Art & Illustration: What it takes to check a technique.
I conducted these artist studies to refine my skills, explore techniques, and connect with the creative legacy that inspires my work. To me, it’s like having a conversation with the past—analysing and recreating the techniques of artists I admire to uncover valuable insights I can apply to my practice. It’s an effective way to master core principles such as composition, colour theory, and texture while refining my distinct visual language. These studies also deepen my understanding of the context and influences behind each artist’s style. Insights like these aren’t just educational; they inspire innovative approaches to my work. Studying another artist’s work isn’t about copying—it’s about getting into the mind of the artist, the world and time they lived in, identifying what resonates with me, and experimenting with those elements. For emerging artists, this approach offers a structured way to develop their creativity. For seasoned practitioners, it’s a tool to remain curious and evolve. Ultimately, these studies sharpen my skills, refine my artistic voice, and connect me to the ongoing dialogue of art across time. They are both a method of learning and an act of homage. In my series of 9 “Styles of” artworks, I honour my creative inspirations and life journey so far, to define who I am and how my influences will shape my contributions moving forward.
Yung Vandal (2019) - Linework in Adobe Illustrator, coloured in Adobe Photoshop
In the style of Disney Animation Studios: historical and cultural accuracy.
This piece reflects a pivotal memory from my childhood in Saudi Arabia, set in our family home’s living room. It was there I first experienced the emotional impact of The Lion King and the thrilling adventures of Aladdin. Disney’s evident ethos of “making art, not cartoons” captivated me, from their detailed mise-en-scène to their narrative depth. Their art’s historical accuracy to bridge the gap between cultures and times, and vibrant storytelling profoundly influenced my appreciation for detail in authenticity.
The background illustration pays homage to Disney’s timeless style, with a nod to my favourite artist and niece, "Chelsea" with her vibrant, imaginative approach. Her 2018 (aged 3) works inspired me to bring new perspectives to my artistic approach.
GOAAAL! (2019) - Linework and colour on Adobe Illustrator
In the style of Yōichi Takahashi: Influencing a culture in the audience's language.
The Arabic-dubbed version of Captain Tsubasa (renamed Captain Majid) introduced me to Takahashi’s manga style. The series dramatised football in a visually dynamic way, creating suspense and excitement with exaggerated action sequences. Watching the protagonist soar through the air to score became a shared experience with my brothers, sparking a love for the sport and its artistry.
My tribute incorporates the black and yellow stripes of Al-Ittihad—our favourite team—and my first football boots, Nike Tiempos. This piece also honours Takahashi’s role in popularising football in Japan through his innovative manga style.
Skate Life (2019) - Linework and colour on Adobe Illustrator
In the style of The Simpsons: Capturing and understanding the zeitgeist.
Matt Groening’s The Simpsons introduced me to layered storytelling and satire. As a pre-teen, I didn’t fully grasp its depth, but its engaging humour and cultural commentary left a lasting impression. This artwork reflects my journey from Saudi Arabia to London in 1997, symbolising a shift between two worlds.
While inspired by the contemporary animation style, I love the eerie parallels between the show’s old storylines and today’s reality.
Schooling Life (2019) - Pencil on paper
In the Style of Munir Burhan: Communicating profoundly.
This portrait of me in secondary school honours the work of my older brother Munir with a nod to my old head teacher's booming phrase, Munir's dedication to art profoundly influenced my creative path. His philosophically driven sketches balanced lifelike depictions with an anime-inspired lens. One of my favourites was his detailed pencil sketch of Deadpool, which first introduced me to the character and left a lasting impression.
Revisiting this analogue style after years in digital media was a challenge but also a reminder of the foundational techniques that shaped my artistry. Munir’s work continues to inspire my approach to visual storytelling and technical precision.
“What does it take to check a technique? Many styles!” (2022) - Adobe Illustrator
In the Style of Graffiti Writers/Artists: Thinking outside the box.
Graffiti, a democratised art form born in the 1980s alongside hip-hop, captured my imagination with its bold typography, vibrant colours, and disruptively rebellious spirit. This style celebrates leaving a personal mark on the world, often in daring and unconventional ways.
This piece reflects the artistry behind graffiti as depicted across all my school notebooks, drawing on the cultural movements it shaped and its impact on typography and self-expression. It’s a reminder of art’s power to disrupt and redefine societal norms.
Muslamic RayGun: Sharon Law (2022) - Adobe Illustrator
In the style of Banksy: Belonging, not fitting in.
Banksy’s work merges activism with artistry, using stencil graffiti to explore global issues such as capitalism and war. His ability to provoke thought through simplicity and satire has legitimised street art as a powerful medium.
My piece reflects on Islamophobia and the role of fear-mongering in dividing communities. Inspired by Banksy’s The Flower Thrower, it explores how humour and understanding could replace hostility, asking viewers to reconsider their perceptions of "the other."
Nor (2024) - Adobe Illustrator
In the Style of Alphonse Mucha: Mastery of a movement.
Alphonse Mucha’s Art Nouveau style, characterised by decorative elegance and bold outlines, has profoundly shaped my visual language. His lithographic prints seamlessly combined aesthetics with functionality, making him a pioneer of modern design.
Guided by his Documents Décoratifs, I created this self-portrait, incorporating Mucha’s balanced compositions and decorative elements. This piece symbolises my early artistic explorations, blending influences from nature, mythology, and personal symbolism, juxtaposing the feminine style with a masculine subject.
Untitled (Joy Icarus), (2024) - Multimedia on Paper
In the Style of Jean-Michel Basquiat: Speak truthfully in your voice.
Basquiat’s layered, jazz-like chaos conveys intellectual depth and social commentary, challenging traditional art forms. His use of African art, pop culture, and personal experiences creates an orchestration of visual storytelling.
This piece channels his impressionistic approach, exploring the death of the Ego, and how cruel the distance between perception and reality can be.
Abstract art gained prominence with the invention of the camera, which freed artists to explore new, symbolic ways of representing life. I anticipate AI art will play a similar role today; while it may deter some creators, it will challenge the bold to push the boundaries of art to new heights. Much like impressionism—and as Basquiat surely recognised—non-representational art existed long before the Renaissance in both European and African traditions. These forms were inherently mythical, philosophical, and symbolic, offering an enduring connection between past and present artistic exploration.
Alchemy, Retrocausality & The Rebirth of a Dreamer. (2024) - Procreate
In the Style of Ahmed Idries: Through all the noise, those who need to hear you will find you.
Ahmed Idries known as haruki.design on socials. Bridges disciplines with a multidisciplinary approach inspired by Japanese anime, Western comics, and Star Wars. His ability to blend raw talent with hard work has redefined creative boundaries, positioning him among today’s most innovative artists.
This piece celebrates his influence on my journey, illustrating how versatile creativity can be when aligned with curiosity and persistence. Clad in Heron Preston, Faradj Studios and the Nike Air Max 90 Infrareds, a shedding of lessons and adoption of a new mantra.