At this month’s Art Majlis, Shahad Alqufaydi explored how artists can transform their private creative practice into a professional career without losing their unique identity.
On Thursday, April 23, 2026, The Art Majlis returned to Huna Takhassusi in Riyadh for an insightful session titled “How do you turn your art into opportunities without losing your identity?” As Saudi Arabia’s creative economy continues to flourish, many artists find themselves at a crossroads: how to balance the raw authenticity of their personal style with the commercial demands of the professional world.
Led by visual artist Shahad Alqufaydi, the evening served as a roadmap for creatives looking to bridge the gap between a hobby and a career.
Shahad opened the evening by walking the audience through her creative origins, tracing the evolution from her early interest in art to her current professional practice. She provided a behind-the-scenes look at her real-world experience, specifically discussing her major brand deals and the logistics of professional commissions.
A central part of the dialogue focused on digital art. Shahad shared how she utilizes digital tools to build her distinct style, characterized by a unique way of rendering figures and environments. She also explained the stories behind her favorite pieces, revealing how she uses digital layers to build depth and narrative.
The discussion also touched on the importance of Saudi culture in contemporary art. Shahad Alqufaydi explained her philosophy of drawing cultural elements in a way that is universally accessible, ensuring that her work resonates with a global audience while remaining deeply rooted in her heritage.
The session unpacked several essential pillars for the modern digital artist:
A highlight of the evening was the Collaborative Sketch Exchange, a hands-on activity designed to break down the barriers of individual perfectionism.
In this exercise, participants were asked to start a drawing and then swap it with a fellow artist. The next person would build upon the initial lines, resulting in a finished piece that blended two different perspectives. This collaborative effort mirrored the session's core message: that art, even when professionalized, thrives on connection, shared vision, and the unexpected beauty of different voices coming together.
Shahad Alqufaydi is a Saudi visual artist and illustrator known for her ability to archive everyday life through a vibrant, contemporary lens. A graduate of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University with a background in printmaking and sequential art, she has developed a signature digital style defined by bold, saturated palettes and accessible storytelling. By centering her practice on relatable "lived-in" moments, Shahad has become a leading voice in defining the Kingdom’s modern visual identity, proving that heritage and professional innovation can sit comfortably within the same frame.
The Art Majlis, hosted by KSA Art, continues to serve as a vital community hub in Riyadh. By focusing on process over polish, these monthly gatherings provide a rare space where artists can discuss the practicalities of their craft in a supportive, intimate environment.
As the Kingdom's art scene moves toward a future of professional innovation, the Art Majlis remains dedicated to ensuring that the human element of creativity is never lost.
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