One thing that interests me about Naela Ali is that she is a very productive illustrator. If you noticed, she would come up with another artwork every once in a short while, which is good, because that productivity has led her to be where she is now (not mentioning all the sleepless nights, prayers and stuff because I don't think that is necessary). Her artworks were just simple, not really details-oriented, and just..sweet. I knew that it's not just me thinking that her works are too random and just like some writings we can find in blog or tumblr (i bet she was just sort of redrawing the object she screenshotted on instagram and pinterest. ah, and magazine. of course, she got all those references which she wouldn't point out directly on her posts) that I couldn't stand any of it (especially the price that can't be considered cheap!). Okay, I don't blame her tho as we all got our own taste. One day, she revealed that she didn't need fame, that all she does is just for the sake of her passion. Being alive. Having purpose and all that. But then, I saw one of her books (Things and Thoughts I Drew) and I couldn't help but thinking why there has to be her name on almost every single artworks in that book?! Is she being not confident or something? Does she wants everyone who capture and post it, indirectly spread the 'news' that it is hers? I have never found any artists that is as narcissistic and self-centered as she is. Even the most adorable Indonesian artists that I knew don't even (almost never, just quiet) put watermark on their artworks that they post in instagram (it's a different story when it comes to real exhibition). Because you know, everyone can already tell! Sorry to say, but I don't think she is ready for those kind of 'artist' world as she is too concerned about herself being known (I might mistaken about this).
But two stars for her productivity tho! May she keeps doing things that make her feel most alive. Ah, and I am wondering if she really could write a real 'book'.