Meet Abu Dhabi-based 3D artist, Najla’a

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a professional freelance designer and 3D artist. I graduated with a degree in product and furniture design and have worked as an in-house designer for quite some time. My love for art is quite new, but passionate nonetheless. Art has allowed me to diversify my work life in ways I couldn’t imagine before. I love art in almost all its forms, especially when it comes to food and more often than not I think about becoming a cake designer, because why not? In my free time, you’ll find me either reading a book, or watching Netflix, I am a big homebody!

 

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

I currently reside in Abu Dhabi, UAE, but will soon move to Jordan to start a new life there. I have lived my life split between two cities, Abu Dhabi and Perth, Australia. Fun fact, I have never lived in a house longer than four years! Always moving back and forth between these cities. Abu Dhabi is a very calm and serene place to live, with not much to do to be honest, but I don’t mind that much since I enjoy home activities. Dubai is only 1.5hrs away if I am ever in the mood for some crazy.

 

I currently reside in Abu Dhabi, UAE, but will soon move to Jordan to start a new life there. I have lived my life split between two cities, Abu Dhabi and Perth, Australia. Fun fact, I have never lived in a house longer than four years! Always moving back and forth between these cities. Abu Dhabi is a very calm and serene place to live, with not much to do to be honest, but I don’t mind that much since I enjoy home activities. Dubai is only 1.5hrs away if I am ever in the mood for some crazy.

 

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

Living in Abu Dhabi as a designer hasn’t been easy, the design scene isn’t exactly active or vibrant, so there has been a lot of work from my end trying to reach out and make connections with other designers/artists in the region. Also, I really dislike how hot it is here, but the people and safe environment really make up for all that. Perth I hold very close to my heart, it’s where I grew up as a child, and graduated from. Aussies are by far the nicest friendliest people you’ll ever meet! Jordan, however, is where most of my extended family live, not the best place to live as a designer/artist, but the great weather, food and overall vibes really make it an enjoyable place to live.

 

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Challenging, inspiring, dynamic

 

How did you start your career in art?

I’ve always liked to draw and create, but never really considered myself an “artist” until 2020. My background is in product design, but during COVID lockdown, I found plenty of time to explore 3D art as a new way of expressing my creative side and I completely fell in love. That was when I fully immersed myself in art and understood how self expressive it can truly be.

 

I’ve always liked to draw and create, but never really considered myself an “artist” until 2020. My background is in product design, but during COVID lockdown, I found plenty of time to explore 3D art as a new way of expressing my creative side and I completely fell in love. That was when I fully immersed myself in art and understood how self expressive it can truly be.

 

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

Absolutely. After graduating HS, I had no clue what I wanted to do, but my family were the first to suggest a creative field as an option. No regrets.

 

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

Establish my own little design and art studio. Collaborate with talented artists and designers, whilst also being able to create and sell the things I love.

 

Establish my own little design and art studio. Collaborate with talented artists and designers, whilst also being able to create and sell the things I love.

 

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

That’s a tough question, it’s always someone new every week!

 

What are the biggest challenges you face in working as a creative?

I am a freelancer who is only just starting with her creative career. Freelancing is challenging, but it really pushes you to put yourself out there and that’s what I love most about my job.

 

How would you describe the women around you?

Inspiring, motivational, and extremely supportive.

 

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

Not creatives per se, but I would say my mother has been my biggest inspiration and support throughout my entire life. She’s always been one to go out, work and do the things she’s passionate about. She only just recently started her own online business and I absolutely admire that! Having grown up with a strong woman like that by my side has really given me an advantage that I often take for granted.

 

Women, men, whatever you are, just go out there and do what you love period. No one is going to judge you, some may have doubts, but that’s even more of a reason for you to do what you want and prove them wrong.

 

Do you have any advice for other women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Women, men, whatever you are, just go out there and do what you love period. No one is going to judge you, some may have doubts, but that’s even more of a reason for you to do what you want and prove them wrong.

 

---

What type of music do you like to listen to?

Chill hop and r&b. Although while I am working I do prefer chill music with no lyrics to keep me focused.

 

What’s your favorite local food spot?

Any spot that has good lasagna is my favourite.

 

Sandhya Prabhat asks: What city would you want to live in and work as a creative?

Switzerland. Not sure what it’s like being a creative over there, but I can’t imagine ever experiencing a designer block with that kind of scenery, so inspiring!

 

Tidawan Thaipinnarong asks:  What do you do when you’re bored?

Needle felt, read a crime novel or binge watch Netflix.

 

What question would you like us to ask the next artist?

If you could think and create like one artist for one day, who would it be?

What comes first, milk or cereal? There is a correct answer..

 

 

Photos courtesy of Najla’a