Blog

Meet the Artist!

My Story Behind Art by Anam Usmani

Assalamalaikum and welcome!

I am Anam, the artist behind Art by Anam Usmani, and I'm glad you have found your way here. This space is more than just a gallery of paintings and crafts; it's a reflection of my journey, my faith, and my love for creativity. I thought the best way to begin this blog series was by sharing my story with you.

My Journey Into Art

Art has always been a part of my life. As a child, I would spend hours sketching, painting, and experimenting with colors. However, it wasn't until later that I realized art could become a powerful means of connecting with people and expressing my spirituality.

When I first picked up a brush to create Arabic Calligraphy, I felt something different. The curves and flow of the letters weren't just beautiful; they carried meaning, faith, and deep emotions. That's when my journey in Islamic-inspired art truly began.

Photo of the artist painting in her workspace

Why Arabic Calligraphy

Arabic calligraphy is more than writing—it’s an act of worship and reflection. Every word I paint holds significance. From Bismillah (In the name of Allah) to Salam (Peace), these words are a reminder of faith, patience, and beauty.

For me, combining calligraphy with modern elements like watercolor backgrounds or wooden crafts allows me to bring tradition into everyday homes in a way that feels both timeless and contemporary.

Arabic Calligraphy of Surah Fatiha on green watercolor background

From Hobby to Business

What started as a personal passion slowly turned into something bigger. Friends and family began asking for personalized art pieces. Soon after, I began creating not only paintings but also wooden signs, Islamic prints, affirmation cards for kids, and custom gifts.

In 2022, I also started offering art workshops, teaching Arabic calligraphy and Cricut crafts to kids and adults. These workshops became a way to build community, inspire creativity, and share the joy of making art with others.

What Inspires Me

My inspiration comes from many places—Quranic verses, beautiful nasheeds, my cultural heritage, and everyday reflections of faith. One of my favorite projects was creating a painting inspired by the nasheed Hasbi Rabbi Jallallah. The words carried so much peace and emotion that translating them into brushstrokes felt natural.

Every piece I create is meant to inspire calmness, reflection, and joy in the spaces they live in.

Where I Am Today

Today, Art by Anam Usmani is a blend of art, teaching, and storytelling. From Arabic calligraphy paintings to Cricut workshops for kids, to my clothing brand Nawabi Chickankari, every project I take on carries a piece of my journey.

This blog is my way of sharing more than just finished products—it’s where I’ll take you behind the scenes, explore the meaning behind Islamic art, and give tips and inspiration for your own creative journey.

Thank You for Being Here

Thank you for being part of this community. Whether you’re here to shop, to learn, or just to find inspiration, I hope my work brings light and peace into your life.