Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ghazal Qadri. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Ghazal thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

My mission as a freelance designer is deeply rooted in my creative energy and the drive to bring imaginative concepts to life. I draw inspiration from everyday life, and through my unique perspective, I aim to convey thoughts and ideas using the medium of art. My passion for art is the fuel that propels this mission forward. With my professional experience in visual design, I’ve had the privilege of working with various organizations, such as an educational non-profit institute and NGOs, to create compelling visuals for their initiatives.

But it doesn’t stop there. Beyond my professional work, I have a personal passion for crafting comic series, custom illustrations, and picture books for children. This, in essence, reflects a broader mission of educating and entertaining young minds through my art. It’s a combination of my creative talents and a sincere desire to make a positive impact through design and storytelling.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey in the world of illustration has been quite exciting. It’s all about my deep love for art and a strong desire to create a positive impact through it. Working as a Visual Designer at Lollypop Design Studio was a significant part of my journey. It allowed me to contribute to the design of various products, and this professional experience really helped me refine my skills and gain valuable insights into the field of design.

In addition to my professional work, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with educational non-profit institutes and NGOs. Through these experiences, I’ve had the opportunity to create compelling visuals that support their important initiatives. It’s my way of using my creative abilities to contribute to causes that matter.

But what truly makes my journey special is my personal passion for creating comic series, custom illustrations, and picture books for children. This aspect of my journey is very close to my heart. It goes beyond being just a job; it’s a mission to make a positive impact on the lives of young readers by using my creativity to educate and entertain them.

In essence, my journey is a testament to the incredible power of creativity. It’s about bringing imaginative concepts to life, whether in a professional context or through personal projects that have the potential to touch the hearts of young minds.

In my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with a variety of clients, including UNICEF, Paytm, Crescent Health, Georgia Voter Muslim Project, Little Bee Books, Tulika Books, and many more. I am a member of the Illustrators for hire group and the Association of Illustrators, both of which are renowned organizations for illustrators.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice

NFTs offer artists an exciting opportunity to monetize digital creations and gain direct recognition, which aligns with my mission as a creative professional. However, the environmental impact, with the energy consumption of blockchain technology, is a pressing concern. The speculative nature of NFT markets, marked by extreme price volatility, also raises caution. Despite these challenges, NFTs hold the potential to democratize the art world, making it more accessible and inclusive, which I consider a positive development.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Back in the summer of 2018, when I returned home, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. It happened during gatherings at marriage parties, picnics, and visits to villages. My culture, language, and literature tugged at my heartstrings. So, I decided to embark on a creative journey, translating Kashmiri phrases and slang into illustrations with a Kashmiri twist. It all began with ‘Kharizaleeli,’ the first in this series. To my delight, it resonated with people, and they loved it.

What’s truly heartwarming is the response I’ve received from Kashmiris worldwide. The WhatsApp stickers have gone viral, and it’s incredibly satisfying to see the appreciation.

But what’s even more surprising and delightful is that non-Kashmiri audiences who follow me on social media have also embraced my recent work. They may not know our language and culture, but they’re enjoying the Kashmiri phrase emojis.

As I continued to explore Kashmiri phrases and mold them into illustrations, an idea struck me – why not create a calendar featuring 12 different phrases? I named it ‘Kath Bath’ because these phrases are part of everyday conversations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ghazalqadri.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/____alif/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghazalqadri