Motivation Monday Student Spotlight - Zehra Syed

Zehra Syed - Class of 2018

Hi Z!  We heard that you have an artistic flare! How long have you been drawing?
I’ve done simple drawings for a long time, but started devoting time to more complex pieces in high school.
 
What type of drawings do you do?
I started out drawing and painting lots of different things using several mediums, but have found I enjoy drawing portraits and architectural structures the most.
 
How did you realize you had a talent and what did you do to polish your technique?
I took AP art in high school and had a teacher who was a good mentor. She helped me realize the potential I had with drawing. I refined those skills in college by taking on more custom work and kept practicing the techniques I picked up in the high school class.
 
We also heard you have drawn for a celebrity.  Could you tell us more about that experience and how it came about?
I have a mutual friend with Tyler Hubbard from Florida Georgia Line. I was asked to draw a photo from their wedding with lyrics of the song used for their first dance so that it could be given as a wedding gift to the couple. It was pretty cool to see an artist I listen to holding my artwork.
 
What has been your favorite thing to draw?
As frustrating as it can be to get the little details right, I really enjoy drawing portraits of people. Being able to capture someone’s expression and their surroundings can bring a piece to life. The more attention you give to subtle details, the more realistic the portrait becomes.
 
What advice do you have for anyone wanting to experiment with drawing?
Start out with small objects and really focus on shading techniques. Shading plays a huge role in giving the piece a 3D effect. Take some classes or watch videos to improve those skills and then just keep practicing!

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