Sheikha Al-Habshi is a Kuwaiti artist and illustrator with a passion for storytelling through visual art. After earning her bachelor’s degree in interior architecture from Kuwait University, she pursued her true calling in illustration, obtaining an MA from the University of Arts London. Specializing in graphic novels, Sheikha focuses on exploring the often-overlooked nuances of the Arab woman’s experience, bringing these stories to life through her unique artistic lens.

Kuwait Times: When did you start drawing, and do you believe that someone needs to have natural talent to draw?

Sheikha Al-Habshi: I’ve always been interested in drawing and art, but I never felt like I was naturally talented. I often found myself falling short of my own expectations. It wasn’t until I went to university, and saw one of my closest friends constantly drawing in class, that I felt inspired to explore it more seriously. Natural talent can only take you so far — eventually, it’s all about the consistency and effort you put in. To be completely honest, I still question whether natural talent is even real in anything.

KT: Your use of bright colors is very striking. How do colors help you convey your messages or emotions in your illustrations?

Al-Habshi: I’ve always been drawn to bright colors. I constantly notice them in nature and think about how I can bring them into my work. But I also believe that growing up with the Internet, and being exposed to so much oversaturation, influenced me subconsciously to use bold colors as I got older. These colors have also helped me in my comics because they allow me to talk about difficult issues without triggering a very negative reaction from people, thanks to the bright, funky colors!

KT: What inspires you to focus on illustrating women in your work, and why do you choose to depict only women?

Al-Habshi: It wasn’t a conscious choice to only depict women when I first started drawing. I was mainly focused on capturing my own world, which just happened to be filled with women, especially within my friendships. We also live in a world that is particularly harsh on women, so in my illustrations, I make a deliberate effort to create a world for them that is bright, fun and safe.

KT: How did you first get into graphic novels and bookbinding? What attracted you to these particular art forms?

Al-Habshi: I have always been fascinated by graphic novels because of their ability to convey deeply nuanced personal stories through both drawing and writing, creating a powerful emotional impact. As for bookbinding, I hadn’t encountered it before my MA, but once I started working on it in university, it completely transformed my view of what a book could be. It showed me that the structure of a book can also reshape the narrative itself.

KT: How does your Kuwaiti identity influence your art, particularly in your portrayal of women?

Al-Habshi: My identity as a Kuwaiti woman heavily influences the topics I explore. I constantly question the nuances of culture within my society and the spaces women typically occupy. The conversations between women in these environments are always inspiring to me — they expose me to different opinions, experiences and stories, which help me recontextualize what a woman can be, rather than the one-dimensional idea some may have of us.

KT: What challenges have you faced as an illustrator in Kuwait, and how have you managed to overcome them?

Al-Habshi: I’m grateful to have a strong support system in my family and friends who help me through any difficulties I face. However, I often struggle with balancing the business side of things with my work as an artist. It’s a constant battle to make time for my creativity as a freelancer, especially since job security isn’t always steady. I have to remind myself to take time, process everything, and recognize that this is all part of the job — and that there’s no one ‘right’ way to be an artist.