DUBAI: Saudi artist Nujood Al-Otaibi, 25, is known for her work inspired by her own hearing loss at the age of five. Here, she discusses her artistic process and the evils of social media.
Best film you’ve ever seen?
“A Beautiful Life” by Mehdi Avas. I especially liked this one because it’s about an artist reflecting on his life as an artist.
Worst film you've ever seen?
I walked out of Tom Cruise’s latest “Mission Impossible.” I didn’t enjoy it at all.
Best advice to give an up-and-coming artist?
Don’t settle for what you have. Use the tools you have and improve your skills.
Worst advice to give an up-and-coming artist?
The worst thing you can tell a rising artist is that they are limited.
Best advice you've ever been given?
One of my all-time favorite professors in college said to me, “You have to get better at what you do in order to be noticed,” motivating me to work on myself.
Worst advice you've ever been given?
“Life is hard and you can’t succeed.”
Best book you've ever read?
“Mindfulness and the Art of Drawing” by Wendy Ann. It talks about exactly what I’m going through right now as an artist. For me to sketch, I need to be able to focus and bring out what I’m feeling inside. And this book teaches you how to create without giving in to distractions.
Worst book you've ever read?
“Badass Habits” by Jen Sincero. It didn’t teach me anything new. It was simply giving orders.
Best thing to do when you're feeling low?
I love swimming. I make at least 7 to 10 minutes to swim every day.
Worst thing to do when you're feeling good?
When I’m feeling good, if I go online and waste my time on social media, it definitely dampens my mood.
Best holiday destination?
I love beach holidays. In Saudi, I like visiting the beaches in Jeddah, they are beautiful.
Worst holiday destination?
I hate road trips — long stretches with no scenery and views. I don’t like that.
Best thing to do to ensure you have a productive day?
I need to have a minimum of eight hours of sleep and I need to make my own breakfast, it helps me prepare for the day. And working out always helps.
Worst thing to do when you're trying to have a productive day?
Go on social media.
