4 days ago | Nuskiya Nasar

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This week, The Sunday Morning Happinez chatted with the founder of Sketchbook, Heba Abdul Cader. 

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am known to be a passionate artist and explorer in the field of design, only to later have discovered myself wanting to explore the same on a digital platform. My field of expertise has been henna designing and I suppose I adopted the skills for designing through this, along with the knowledge I’ve gained through the completion of a diploma in graphic designing. 

However, being passionate about art and being open to creativity, I was born to become a digital illustrator as that seems to be more of a world towards which we are headed. Moreover, the flexibility of using features limited to the bare skill along with the availability of detailing that can be included in a single portrait has always mesmerised me.

How and when did you discover your love for digital portraits and illustrations?

Before having its own name, The Sketchbook was always an idea for doing portraits, which seemed best after an entire year of lockdown during which we missed our loved ones. 

Initially, I started off doing portraits of my family members, bringing them together in a portrait although we were in different parts of the world. Come August 2021, I officially started it on Instagram hoping that people could have the same opportunity to feel the little shred of happiness that I was able to after completing my first few portraits.

What does your working process on a project look like?

Initially, when I’m reached out for a project, I start by collecting ideas from my customers as to how they want it and based on their high-definition photos I put together a draft sketch. Following this, I put together the base colours before adding details based on customer expectations. 

Finally, I do any alterations that are needed before setting up the background which brings life to the portraits/illustrations. Before I publish or post their projects to them, I ensure that they are satisfied with what they are to expect.

What are some challenges you face while running The Sketchbook?

Not all customers go only for the digital file, since my service also includes printing and framing upon request. This is quite troublesome as there can be delays and also an issue with the reliability of the quality of the prints and the craftwork.

What is one creative resource that helps you run your business?

The idea of being creative is to have a sense of authenticity, in which process I draw from my vision. This allows me to combine it with the availability of graphical illustrations to deliver.

Explain the process you use to develop an illustration from concept to completion.

The Sketchbook does not limit its services to digital illustrations; I have also extended my services by making most of these illustrations and digital content available for print (photo frames, printed canvases, wedding invitations, etc.) and web (company logo designing, creative ads, and social media content).

What’s one of your favourite projects till date and why?

The most special project thus far has been the one with my family, because not only did it come with a beautiful set of memories but also the colour it carries and the background, along with every little detail included in the photo. Later, I published this project on Valentine’s Day.

What is your advice for budding digital illustrators out there?

Typically, you might hear that ‘practice makes perfect,’ but when you’re into digital illustration, keep your mind open to learning. Be inspired by what technology has to offer and unfold a new feature or a new level of illustration (if that makes sense) every time you feel like you are perfect in what you do. Besides that, when it comes to the whole idea of being involved in a digital environment, there are no limitations to growth and no such thing as fulfilment. Keep going and growing.

PHOTO © HEBA ABDUL CADER