“I Would Just Call My Art Style ‘Fluffy’:” An Interview with Umaimah Damakka

The first word that comes to mind when I think of Umaimah Damakka’s artwork is PINK! Whimsical, soft, soul-lifting, pink. What follows that bright color, is a world of beautiful gowns, glowing women, and a steadfast devotion to the hidden strength found deep within the core of all of us. I see it in the portfolio, the print shop, and the Instagram of the brilliant SCAD (The Savannah College of Art and Design) graduate, Umaimah Damakka. I first came across Damakka’s work on Twitter. I was scrolling about my day, mindlessly wandering down and through my TL of beautiful illustrations, cosplays, and critical theory, when I saw a retweet of her gorgeous Princess Aurora illustration:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCSdYoJjgpL/

It was an instant follow after that! Her work showcases the femininity and softness of living, at least that’s what I gleaned from it. I took comfort in looking at the beautiful natural landscapes. I was lucky enough to be granted a chance to converse with her, so please enjoy the following in-depth interview! Oona (They/She): Please tell us about yourself! What’s your origin story and how has your Hero’s Journey been so far? Damakka (She/Her): I’m an artist from Nigeria, specifically Northern Nigeria. I came to the USA four years ago to study animation at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and recently graduated. I traveled to the US for school because there isn’t really any place in Nigeria one could go to study animation or art as extensively. So, …