Muslim Manga Presents:
Weekly Featured Artist & Artwork
Assalamualikum Wa Rah Matullahi Wa Barakatu~
Warmest welcomes to all of you.
“Uhhhhhhh hello……………….. (long pause š¦) What is this Weekly Featured Artist and Artwork thing?”Ā
Oh, glad you asked that question~! ^-^
You see, Muslim Manga isn’t only a place where “some” artists get their work published. It’s an open space for all level artists who prefer to blend in their faith and art to show their gifted talents to the world. And you know? All this sharing is made possible by Muslim Manga’s own official submission box! Where you can submit your artwork and have it featured by Muslim Manga’s own managers! The managers take heed of the submissions and feature a piece that impressed them. The colors, the scenery, the philosophical-deep meaning set behind the piece (if you’re that type) is all taken into account. This doesn’t mean the other submissions are declined, those submissions happily take their place in their respected folders/categories. One out of many of those submissions take their crown and are featured! Where? Well on the official Muslim Manga website of course!Ā
(So if you wish to submit your artistic creation, you can do so by visiting the link underlined above! Happy illustrating ~ )
And there you go! A brief introduction to what the title meant and what this blog will talk about!
So with that in mind, let’s talk about this week’s lovely artist who claimed their crown to be featured.
A magnificent anime artist reigning from the European side of the world,
Dakara!
Enjoy this little interview that she had about her journey and her art with Muslim Manga.Ā
AN INTERVIEW WITH FEATURED ARTIST:
DAKARA
MM: Assalamualikum miss Dakara. How are you doing?
Dakara: “Va alaykum Salam ! I’m fine alhamdulillah thank you :)”
MM: Alhumdulillah! So firstly, we are curious about your story. Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you establish Dakara, and your art? (Allahuma barik)
Dakara: “There is not much to say about actually. I draw since I can remember. And I really wanted to contribute to the Muslim art community. Before starting my recent account I had another, in which I drew only for fun. Mainly fan art and my own OCs etc. But during that time I realised that this was not what I wanted to achieve with my art. Since I’m Muslim (alhamdulillah) I didn’t find it right to “waste” my time drawing fan art etc. I wanted to draw art with meaning.”
MM: That’s honestly amazing! Love that you decided to incorporate and take into account your faith but also not give up on that beautiful talent you were gifted with.
Wonderful to hear that!
Now we’re curious. Every artist seems to inhibit a certain style when it comes to drawing. Do you have one? If so, how did you discover it?
Dakara: “Yes, I guess my artstyle was pretty much inspired through anime and manga. I grew up with animes and I automatically began to adapt the style I guess when I was a kid. Throughout the years I created my own style based on animestyle. Still trying to figure out if this style is in its final state xDĀ I think my older sisters had also a big impact on my artstyle. Since we all draw, and as the youngest sibling, I always wanted to do what my older siblings did.”
MM: That’s adorable haha! Now referring back to your art, what can you tell us about this piece that has been chosen to be featured?
Dakara: This art piece is one of the 30 other art pieces I drew during Ramadan last year. For a Ramadan Art-Challenge. Drawing everyday 30 days long was very exhausting that’s why I kept it simple. The topic of that day was “favorite verse/hadith” and this was the first thing that came to my mind. It kind of represents my feeling towards that verse. I wanted to show how meaningful and strong this verse is for me by putting it in front of the heart. and making it shine.
MM: Oh ! 0-0 Well you can take a sigh of relief because it certainly paid off! XD I love how you positioned the verse in the middle as in referring to the heart. The tears that are falling maybe meaning pain. Even the colors you chose add a soft touch to the overall piece. Truly touching and relatable. This verse is indeed one of the most profound ones Puts one at rest!
Now we’re sure beginner artists or artists who are thinking of starting art will wonder (and if let’s say are Muslims) – what advice would you give them. (Share your secrets š )
Dakara: I don’t think there is a secret of how to start š So many artists somehow started to post art on any website without any further knowledge, but they have grown so big. The most important thing is: Don’t draw because others want you to draw, but because you draw out of passion or fun.Ā
And make your goals be more than just having many followers. If you do something with enjoyment then the followers will come automatically. It’s secondary.
MM: Wholeheartedly agree! In this age of media, all we run after is getting recognized!
And for our Muslim artists, who wish to blend deen and art how can they do so?
Dakara: hmm… I think when drawing Islamic art it is very important to know what to draw or at least be aware that the drawing will represent the Muslim (art) community. It’s not just a random girl, but a *Muslim*girl for example. But as long as Muslim artists draw conscious, then there should be no problems in sha Allah š
MM: What a wonderful piece of advice.
Well Dakara, thank you so much for your time and wonderful answers. Really enjoyed having a talk with such an amazing artist.
Dakara: Thank you so much for this interview ^^ it was fun š
MM: Hope you have a great day miss Dakara ~ and in sha Allah hope to see you on Muslim Manga one day~
Dakara: thank you! Yes I have the intention to join when the right time is up inshaAllah! Have a wonderful day, too! ā
What a lovely conversation with a lovely person. If you wish to explore more art by the talented, Dakara, you can do so by visiting her Instagram page – @dakara_ma š where she is joyfully active and sharing her artwork with many, inspiring others to start their journeys married with religion. Allah bless.
That wraps up our first featured artist of the week!
If you wish to have yours featured, submit it by clicking on this submission box! Or if you wish to explore other amazing artists who have contributed to Muslim Manga, follow this link:Ā Muslim Manga’s Awesome Community
Thank you for your time and support. Till next time, assalamualikum!
