From a young age, I was always drawn to sketching. My first attempts at art began with my “Amar Boi” textbooks, where I filled the margins with doodles and sketches. What started as a playful habit soon became a passion, as I realized how much I enjoyed expressing my imagination through drawing.

At home, we didn’t have much, but my mother’s love and resourcefulness made everything seem possible. She found ways to make things work, even organizing our school schedules to save on rickshaw fare. While my sister attended school later in the day, I went early and then accompanied my mother on her errands. Sometimes, we would visit her friend, Dr. Tiabanu Aunty, at her clinic, where I would spend my time sketching on doctor’s notepads or in my textbooks.

For years, I dreamed of becoming a painter, but life took a different course. Art school wasn’t an option, so I continued to nurture my skills with whatever I had—a pencil, scrap paper, or even the corner of a newspaper. As I grew older, studies in science, business, and eventually work took priority, leaving little time for art.

Two years ago, when the pandemic slowed the world down, I found myself with unexpected free time. That’s when I discovered graphic design. After six months of dedicated online and offline classes, I became a certified graphic designer, though I knew I still had much to learn.

Now, as I continue to explore this new creative path, I’m excited to keep growing and discovering where it will lead me.