for a long period.
Image courtesy of Noora Sherif.
Image courtesy of Noora Sherif.
