The Edition speaks with Ali Shimhaq, a local digital artist who has made waves in the international art scene with his unique ability to blend abstract concepts with cinematic storytelling.
In the intersection of technology and creativity, few stories are as captivating as that of Ali Shimhaq. A biomedical engineer by training, Shimhaq has carved a niche for himself in the digital art world, crafting stunning visuals that have captivated audiences globally.
His latest project, a poster for "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," showcases his artistic expression. Delving into his creative process, Shimhaq talks to The Edition about the challenges he faced, and his vision for the future.
When approached by an agency for a project, the process often begins with a surface-level description, leaving much to the artist's interpretation. For "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," Shimhaq was contacted in mid-February and received a brief from the studio. He then proceeded to work using a trailer available at the time and insights from a Wikipedia page with limited plot details.
Shimhaq developed four initial concepts, receiving rounds of feedback from the studio. His final design centered on an abstract portrayal, focusing on the villain's imposing crown rather than traditional character depictions.
This choice aimed to evoke “a sense of foreboding and anticipation, capturing the essence of the movie’s narrative.”
In the color phase, Shihaq experimented with different moods, ultimately settling on a warm, sunset-inspired palette. This had not only highlighted the dramatic elements of the design but also aligned with the studio's vision. After final adjustments based on the studio's feedback, the artwork was ready for release, although the exact timing remained undisclosed.
For Shimhaq, working on the "Planet of the Apes" poster was not without its hurdles. The tight deadline and limited resources to work off, made it challenging to conceptualize a compelling design. Shimhaq’s commitment to avoiding cliché character posters pushed him towards a more abstract approach, requiring multiple iterations before finalizing the concept.
“The color phase posed another significant challenge. The mood conveyed through colors is crucial in setting the tone of the artwork,” Shimhaq said.
However, once the sketch and colors were finalized, the detailing process flowed more smoothly, allowing Shimhaq to bring his vision to life.
Shimhaq’s experience with The Poster Posse and other studios has been overwhelmingly positive. Describing them as easy to work with, Shimhaq added that he appreciated their punctual feedback and providing him with specific visions for his artwork.
Despite certain projects requiring meticulous attention to detail, such as the "Last of Us" project where Shimhaq had to ensure a critical character detail, he expressed that he generally has a lot of creative freedom in his work. "For example, the character Ellie from 'The Last of Us' had to have a scar on her right eyebrow," Shimhaq said. "Other than this, I have a lot of creative freedom in the work I do."
Check out this art from Ali Shimhaq, inspired by #KingdomOfThePlanetOfTheApes.
— 20th Century Studios (@20thcentury) May 10, 2024
Experience the film in theaters now. Get tickets: https://t.co/7VpGpUOhix pic.twitter.com/6gmyBMpIgy
Winning a legal battle against Aaron Carter, an American singer and rapper was a significant milestone in Shimhaq’s career. Previously relatively unknown in the Maldivian art scene, the case brought him into the spotlight.
While it heightened his profile locally, it also underscored the importance of copyright protection and the procedures involved in such cases.
Shimhaq said that he now shares his experience with other artists, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding their work. The case not only boosted his recognition within the Maldivian art scene but also equipped him with valuable knowledge about legal rights and protections in the art world.
Shimhaq shared his excitement about several upcoming projects, including book illustrations and personal endeavors. He said his focus is on expanding his skills and exploring new mediums.
“I want to learn 3D modeling and video editing to incorporate these techniques into my current workflow,” Shimhaq said.
Shimhaq also aspires to collaborate with more major studios, such as Marvel and DC, and further establish his presence in the industry. His goal is to continually grow his social media platforms, reaching a broader audience and sharing his art with the world.
“My art often features a darker atmosphere, falling into the niche category of dark fantasy,” Shimhaq said.
Shimhaq aims to convey a narrative that resonates with his audience, inspiring them through his art. He believes that talent is not a prerequisite for success and continuous persistence and dedication are key.
Adding that he hopes to motivate aspiring artists to persevere despite challenges, Shimhaq said that consistent effort and a willingness to learn are crucial to achieving artistic growth and recognition.
For young Maldivian artists looking to break into the international digital art scene, Shimhaq’s advice is to be consistent and strive for continuous improvement. While acknowledging the importance of financial stability, he said that consistent practice and dedication will eventually open doors.
Encouraging artists to remain humble and open to learning, Shimhaq said that the journey to becoming a better artist is ongoing, and maintaining a growth mindset is essential.
“By pushing boundaries and embracing new techniques, aspiring artists can achieve their goals and make a mark on the global stage,” Shimhaq said.
Through unique style and unwavering dedication, Shimhaq has made a significant impact in the digital art world. His contributions to high profile projects like "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" and "The Last of Us," highlights his resilience and commitment.
Shimhaq's advice to artists, to "stay consistent, keep learning, and embrace your unique style", resonates with those striving to turn their creative dreams into reality. As the digital art scene continues to evolve, Shimhaq's passion and determination are setting a new standard and paving the way for future generations of artists.
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