A young Bahraini-Kuwaiti artist is changing the way local creatives approach the blank page.
Kuwait-based Zakiya Al Mahdi is turning her personal philosophy of ‘unfiltered creativity’ into a community-driven movement through accessible sketchbook workshops for beginners.
As the summer heat keeps people indoors looking for productive outlets, her classes have quickly become a sanctuary for those looking to overcome creative block and connect with fellow artists.
“The concept of workshops has been hot lately since it’s summer and most people are staying in this year,” Ms Al Mahdi told the GDN.
“In my case, I have been approached by beginners who are interested in exploring different ways of making art. That was a major inspiration to create my own workshops using an idea I’m super comfortable with to teach.”
Rather than teaching formal, technical rules that intimidate newcomers, she designs her workshop series around low-stakes mediums like sketchbook journaling.
Artworks
Her evolution as both an instructor and an individual creator is deeply linked to her integration into Kuwait’s local creative network.
Surrounding herself with local peers, agencies and visual artists, and drawing motivation from spaces like Studio AIO as well as creators like illustrator Nora and designer Abdullah Samir, provided both personal inspiration and critical professional pathways.
“I’m grateful to be a part of the creative scene in Kuwait because it allowed me to learn.
“Being surrounded by people who share the same interests, values and passion genuinely makes a huge difference in one’s life,” Ms Al Mahdi said.
“For example, I met my current boss, Fatemah Dashti, at a design circle roughly two years ago. And now we have worked on many projects with major companies together.”
Sketchbook making workshop
What makes her workshops so tempting to beginners is the liberating mindset she brings to the room. She skips calculated sketches in favour of a single pen and whatever detail captures her attention, an approach built on the philosophy that strict visual structures suppress honest expression.
In her early years, much of her output was heavily dictated by external perception. Unlearning that drive for approval required a shift in perspective, moving away from public expectations and realigning her craft around personal creative independence.
“What changed the most is my need for constant validation. I have realised that my earlier work was created mostly to satisfy a certain target audience.
“Now, however, I create whatever I want because I personally like it,” she said.
“Not that seeking validation is always a bad thing, but it being the root cause of my art was considered a problem. I’m glad my mindset changed.”
That internal shift is exactly what she passes on to her workshop participants, encouraging them to trade perfectionism for uninhibited exploration.
That acceptance of the ‘mess’ extends directly into her own sketchbooks, which she views as essential everyday working tools rather than curated, flawless portfolios.
Ms Al Mahdi
“As funny as it may sound, I don’t really like symmetry, so I rarely rely on grids or anything like that. I would describe it as a beautiful asymmetrical mess,” Ms Al Mahdi noted.
“I am a firm believer that random scribbles can take you to places. I usually start with a mini black ink doodle, and the subject is whatever inspired me that day.
“Sketchbooks are a must for every artist, whether it be for sketching, journaling, or taking notes. For the most part, my sketchbooks are a rough drafting board that consists of incomplete sketches.
“I have been trying to change things up this year by finishing an entire sketchbook with finished pieces.”
Digital concept art ‘Fishing Club’
By bridging her personal growth with community instruction, Ms Al Mahdi continues to prove that art is most impactful when it is shared and demystified.
“In the end, I feel like the idea of art has no limits,” she emphasised. “Everyone can try, and everyone can think of or create something unique.”
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