One day I got surprised and happy to receive a message on FB. It was from cartoonist Tanmoy inviting me to join Unmad's cartoon workshop. I got so excited because it was my long time wish to learn sketching as drawing figures was my passion as a child. When I was a young girl or when I learned to enjoy drawing around the age of 11 or 12 I used to sketch a lot and all those were women figures wearing different kinds of outfits mostly western like gowns, formal wears like tops, skirts etc. I was so addicted that I often found myself sketching on any blank piece of paper I got around me also on my books, notebooks. It kind of affected my studies because I would do sketching rather than my assignments. I got lot of discouragement from family on this. However, there came a time when I had to stop sketching due to study pressure. I guess I sketched till my first year. I didn't know what made me sketch only women figures. It was my hobby and I was so passionate about it. The figures I drew also had story that I made on my mind spontaneously on the spur of the moment and as if those figures were characters interacting with each other. I would cut all my women figures and play with them like dolls. I remember I loved watching beauty pageants and I guess it gave me lot of inspirations. I had no formal training on drawing neither did I ever thought about studying sketching I just did this for my own recreation.
I was not able to pursue it due to academics pressure and discouragement from my parents. Since now I am web designer by profession, I am extremely fascinated by various creative artworks, whether it’s a digital or traditional painting, a sculpture, an animation or music video.
Okay enough about passion now let's go back to the main topic. So when I knew Unmad’s was gonna conduct the course, I called them right away to know their enrollment procedure etc. Then finally got enrolled. The cl-assess held on weekends so it was quite hectic for me but I think it was worth attending such class and learning from top cartoonists in our country. On my first day I was kind of cool and relaxed but as day passed I was bit nervous because they were kind of strict and would tell you on the face if your assignment doesn’t seem okay. It was really nice to meet and get inspired by Mr Ahsan Habib, one of the living creative legend in Bangladesh. Our main tutor was Mehedi Haque, executive editor of Unmad magazine. He is such a sincere and inspiring teacher. I learned a lot from him and I also bought his book on drawing. Mr Anik Khan was there too, he took our class on how to generate ideas. It was just awesome to meet such humble writer. Another interesting persona was Mr. Shobboshachy Mistry, who is currently greatest concept artist in our country. He was super strict but he comoletely rocks, a very strict and good teacher. Cartoonist Tanmoy was there for sometime to teach us about expressions and he was so good at it. So overall it was really great fun and learning experience at Unmad's Workshop.
Below is a picture of my last day at the workshop when I was given a certificate.
It was an honor to receive certificate from Mr. Ahsan Habib and take a photo with Unmad's team namely, from left Mitu, Ahsan Habib, Mehedi Haque and yours truly :) . Photo credit goes to Abhiram Roy.
