We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jie Mi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jie below.
Jie, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
I am very eager to pursue Arabic calligraphy as a career path. Although I am currently designing for several clients, at present, my portfolio is not yet substantial enough to support it as a full-time profession.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a product designer and an Arabic calligrapher. Currently, I am pursuing a Master’s degree at the Academy of Art University and am set to graduate in May this year. My parents are Arabic calligraphers, which introduced me to the art from a young age. In 2010, as a reward for advancing to high school, I was sent to Egypt to explore and study the Riqa and Diwani styles under Hoca Belaid Hamid. During a gap year in 2020, I traveled to Istanbul’s IRCICA to learn the Thuluth and Naskh styles from Hoca Ferhat Kurlu and Hoca Mümtaz S. Durdu. Thus, I have been intermittently studying Arabic for over 13 years.
Although the learning process has been challenging, the joy of completing a piece is irreplaceable. Most of my work is related to the Quran, and the practice is also a spiritual elevation and purification for me. As my studies have progressed, I have found myself increasingly captivated by this traditional culture.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I am currently learning to use Instagram to promote my work. Although I consistently post my creations on Instagram, the financial return has been minimal. Recently, I started collaborating with several local mosques, as my work is highly relevant to religious content, which allows me to gain substantial exposure through the mosques’ social media platforms. Of course, having unique and captivating pieces is crucial to spark interest and make these collaborations successful.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I find it particularly fascinating that previously I only practiced my craft using familiar tools. However, because my work is creative, it allows for collaboration across various industries, leading to new and unexpected intersections. This is something I hadn’t considered before. Although stepping out of my comfort zone can be daunting, I believe it’s a valuable endeavor and a great way to explore new possibilities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jimmy-mi.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahmed_jie/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jie-mi/