We were lucky to catch up with Afrah Amer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Afrah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I sometimes wonder if I’d be happier as just an artist or a creative one. Being the eldest daughter in a Muslim household, there’s always this sense of responsibility weighing on me, and it’s hard to ignore the expectations that come with it. I’ve always been passionate about art and criminology, and now I’m trying to balance both as a full-time university student with a side job as an artist.
Honestly, I do have moments where I think about what it would be like to just have a “regular” job—something that’s more stable, with clear expectations and fewer uncertainties. It seems like it would be easier in some ways, like I wouldn’t have to constantly figure out how to juggle my passions with practical needs. I could probably just focus on school, get a job in a field that’s more straightforward, and not have to navigate the balancing act between creative dreams and financial stability.
But at the same time, I can’t ignore that feeling of fulfillment I get when I’m creating something. Whether it’s art or diving into forensic science, there’s a sense of purpose there that I don’t think I’d get from a traditional job. The idea of combining art and criminology as a forensic artist feels like the perfect way to merge both sides of me—the creative and the analytical. It’s not a typical path, and it’ll probably be hard to get there, but I can’t help but feel like it’s what I’m meant to do.
There are times when I question whether I’m pushing myself too hard or if I’d be more content with a simpler, more conventional life. But deep down, I think I need to follow this path. It’s not always easy, but when I’m working on something that blends my love for art and my interest in criminology, it feels like I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to do.
Maybe one day, I’ll find that balance where I’m not constantly torn between the two worlds, and I’ll be able to do both in a way that feels right. But for now, I’m just trying to trust the process and remember why I started this journey in the first place.

Afrah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Afrah Amer, and I’m an artist and aspiring forensic artist with a deep passion for criminology. I grew up in a Muslim household, where there was always an emphasis on responsibility and finding a path that would both honor my family and fulfill my personal dreams. I’ve always had two core interests: art and the intricacies of human behavior, which led me to pursue both as part of my education and career.
I started creating art at a young age—drawing, painting, and learning various techniques. As I got older, my love for criminology began to blossom, and I found myself fascinated by how art could intersect with the criminal justice system. That’s when I discovered forensic art—a field that blends artistic skill with the investigative process. Forensic artists help law enforcement solve cases through sketching suspects, creating composite drawings, and assisting with facial reconstructions from remains. It was like combining the logical, analytical side of criminology with the creative, expressive side of art, and I knew that’s where I wanted to be.
Currently, I’m a full-time university student studying criminology while also working part-time as an artist. I offer portrait commissions, custom drawings, and conceptual artwork, but my ultimate goal is to build a career as a forensic artist. Right now, I’m honing my craft in both art and criminology, working to bridge the gap between these fields in meaningful ways.
What I think sets me apart is my ability to blend both analytical thinking and artistic expression. Forensic art isn’t just about creating accurate depictions; it’s about understanding the psychological and situational factors behind a crime and using that insight to bring a case to life. While many forensic artists focus purely on technical skills, I bring a deeper understanding of human behavior, crime dynamics, and the emotional and psychological layers that inform a case.
What I’m most proud of is the work I’ve done so far—whether that’s in my art commissions or the research and studies I’ve undertaken in criminology. I’m proud of the way I’ve managed to stay true to both of my passions while working toward a long-term goal of becoming a forensic artist. I’m also proud of the way I’m learning to blend culture, personal history, and storytelling into my artwork, which I think resonates deeply with people.
For anyone who follows my journey or is considering working with me, I want you to know that I’m passionate about using art to help people. I’m committed to exploring the intersection of creativity and criminology in ways that have real-world impact. Whether it’s helping law enforcement solve cold cases or providing clients with portraits that capture something more meaningful, I approach each project with care, integrity, and dedication.
I want people to know that I’m here to create something meaningful, whether that’s through art, research, or solving problems in unexpected ways. If you’re looking for an artist who approaches each piece with a combination of technical skill and deep understanding, I’m excited to work with you.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to express and communicate something deeper—whether that’s through a visual piece, an emotion, or a concept that might be hard to put into words. Art allows me to take ideas, feelings, and stories that might not always have a clear voice and give them shape. There’s something incredibly powerful about being able to capture the essence of a moment, an emotion, or even an entire narrative through colors, lines, and forms.
It’s also deeply fulfilling to see how my work resonates with others. Whether it’s a commissioned portrait that brings a person’s likeness to life or a forensic sketch that helps contribute to solving a case, knowing that my art can have a tangible, positive impact—whether emotionally or practically—is immensely rewarding. The idea that something I created could help someone, make them feel seen, or even play a part in solving a mystery, is something I truly value.
Another aspect of this journey that I love is the process of learning and evolving. As an artist, there’s always something new to discover—whether it’s a technique, a concept, or an entirely new way to approach my craft. It’s a constant growth cycle, and every piece I work on teaches me something, not just about art but about myself.
Overall, being an artist gives me the chance to make connections, evoke emotions, and impact the world in my own unique way. That, for me, is the most rewarding part.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by the mission to merge art and justice in meaningful ways. From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by both the world of art and criminology, and I’ve always felt this pull to use my creativity for something beyond personal expression. I believe art has a unique ability to not only reflect the world around us but also to solve real-world problems.
My ultimate goal is to become a forensic artist, which for me represents the perfect intersection of these two worlds. I want to use my artistic skills to assist in criminal investigations—whether it’s through composite sketches, facial reconstructions, or helping law enforcement piece together visual elements of a case. Forensic art is a way for me to take my passion for justice and combine it with my creative talent, so that I can play a part in solving mysteries and, hopefully, bring some closure to victims and families.
But my mission goes beyond just forensic art. I want to be part of a larger movement where art and storytelling are used as tools for empathy, understanding, and problem-solving. I see art as a bridge between different worlds—whether it’s bridging the gap between a suspect and a law enforcement team, or between cultures, emotions, or even generations.
I’m also passionate about challenging the expectations that come with being the eldest daughter in a Muslim household, where sometimes my ambitions in art and criminology might not align with traditional paths. My creative journey is about showing that it’s possible to pursue your dreams, even when they don’t fit into the typical molds others might expect for you. It’s about breaking boundaries and finding new ways to use my voice, my art, and my skills to make a positive impact.
My mission is to create art that serves a purpose—whether it’s solving a case, telling someone’s story, or inspiring others to think differently about the world. I want my creative journey to leave a legacy that’s not just about beautiful works, but about meaningful change and contributions to both the artistic and criminal justice communities.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: marvelpiecesbyafrah & Artpiecesbyafrah

Image Credits

1. Artpiecesbyafrah, JJ47 & Mohammad Mohtashim
2. Artpiecesbyafrah, Abdullah Haider, ABH Photography
3. Artpiecesbyafrah & The Lumineers
4. Artpiecesbyafrah, Michael Blaustein, Jesse Gann Photography
5. Artpiecesbyafrah & Lewberger
6. Artpiecesbyafrah & Karan Aujla
7. Artpiecesbyafrah, Austin Roa & AJR
8. Artpiecesbyafrah & Fahad Hanif