“In an era where digital art and animation movies go hand in hand with computer technology, we should reflect on the absolute reality of the times we live in,” said digital artist Latifa Rashid. She creates cartoon characters and makes animation movies. “I’m currently working on short animated advertisements for some companies.”
Why do you draw?
“I discovered this ability as a child, when I drew in my spare time. They were very simple drawings in coloring pencils and watercolors, but I received good reviews from my teachers and friends. From then on I began drawing earnestly and I studied the basics of drawing and coloring methods in digital arts and fine arts as well.
“To me, drawing and digital art are a refined way to express many things that I feel cannot be expressed otherwise. Drawing is a fantastic talent that develops aesthetics and good taste in people and also teaches patience and self-confidence.”
Is drawing difficult for you?
“During the drawing process there are no difficulties, but there must be a suitable environment, controlled atmosphere, and a certain psychological frame of mind. It is also important for people around the artist to understand his or her need to create art away from social obligations. The difficulties and obstacles I face in digital painting lie in the lack of equipment and tools needed.”
How did you enroll in this line of business?
“I have a BA in Home Economics and Art Education. I had participated in many of the local art exhibitions and then I moved on to digital painting in 2009. The new methods and tools helped me make a big leap artistically.”
You were involved in a Guinness’ world record?
“My participation was with a group of women artists in 2011 in drawing the largest Muslim panel bearing the names of Allah in Arabic and English, under the supervision of the General Administration of Education in Hail. This is one of the projects that I am most proud of to be have been involved in.”
How do you come up with a cartoon character?
“These characters are inspired by people’s lives and what they go through with societal changes. Everyone knows that life around us has become infested with distressing and sad news, and we cannot change our human habit craving that sort of information. I try to reflect upon the current wave of sadness and attempt to repaint smiles on people’s faces, as we need to embody cultural change that is happening now that will change many features of our culture.
“I feel that diversifying the techniques I use when drawing is necessary to indicate my skills as a digital artist and my ability to vary between each style of drawing and painting. I also use different techniques in the coloring process, because stopping at a particular method limits my innovation. Sometimes beautiful ideas invade my mind, so I quickly record them until I have time to paint them.”
How did you shift to animation films?
“My idea for the production of films came about years ago, but I actually started out a short time back. I produced short films directed by Tahani Rashid and the first film was titled “Digital Friends”, a characterization of the changes that we experience now in our culture. The second film, entitled “Green Love”, was done in a comedic style that presents the idea of combining the traditional and the modern and the relationship between them. In producing this film I used two methods: stop motion and drawing.”
What do you aim for in the future?
“I have a body of work coming out, called “Latifa’s personalities.” They are figures that I’ve drawn before but with animation. I also teach my drawing methods and cartoons so that we can have more people that can produce cartoons specifically for Arab and Muslim children.
“I am trying to achieve global recognition, whether in painting or in animation in collaboration with international production companies. I also hope my cartoon characters will reach further afield and to gain the love and admiration of as many people as possible.”
