Last week, Apple held a keynote address in Brooklyn, New York, to announce the launch of a new MacBook Air and a new iPad Pro. Dubai-based illustrator Samar Sadik (@samarsadikdesigns) was at the event and was one of the first people to review the brand new product. Here, she chats exclusively with Buro. Middle East about her experience with it and her design process…
How did you become an illustrator?
I’ve been drawing ever since I was very young and always had a flair for art, so illustrating came naturally to me. I majored in Graphic Design and worked in publishing and branding. During that time I had a few illustration jobs which I absolutely enjoyed working on. In the last two years I decided to combine my illustration and graphic design skills to focus on illustration for branding and design.
How would you describe the work you do?
My style is chic, sketchy, colourful with a touch of whimsy.
What tools do you use to create your works?
I used the iPad Pro and the Procreate app. I find that the iPad Pro is my favourite tool allowing me to express myself and unleash my inner creativity no matter where I am. Recently, I’ve been using the new iPad Pro for a few days now and the all-screen design with the Apple Pencil magnetically attaching and charging are two of my favorite features. It is a very practical and portable device, designed with the creative artist in mind.
Why do you prefer to sketch digitally?
I love how versatile digital art can be. Although I enjoy traditional art, I found that sketching digitally has helped me push my boundaries and explore new styles. The possibilities are unlimited. Also, working digitally is extremely practical — I have several tools and brushes I can choose from for my artwork (within the app), I can work from anywhere I want and easily share files to my clients on the spot.
Tell us a little about the clients you’ve worked with…
I’m very grateful to have worked with some of the biggest names in the fashion, beauty and hospitality industries. I’ve worked with Dior Joaillerie, L’Occitane En Provence, Aqua Di Parma, Ralph Lauren Polo, She’s Mercedes and Sofitel Downtown Dubai to name a few.
What’s your design process like?
Once the brief has been discussed I begin with a very rough sketch of the concept. Upon approval of the art direction, I work on a more refined composition of the rough draft, send it again to the client for a second round of approval before colouring it in and finalising.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Many things: fashion and interior trends, the people around me, my travels, everyday culture. I also like to browse Pinterest for ideas.
What do you love most about your job?
The fact that I love illustrating and can do it for a living! Also, the possibilities with what I can do with my art are unlimited.
What’s the hardest part?
Most projects come with a super tight deadline! So the challenge is ensuring you’re submitting quality work before the deadline.
What’s your take on the creative scene in the Middle East?
I think it’s a very exciting time as so much is happening. It’s definitely grown so much and developed over the years and I can only see it getting better. There are many resources available from events and workshops to work opportunities.
What projects are you working on now that you can share with us?
I can’t really tell but I have an exciting project coming up in January 2019!
Watch this space.
In the meantime, find which major milestone Apple hit earlier this year.
