Meet Izma Anwar

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Izma Anwar a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Izma with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

For whatever reason, I have never been able to fully apply the “work smart, not hard” mantra into my life. I wish I could say that getting to this point with my work was cakewalk but that is very much not the case. Growing up, I closely observed my dad as he jumped jobs until he reached a level he felt satisfied with, and my mom who meticulously ran and managed her own small business. So naturally, I get my work ethic from them. While I do not consider myself a hardcore hustler, I fully dedicate myself to whatever project I might be involved in. More often than not, Illustrators are working with clients to problem-solve, and in order for them to be able to rely on your ability as an artist, a good work ethic goes a long way.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a Savannah-based Bangladeshi Illustrator & Designer. Working in both Editorial and Advertising, most of my works revolve around topics that interest me, – lifestyle, culture, politics and advocacy amongst other things – hoping that they would resonate with a wider audience. And to me, that is the most exciting aspect about being an illustrator: the fact that I can connect with people through a piece of art and foster a sense of community. My works are all about highlighting the simple joys of everyday life, and knowing that people out there also appreciate and feel about it the same way as I do is really special.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Stick it out: As someone with a clear vision of what I’ve always wanted to do, it was important that I remain persistent in my creative pursuit because making a plan is significantly easier than being able to follow it through. I spent many nights second-guessing my decision, doubting my abilities, and wondering if I should simply give up, and it took everything out of me to keep going. So stick it out and always remember why you started your journey in the first place.

2. Suck it up: Having the capability to take critique and improving one’s craft instead of getting defensive is so, so vital. Some of my favorite professors were ones who roasted my work and challenged my ideas instead of going along with it; it put things into perspective and pushed me to do better. So swallow the pride, keep an open mind and work with the feedback you’ve got.

3. Let it be: The illusion of time – or more accurately, of time running out – is something that has irritated me constantly. There is always this false rush to graduate, to get a job, to get settled, and accomplish things quickly. Why is that so? And who even gets to dictate that? Do things at your own pace; whenever it feels right. You’re allowed to take breaks, to refresh, to reset – “falling behind” is merely a construct. In reality, there are no time-stamps; so just sit back and let things pan out. Just let life happen.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

As an Illustrator with Bangladeshi roots, I would love to collaborate with any South Asian and/or BIPOC-owned brands, businesses and fellow creators to amplify our collective voice! At the same time, I would also love to illustrate for some of my favorite publications/media outlets such as Jacobin Magazine, the New Yorker, and the Juggernaut, to name a few 🙂

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Snigdha Gopidi
Izma Anwar

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