^{Picture by David Kiriakidis on Unsplash}

If you have been in the Islamic art industry for as long as me, you will certainly know how massively this field has improved in the last few years. 

You know, sometimes I receive messages from people who want to know more about Islamic geometric patterns and Islamic art in general, and they complain about how difficult it is to find resources. I always feel like John Travolta in Pulp Fiction walking around with a bewildered face.

Compared to 2016, we are living in the Renaissance age (am I exaggerating? Maybe). I mean, we still need to do A LOT to make this art flourish, like give the real masters access to the world, create a standard that will help people know whose resources to trust and make the tools available again. But all in all, we have improved a lot.

MY STORY

When I started doing Islamic geometry back in 2016, it was not the same as it is today. You only had a few free tutorials, no YouTube videos, and barely any communities to connect with. And before someone says something about this point, I want to say that by “community” I mean hundreds if not thousands of people, not the 10 people we were back then. It was a lonely journey, to say the least. However, I stuck with it. The immense value that Islamic art has given to my life exceeds the loneliness I felt back then.

I remember the first pattern I analysed was a 12+9 rosettes. To be honest, I didn’t even know they were 12s+9s I just liked the pattern and gave it a go. And I went crazy researching tutorials and resources. I checked Google, Instagram pictures, books… Crickets. Eventually, I received help from Ameet (aka Ambigraph) through a message, but it was still up to me to figure out the construction. I think that was the turning point where I decided that I wanted to make available as many resources as possible to you and you can find them all in my FREE guide “Islamic geometry for beginners“.

Fast forward to 2023, and the Islamic art industry has undergone a massive transformation. It has gone from being a “meh” industry to a “wow” industry. And only God knows where we will be in 10 years from now. 

Let’s look at how this space has improved over time, what actually changed and what more can be done.

COMMUNITY

One of the most significant changes is the growth of the Islamic art community. 

Who doesn’t like the community we are creating?

Nowadays, there are many online groups and forums where artists and enthusiasts can connect, share their work, and exchange ideas. It’s amazing to see how this community has grown over the years and how it has become a source of inspiration and support for so many people.

And the beauty of it is that we are nowhere near the potential we could be. It excites me to know we will expand this further and achieve so much together.

Thanks to the internet, we can connect to people all around the world with the same interests and share information and ideas.

How can we improve this even more? I guess with the point that comes next.

LIVE EVENTS

Live events have also played a crucial role in the growth of the Islamic art industry. In the past, there were few opportunities for artists and designers to showcase their work and connect with others in person. But things are slowly going in the right direction.

Bayt Al Fann created the first online Islamic art Festival in 2022, which was a mindblowing space to be for Islamic art lovers. The Global Centre of Islamic Art is doing monthly live events with tutorials, panel discussions, and so much more. These events provide an opportunity to learn from experts, network with others, and discover new techniques and trends.

Some artists are also bringing their expertise and knowledge to podcasts, TV shows and radio programs which really expands the reach.

It is truly on these occasions that we can expand our community and create more together.

Cheers to more live events and community building.

RESOURCES

Lastly, the availability of resources has made a significant impact on the Islamic art industry. In the past, it was challenging to find quality resources and tutorials on Islamic geometric patterns and Islamic art design. But now, there are countless resources available online, including YouTube tutorials, online courses, and free pdf tutorials. This makes it easier than ever for aspiring artists and designers to learn and grow their skills.

Overall, it’s been incredible to see how much the Islamic art industry has evolved over the years and the amazing work that still can be done. As someone who has been a part of this community for a while now, it’s truly inspiring to see so many people come together and create beautiful works of art that celebrate Islamic heritage and culture. So, whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting, there’s never been a better time to be a part of the Islamic art industry.

What about you? How long have you been in the Islamic art scene and have you found it difficult to start with this art form?