Are you thinking of learning Islamic art? If so I have 3 tips for you.

I’ve been in this field since 2017, and I’ve seen it all.

I’ve spent thousands of euros in supplies on Amazon and art shops just to throw them away. I had a 2-months-long artist block. I worked 16+ hours every day for a whole month with terrible back and neck pain to deliver the artwork in time. And I had nightmares of me spilling water on my artwork just to see it become reality 2 days before the completion of the piece.

But I’ve also worked with companies across the world, I’ve taught Islamic geometric patterns to other people, and I’ve sold almost every piece I’ve created.

Was it easy? Not at all. Was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY.

But I know you are not here to read about my tragedies so here are the 3 things I suggest to anyone who wants to start with any form of Islamic art.

 

1. BUY HIGH-QUALITY TOOLS AND SUPPLIES

I know your heart cries for every cent you spend on Amazon, and I know you don’t want to hear this, but YOU CAN’T ACHIEVE THE SAME RESULTS WITH CHEAP STUFF.

My mom always says “if you don’t know what good quality is, you certainly know what is expensive”. This is not always true, but 99% of the times it is.

By using a cheap compass, you will make mistakes during the division of the circle affecting the whole design. Buying cheap watercolours will lead you to make flat paintings with low vibrancy. Even the quality of the paper you use is fundamental for the creation of stunning artwork. You can use high-grade watercolours but if the paper is not absorbing the pigment or it warps the result will be lousy anyway.

Sooner or later you will understand that you can’t do the work with the cheap stuff and you will want to invest your money properly. So save yourself some money and go for the good-quality tools straight from the beginning.

Going for the cheap stuff will give you cheap results, so if you are serious about becoming an artist, always choose the best. 

 

2. BE PATIENT

Oh, how many times I’ve heard someone say to me “you are so patient”. HAHAHA, I’m sure my sister has a million reasons to oppose to this sentence, BUT Islamic geometry has certainly made me more patient than I was before. And you can tell it from my mood when was the last time I picked the compass.

But patient is not only something you become when drawing and painting. You become patient by accepting your flaws. You learn that if you are not able to do it now, this doesn’t mean you won’t be able to do it in a month or year. Sometimes you just need to experience something else before being ready for it.

Whatever happens in your life be patient

 

3. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

Oh, this one is my favourite, for sure. If you think that you can master Islamic geometry with a minimum effort, you will be surprised to find out it’s not like that.

If you are serious about this form of art, you will want to practice A LOT every day to understand the principles and improve your accuracy.

I can’t tell you when you will be able to analyse a pattern on your own. Someone seems like born for it, others just don’t get it. But who cares? What I’ve learned during these years is to enjoy the journey rather than chase the end result.

 

I hope these words help you find some inspiration and help you with learning Islamic art.