Areeba Siddique: The Illustrator Turning Karachi’s Stories Into Global Icons

Areeba Siddique didn’t set out to be an artist. What began as sketches on summer afternoons in Karachi turned into a visual language that speaks to identity, culture, and the everyday lives of South Asian women. Today, she has become one of the most distinct voices in digital illustration.
Her characters—hijab-wearing, sunglass-clad, unapologetically bold—challenge stereotypes while honoring tradition. For Areeba, art isn’t just expression; it’s representation, a way to carve space where it has long been missing.

TINDS: Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like?

Areeba: I grew up in Karachi. My twin sister and I spent summers with giant sheets of paper, drawing all day while my mother—who loved art and books—guided us. That’s where creativity began for me.

TINDS: What three words describe your vibe?

Areeba: South Asian, Mughal, Hippie.

TINDS: What inspired you to start doing what you do?

Areeba: Honestly, the internet. My sister and I started blogging in 2011, then Instagram came along. I shifted from sharing daily life to posting art—and some of it went viral. That’s when I realized I could make this my career.

TINDS: What was your very first creative or business moment?

Areeba: Those summer drawings as kids were the start. But turning it into work began when people online connected with my art and started commissioning pieces.

TINDS: What’s something people always ask you about your work?

Areeba: Why don’t my characters have eyes? In our community, there’s a belief that drawing faces isn’t allowed. My mom explained that early on, so I gave them sunglasses instead. It matched Tumblr’s 2014 vibe too, so it stuck.

TINDS: Tell us about your current project or what you’re building right now.

Areeba: I’m on a break from client work to focus on rebuilding my craft and Instagram presence. Art school drained me, so this is my reset period.

TINDS: What’s the most unforgettable moment or experience in your journey?

Areeba: When Instagram featured my work in 2017. Overnight, I got global recognition as a young Pakistani artist. It changed everything.

TINDS: What’s the hardest part of your journey that no one sees?

Areeba: The loneliness. People see the polished piece, not the messy process. Carrying an idea alone until it’s finished is exhausting.

TINDS: How do you stay grounded or authentic in the spotlight or online space?

Areeba: My cultural and Islamic values. I’ve turned down big projects because they didn’t align with my boundaries. Staying authentic means saying no sometimes.

TINDS: One lesson you’ve learned the hard way?

Areeba: That burnout is real. I used to think you could always just push through, but sometimes you need to stop, rest, and rebuild.

TINDS: What’s your go-to comfort food or self-care ritual?

Areeba: Herbal teas, especially CCF tea—cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds. Ayurveda is part of my daily reset.

TINDS: Who’s someone that really inspires you?

Areeba: My twin sister. She’s a writer, and we’ve been making art together since childhood. She’s my biggest influence.

TINDS: If you could share a chat with any person—past or present—who would it be and why?

Areeba: A Mughal king. I’d ask why they handed over our subcontinent to colonizers. That question still lingers for me.

TINDS: If you could describe your style in one word, what would it be?

Areeba: Representation. Every piece I make reflects my identity and the women around me.

TINDS: What’s next for you?

Areeba: My dream is to publish a comic book or graphic novel. Until then, people can support me by following my Instagram, where I share and grow with my community.

Through her art, Areeba Siddique makes representation tangible—reclaiming narratives for South Asian and Muslim women while celebrating everyday culture. With her sights set on a graphic novel, she continues to shape a global conversation where tradition meets fearless self-expression.

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