It all started with a unicorn, a baby unicorn. As a child, Asma Saeed watched Unico, an anime based on a manga created by the legendary godfather of manga Osamu Tezuk. In it a white baby unicorn with a pink mane had the special gift of making all living creatures lighthearted and happy.
“The scenes when Unico would transform into this beautiful majestic white winged unicorn, combined with the amazing music, I would be holding my breath,” says the 32-year-old Emirati from Abu Dhabi. “That cartoon inspired me to fall in love with the character and everything to do with fantasy and the world of imagination.”
Saeed would doodle and draw portraits, landscapes and everything and anything that inspired her. She bought books on manga drawings and watched tutorials online.
Then, through an online forum where she met others who loved Japanese anime and manga, she found the courage to start drawing her own manga character.
“Two girls from Qatar, Kholood Al Ali and Fatima Al Nesf, that I met via the online forums, had been drawing their own manga characters and inspired me to draw my own, Asami,” said Saeed, who studied integrated communication at Zayed University.
Last year, she quit her job as a graphic designer to focus on manga drawing. She draws a new scenario and story for her character and posts them on instagram.com/asamiart. It has over 9,500 followers.
“She is the outlet through which I express myself. She is a tomboy, loud, quickly angered, has attitude and full of character. If I had a bad day at work, I would sit and draw up a story online where Asami would get back at those who annoyed her,” laughs Saeed.
She may turn Asami into a published comic, but the details of such a project have not been finalised.
Favourite shoes?
Nike.
What is your life motto?
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” I really like it.
Who is your favourite artist?
I like many artists but I especially like Inoue Takehiko, who is famed for the basketball manga Slam Dunk. He also draws Vagabond, one of my favourites because of its style.
One item that you always carry with you and why?
I always have a small notebook and pen, so I can doodle while I am waiting.
Which languages do you speak?
I am trying to learn Japanese. Arabic and English for now.
What is your dream job?
To set up an institution that would combine drawing, animation and voice dubbing. Like a whole industry should be set up here. The Arab version of Japanese animation and manga. Perhaps also a proper manga comic club for all the Arab geeks in love with this art.
Favourite actor?
Benedict Cumberbatch. I love his Sherlock Holmes series.
Favourite actress?
Melissa McCarthy. I love her. She is funny.
What is your favourite cartoon?
I like Luffy from One Piece anime and manga. He is the sweetest hero. He always wants to help his friends but he is a bit stupid. I also love D Gray-man animes; I like the style and story. Other ones include The Host Club, Bleach and Full Metal Alchemist which is one of the best. It has everything. Makes you cry, cheer and laugh.
Favourite music?
Classical orchestra pieces such as Beethoven. Fairouz when listening to Arabic.
Which is your favourite country?
I love Japan. I also like Switzerland. I love the nature and the chocolates. It is so relaxing there.
Who is your role model?
My mother. She is both my mother and father at the same time. My dad is often working outside of the country, so she had to take on both roles.
Favourite hobbies?
Editing and production. I like to produce videos.
Favourite books?
Spiritual books, like the power-of-your-subconscious-mind kind of books.
Favourite perfume?
Antonio Banderas perfumes.
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