An Artist in Dialogue: Yara Bana
Step inside the colorful, ever-evolving world of Yara Bana, a multidisciplinary Saudi artist turning energy, culture, and joy into bold visual stories.
Artist Interviews
“At some point, I stopped questioning it. I love art, and that’s it.”
Born and raised in Jeddah, Yara Bana brings a bright, kinetic lens to Saudi life. Trained in art direction at the University of the Arts London, with diplomas in media and design, she is known for upbeat cartoon-style paintings and lively videos that celebrate people, cities, and change. Acrylics are her language. Energy is her subject.
Early Roots, London Lessons
Q: Did creativity play a big role in your childhood?
Yara: I grew up in an artistic family that loved theater, music, and spiritual literature. That made creativity feel normal. It was just part of life.
Q: Was that what led you to study art formally?
Yara: It definitely influenced me. I went on to study art direction at the University of the Arts London, and also did diplomas in media and design.
Q: What was a turning point in your artistic growth?
Yara: After graduating, I joined an internship with Misk Art Institute and Château de Versailles. It gave me this rare, behind-the-scenes look at a world of art and history. It was a really good experience, beautiful and inspiring. Even though it was a short trip, it really stuck with me. I’m so grateful to Misk for this amazing opportunity. It opened doors for me professionally, too.
The Jeddah Imprint
Q: You often portray Jeddah with joy. What inspires that?
Yara: Jeddah’s roundabouts amazed me as a kid. They displayed landmark public artworks, many by renowned Saudi and international artists. I grew up seeing the city as a gallery.
Q: You made a video about Jeddah’s people and transformation. Why video?
Yara: Because movement fits the city. The video was my way of showing daily life and how people change with their place.
Color as a Language
Q: How would you describe your style and medium?
Yara: I call myself a multidisciplinary artist. Painting is central, especially acrylic cartoon works with an energetic, upbeat color palette. Around that, I take on illustration and selected collaborations when they make sense.
Q: Did you have the chance to show your work to the public?
Yara: I did a private solo exhibition in London, Mayfair, and did several projects in Jeddah.
Commissions and Collaborations
Q: Which partnerships have shaped you most?
Yara: Valentino invited me for a live art event and collection pop-up in Jeddah. I also worked with Overdose Coffee on a Mother’s Day project, and with COYA on their 25th anniversary, mixing Peruvian and Saudi symbols. I painted llamas and camels on pots that still live in the space. I have also worked with the Ministry of Culture and Silvana, a publishing house.
Illustrations for Children
Q: Can you tell us about your work on the children’s book Reem and the Valley Friends?
Yara: Reem and the Valley Friends is the first children’s book I illustrated, published in both Arabic and English. It's inspired by the song Ya Reem Wadi Thageef by Tariq Abdul Hakeem. The book is interactive, when you touch certain spots, the song plays, so it becomes an experience, not just a story. The project let me translate cultural memory into friendly visuals for young readers.
Q: Do you see yourself illustrating more children’s books in the future?
Yara: Yes, I’m already working on a new one. It’s still early, but it’ll have that same mix of fun and familiarity.
Choosing Art Again
Q: You mentioned a period of doubt some years back. What brought that on?
Yara: I found myself questioning if art was habit or calling. So I stepped away and tried other things. But somehow, I always found myself back in creative spaces, painting, doing pottery, little things like that. That told me the truth, I love art, and that's it.
Q: What does inspiration look like for you in practice?
Yara: Inspiration is not fixed for me. Anything can spark it. Some days it is the music I am playing or people moving through the city. Other days it is a painting like Monet’s Water Lilies. It really depends on the mood and the moment.
Q: How does that way of seeing carry into your professional work?
Yara: I manage art collections for clients. That includes selecting pieces, cataloging, and sometimes commissioning new works. I enjoy it. The process is genuinely interesting.
Looking Ahead
Q: What themes are you exploring next?
Yara: I’m really drawn to energy, gratitude, and mental well-being right now. I want the work to feel like a positive charge.
Q: Finally, what would you say to a younger artist facing rejection or confusion about their path?
Yara: Keep moving! Try other things if you need to, but pay attention to what you always return to. That’s usually your answer.
A Life in Motion, Fueled by Joy
From cartoon paintings and children’s books to live collaborations, Yara Bana is constantly creating, and doing it with heart. Her work is a reminder that art doesn’t have to be solemn to be meaningful. It can be bright, playful, and deeply true. In everything she touches, Yara proves that doing what you love, without apology, is not only enough, it’s everything.
Stay close to Yara Bana’s colors, characters, and creative spark on LinkedIn, Instagram and her art page @theyarastudio.
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