Meet our new Artist of the Month...Hera Aaqil a.k.a The Meraki Girl. Currently pursuing her Masters in Commerce, Hera's love for art ignited her passion for calligraphy. Read on to find out more about her journey...
What is your background and when did your passion for Calligraphy and Lettering begin?
I am currently pursuing my masters in commerce and my passion lying in art makes it two opposite poles. My mind understands commerce where as my heart listens to my art. As a student I was always fascinated how different typography is done and even learnt with a very basic tool. Then during my graduation I learnt about calligraphy and online platforms being the biggest support I learned and practised day and night and loved how calligraphy makes every alphabet unique.
Who / Where do you take your inspiration from?
I take my inspiration from everything that is around me. I pick the colour combination from the sunsets that I catch everyday from my window. I pick up quotes from regular sayings and illustrations from the most random thing I must have seen that day.
The world around us is so colourful that teaches us to be colourful and happy as well. My blending of colours are always taken from skies how one corner of the sky is blue and the pink is turning yellow or orange.
What in your opinion is the hardest and the most rewarding parts of working in a creative industry?
Well in my opinion The Hardest part of working in a creative industry is to accept that yes, this particular art form is going to take time and I am not going to give up till the time I achieve a basic level. However there is one very important thing that I myself have felt is to understand the fact that every day you cannot make the best artwork. With practise and patience things will evolve.
The most rewarding parts are when clients messages us that they loved the product! , when someone comments down on our post that they are amazed and every small appreciation are the best rewards for me.
Do you have a favourite style?
My favourite style is a combination of modern calligraphy with bright watercolour backgrounds.
What are the most exciting projects you have worked on and what are you working on at the moment?
My most exciting projects includes making hampers for CRY India, Working for wedding invitations and the most beautiful one was where I had to write a letter from A mother to her soon to be bride daughter . Currently I am working on wedding invitations and online workshops.
How does your work relate to your everyday life?
When I started Calligraphy there was no connection to my everyday life but when I actually started working towards everything was clear. My creative mind loves doing calligraphy and loves to create something on various themes.
What are your favourite tools to use?
My favourite tools comprises of Obliques holders and my nibs for the soft and elegant look working in modern calligraphy and brush pens for a daily day to day workshop.
What would your advice be to people new to the creative industry and any tips on how to get started?
“Our patience will achieve more than our force”
This is one line that makes me understand the true value of our patience. Anyone who is new to the creative field I would just advise them to have patience everything will fall into place. One should never compare them anyone, everyone is putting efforts in their field and what is your environment may not be the same for others.
Getting started always starts with the right tool and the right mentor. Research about the topic what you wish to get started with and once you are clear look on social media what different people have to offer. Compare and ask questions, none of us will ever hesitate to answer your questions.
To see more of Hera's work you can follow her on Instagram. Remember to follow @manuscriptpenco on Social Media where we will be showcasing her work throughout the month.
