When mentioning the word illustrator, the first thing that generally comes to mind is a person who uses the application illustrator to create graphics related to work or designs.

But what some people might not know is that an illustrator is a person who draws pictures for magazines, comic books, or even advertising. An artist who uses his or her hand to make beautiful art work. For this issue we got Abdullah Bogis, who is known in the art world as DeeK MantooF.

What’s Up: I saw your work on one of our machines at the office the other day, and to tell you the truth I was impressed by it. How do you classify the type of art you do?

Abdullah Bogis: My work is called illustration.

WU: So is that done by hand or on a computer?

AB: Both, I do some illustrations by hand or digitally. Unlike expressive art, what illustrators do is a type of art designed specially for the market being customized to the client’s needs. We illustrate for magazines, ad campaigns, story boarding; it’s mostly used in media.

WU: I have noticed that some of your work is inspired by Manga style of drawing; why is that?

AB: This is my own interest, which I like so much. I like to create character design or even concept art. Since I grew up with Japanese animations and Disney movies, I was influenced by them.

WU: Have you ever thought of making a full comic book at any time?

AB: Since I first started, I have always dreamed of making my own comic book, but over time I discovered that I wasn’t in the comic industry, plus I discovered that it needs a lot of work and patience – you need to do penciling, then inking, and before all that you need a good story, building up characters; and foremost you have to make it intriguing and interesting to readers. You have to explore all angles, and expressions to get it right, and that consumes a lot of effort and time. So let’s say I have postponed that dream for now, but will get back to it at another time, definitely.

WU: When the time comes for your own comic to come to life, will it be digital or printed? And does it really make a difference?

AB: Definitely printed. What I like about the online or digital version is that you can see comments and feedback immediately, and that really makes the artist happy and feel good about his or her work, but only for a while. Yet nothing beats seeing your work printed; the feeling of paper and touching your work right there in front of you is unprecedented.

WU: I can relate to that, since we get to see What’s Up while we are working on it, yet nothing beats the satisfaction we get when we hold it in hand. Are there many Saudis in this field?

AB: So far I have only found one Saudi illustrator, and she isn’t even living in Saudi Arabia.

WU: Since we all watched cartoons when we were kids, we had Japanese cartoons, Arabic comic books like Majed, Batman, and Superman, Why aren’t there more Saudi illustrators?

AB: In my opinion there are different reasons, I think the first is our society, most people don’t really know what a comic book is. When you mention comic books, people tend to relate them to children’s picture books. In Japan for example, you will find comics being categorized by different genres, one of them being related to the age of the reader. Ranging from kids, young teenagers, all the way to 40 year old adults, depend on the content of the story. But back here people tend to frown on that type of job, not even taking the creating artist seriously. While others associate drawing comics with religious views.

WU: Does it make a big difference using hand drawing over digital illustration?

AB: Digital is much easier than hand drawing, even if you’re using a tablet, since it consumes less time, material, equipment, and overall fewer tools. But it ends up flat, even when you print it out.

WU: Flat! What do you mean?

AB: You don’t feel the texture, the depth, or even the feel. While the traditional hand drawing gives you a better feel of your work, even if it were a simple line on a canvas. Plus the added tactile feedback your hands get when you draw on the canvas.

WU: Haven’t you thought of starting your first gallery here in Saudi Arabia?

AB: Not at this stage, but I have noticed that a lot of people are focusing on graffiti art, which is a good start, and I saw great potential and unawakened skills all over the web. So I am trying to get into graffiti art, with my illustration background I think I can create a new combination. And there, is where I think I can be an inspiration to others insha’allah.

WU: let’s talk about your gear – the tools and equipment you use to create your art.

AB: I do some freelancing at this stage, and when I am working on a project it really depends on the client’s needs. Most of my clients require digital since it is faster and easier. When I work in digital mode, I use the tablet, with Adobe Photoshop, and Corel Painter. I sometimes use Adobe Illustrator, but only when I need it. When I am creating real-life illustrations, I use gouache, and Poster color, watercolor, acrylic, color pencils and markers, but my favorite tool is definitely the pencil.

WU: In a previous issue I asked an artist about whether he is an early bird, or a night owl, when it comes to the most creative hours, so in your case what are the times you find yourself most creative?

AB: Well I consider myself a night owl, I tend to rest during the day, and once the sunsets, I become active and creative.

WU: Do you play music to get you in the zone?

AB: Yes, it really depends on the mood, it could be Um Kulthum, Beethoven, or even Rock. But when I am feeling stressed out I always listen to Qur’an.

What’s Up Note:

If you’re interested in getting in touch with the artiest send an email to: Contact@Whatsupksa.net