Meet Raza Shahid | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raza Shahid and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raza, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I feel sometimes creative fidelity is not possible without a level of commitment and desperation that comes with knowing failure would come at a heavy cost. Risks play a significant role in my life as I see them as reminders to stay truthful and an anchor for the creative process – and to know how not to live lest I be reminded that certain pursuits can feel hollow but comfortable in the absence of any real progress or potential.

When I was younger, I had a half/half relationship with creativity and that was born from an inclination to not really commit to anything whole – hence this feeling of not really giving life to anything. In my career, this thinking helps me not bore myself and keep my work fresh – and also keep my mind open to the possibilities of any medium I start to focus on. Nothing can mean anything truly if it does not cost something to make it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a mix of original designs and fanart of established IP. I believe my work stands out due to my particular art style that is a very specific mix of realism and 2D cartoon styles. Initially, this art style took me time to develop as there was a lot of trial and error involved in arriving at that mix. I also pay special attention to textures and the feel of specific surfaces – something a lot of commentors and supporters of my art have pointed out they enjoy about my work.

Moreover, I am Pakistani – and I pull from my culture occasionally to design characters. My main goal is to create illustrations that feel alive and lived in. Thjs is an ambition that I still work hard to bring to reality but so far I feel successful.

I have learned to be patient with the creative process and not obsess over the reaction to my work each time I share whether to let it define the direction of my future work because it was received so well or to discourage me from trying something new because it was received poorly. I believe artists should really trust their instincts – and it is never a good idea to base your direction on viewers.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am partial to art galleries, thai restaurants, and hiking.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I found a lot of encouragement and inspiration in an online community of artists on Instagram including artists such as Saif Sheikh (@saiff23799), Salah Moustafa (@salahm.moustafa), Martina Isho (@notaurius), Lauri (@evilhya), and Liv (@livousart).

Instagram: @rxzarx

Twitter: @rxzarx