From sketching on A4 paper to lighting up theater screens, Hasan Al-Musawi’s artistic journey is a blend of raw talent, relentless passion and cultural curiosity. A self-taught digital artist from Kuwait, Al-Musawi discovered his love for drawing at the age of 10, inspired by the animated worlds of Disney and Pixar. His creative path was shaped by classical art, international travel and deep exposure to different cultures. Today, he brings stories to life through 2D and 3D motion art, working on major national productions while encouraging young artists to embrace their unique vision.

Kuwait Times: When did your passion for drawing begin, and who were your earliest artistic inspirations?

Hasan Al-Musawi: I was around 10 years old when I first felt inspired by cartoons — Disney, Cartoon Network, and Pixar films sparked a deep passion in me. I began sketching from my imagination using just an ink pen and A4 paper. My family and friends were amazed by what I created, and that early encouragement gave me the confidence to believe in myself. It really shaped who I am today. As I developed my skills, I was also influenced by artists like Norman Rockwell, whose work left a lasting impression. Over the years, I’ve drawn inspiration from many artists, each one contributing to my growth and creative vision.

KT: You left school at a young age, yet continued to pursue your passion for art. How did that decision shape your journey?

Al-Musawi: It was all driven by passion. The more I loved what I was doing, the more I immersed myself in it — reading, researching and practicing through books and online resources. It was a conscious decision to follow what I love. We only live once, so it’s important to enjoy the journey and make the most of it.

KT: Are you entirely self-taught, or did you receive formal training later on? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

Al-Musawi: I’m completely self-taught. I’ve always loved what I do, and that passion kept me going. I studied classical art through books and learned by observing and analyzing the work of great artists. The biggest challenge was the time and dedication it required — endless hours of practice, often isolating myself to focus, and dealing with frustration when I failed. But I’m thankful for all those failures — they taught me valuable lessons. We have to fail in order to grow and become stronger.

KT: How do you personally define creativity?

Al-Musawi: Creativity is a beautiful addiction. Once you learn to master it, you become more confident and empowered. Creativity isn’t limited to art — it’s essential in every aspect of life: Work, communication, science and more. It’s part of who we are as human beings, rooted in ancient civilizations, and it continues to evolve every day. Creativity is about being your true self.

KT: Can you share some of the main projects you’ve worked on so far?

Al-Musawi: Recently, I’ve worked on several major collaborations. First was ‘Muheet Al-Ardh’ — an operetta about the late Saleh Al-Ujairi at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre. Then I worked on the ‘Fifth Wall’ operetta at Bayan Palace with Sheikha Amthal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. My third project was the play ‘Haunted House 4’ by Abdulaziz Al-Mislem. In all three, I served as a graphic designer, creating digital illustrations and 2D motion graphics for large theater screens and projections.

KT: You specialize in both 2D and 3D motion art. What drew you to work across these formats?

Al-Musawi: Art has no limits. Once you learn the basics, you start exploring new dimensions. That curiosity drives you to acquire new skills. The more you grow, the more you want to keep learning. For me, it’s a lifelong journey of creative expansion.

KT: How do you view the rise of AI tools in the art world? Do you believe AI is affecting artists positively, negatively or both?

Al-Musawi: Before I even knew Photoshop, I was playing around with simple programs like Movie Maker and Paint. Those early tools helped me grow. The key is to always embrace new technology — don’t fear it. Learn it and use it to your advantage.

KT: What advice would you give to young artists in Kuwait who are facing challenges similar to the ones you experienced?

Al-Musawi: Never give up on your dreams. First, find out what you truly love, then pour all your energy and passion into it. You need to love what you do to enjoy the journey. That’s the beauty of having goals. Art has no limits — the more you learn, the stronger you’ll become. Educate yourself every day, develop your own unique style, and most importantly, have fun. Life is good.