Grow With: Sarra Haji
Hi, I’m Sarra, a self taught illustrator, digital artist and designer.
I live in England, however I was born in Czech Republic; I’m half Czech and half Tunisian, so it’s always a difficult question to answer when people ask me where I’m from! I love both sides of my nationality, they are both so different to each other and they share very similar morals.
Tunisia is heavy with culture and has an incredible history which is really fascinating to me. I’m currently learning more about my Berber heritage.
Czech Republic has a great history too, which can be seen in it’s local architecture and the food and music culture. I take inspiration from both cultures when I create art, or when I’m dressing myself, because they’re both part of who I am and I love how unique they are when combined together.
I am also Muslim, and my faith plays an important role in my life. It helps me to stay grounded and influences my growth both spiritually and mentally.
Three words to describe how you’re feeling.
Excited. Tired. Anxious.
What is your latest project about?
I’m really looking forward to sharing my latest project. I’m using a mix of techniques that I’ve recently developed, as well as different brushes and styles, to paint. It’s digital art, however I’m experimenting with texture to emulate the observable qualities of paint. I’m also experimenting with heavily with colour and light. I’m expressing a lot of emotion and I’m super excited to put that out into the world.
What is your greatest source of inspiration?
I don’t have a singular source of inspiration when it comes to my work. I take inspiration from everything around me, from nature, architecture, films, art and books. I think our world is filled with so much beauty that if you really take the time to look around you and appreciate the little things, you can get a lot of happiness and inspiration from it.
What is your creative process?
I need space. I need space to be at peace and paint, I always find that space in my room. When I start a new painting or illustration, I like to start by searching Pinterest for references and I then create a moodboard, which I refer to throughout the process. I build rough sketches, then I develop that into a more refined sketch. I then ink the piece, at this point I start working with colour, adding detail and playing with light and texture. It does vary from piece to piece however, sometimes I skip the sketch completely and jump right into the illustration itself.
How can our community engage / get involved in your project?
You can find me on Instagram, where I’m the most active @sarrastudio, you can check out my work there! I’m also on Tiktok and Pinterest under @sarrastudio. I recently started selling prints of my work on Etsy, which is a really exciting new venture for me, you can support me and my work by heading over to my shop ‘sarrastudio’!
What do you hope the world receives from your work?
That’s a big question! Thank you. I love light-hearted illustrations that I have fun creating, I hope my work inspires people and makes them feel happy! I also love working on pieces that explore topics of mental health - I hope people also connect with these pieces. If I can help another feel like they’re heard and not alone, then that’s worth it to me!
What are you:
Listening to? I’m listening to ‘DONDA’ by Kanye West, an incredible album!
Reading? I’m reading ‘A Little Life’ by Hanya Yanagihara
Watching? I’m watching ‘Move To Heaven’ on Netflix
Visit Sarra’s GIFTED artist page to learn more and discover her work.
