Meet Hana Azim

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

Hana, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism is innate; it’s a fundamental part of my personality. I tend to stress and feel anxious easily, but even during these low moments, I’m confident that things will eventually turn out okay. I’ve overcome many challenges in the past and the resilience I’ve demonstrated is a reassurance that I will be able to navigate and conquer any obstacles I face now or in the future.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m an illustrator and designer who specializes in food and lifestyle. I draw inspiration from the simple joys of everyday life and my upbringing as an Indian-American. My artistic process involves translating my daily experiences into visual stories, whether it’s the bakery I pass on my way to work, the fish in a restaurant aquarium, or the kitchen portrayed in the pages of a furniture catalog. As I continue to grow, so does my appreciation for my culture, and I take joy in showcasing India’s diverse foods and traditions.

I also run an online store called Breadystudio! I offer an array of cute food-themed prints, charms, and totes. Throughout my art career, I’ve been pressured to pick and refine one of my illustration styles. However, I love to experiment and use a variety of mediums and techniques. By using my more realistic style for freelance projects and my cuter, simpler style in my store, I don’t have to choose. I can enjoy the best of both worlds.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Confidence: It’s not just about technical skills, but about understanding the unique perspective and value I bring to my work. Having confidence in myself as a whole allows me to have more certainty in the work I make. It empowers me to take creative risks and learn from setbacks.

2. Versatility: Embracing a range of styles, techniques, and mediums allows me to navigate diverse projects and adapt to different client needs. Being versatile allows me to keep the artistic journey dynamic and exciting.

3. Personal connection: At the beginning of my journey, I made work that was fun and cute but that lacked any personal connection to me. When I started drawing inspiration from my cultural background and personal experiences, my work became more meaningful and authentic. I felt more proud of my work and was reminded that art is not just a product but also a reflection of myself.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to prioritize continuous learning and practice. Whether you’ve been drawing for 3 years or 30 there is always room to grow. Setting realistic goals and celebrating even the smallest wins is important to avoid getting discouraged. Growth takes determination, dedication, and most importantly time, so don’t be too hard on yourself!

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
As someone with a lot of anxiety, I tend to get overwhelmed easily. Something I learned recently from therapy was breaking down my problems with the ABCs!

A: Activating event. Identify the event or trigger that made you feel overwhelmed.
B: Beliefs. What are the negative thoughts that come from the activating event?
C: Consequences. What are the emotions and behaviors that are caused by the event and beliefs?

Breaking down situations with the ABCs helps me stay grounded and get out of my head. Instead of getting stuck in a cycle of unhelpful thoughts, I’m able to use this method to analyze my feelings and come up with a solution to get myself out of the rut of feeling overwhelmed.

Contact Info:

  • Website: hanaazim.com
  • Instagram: hana.toast
  • Twitter: hana_toast

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