Norwich-based artist Anmar Mirza has come a long way since his first artistic experiment – ruining his auntie’s homework with paint. What started as childhood curiosity has evolved into a successful career, with his bold, expressive work now showcased in galleries and large-scale murals across the world.
In this exclusive interview, Anmar opens up about his creative journey, from selling his first piece at college to exhibiting internationally. He shares how he balances self-doubt, stays inspired, and why he dreams of a life where art and good company go hand in hand.
This is a story of passion, persistence, and embracing the unknown – and best of all, it’s one with a happy ending.
Inside Anmar’s World
The Accidental Start & First Big Sale
Anmar’s artistic journey began in the most unconventional way – by painting over his auntie’s homework. Luckily, that wasn’t the end of his career. Years later, while studying Art & Design at college, he sold his final project to the chairman at the end-of-year show, proving that what started as mischief had real potential.
A Day in the Life of an Artist
His days follow a simple but effective routine – morning walks, emails, and then painting until 5 PM sharp. No matter how deep in the zone he is, he stops at 5. This structure keeps him from overworking and helps manage the self-doubt that can creep in when creating something new.
Anmar Mirza Interview
How His Style Has Changed Over Time
Anmar’s approach to art has shifted over the years. What was once more structured and analytical has become raw and emotionally driven. Moving to oil paints has also given him more freedom, allowing him to slow down and focus on the creative process rather than rushing to finish pieces.
Standout Moments & Career Highlights
One of his most memorable projects was a painting tour through Belgium and Amsterdam, where he got to soak in the culture and connect with local creatives. Another major milestone? Seeing his work exhibited in Singapore, a childhood dream come true.
Lessons for Aspiring Artists
Self-doubt and burnout are part of the journey, but Anmar’s advice is simple: put your work out there, don’t obsess over making money, and most importantly – take breaks. “Your brain needs to relax too,” he says.
Read on for the full interview with Anmar Mirza…
Anmar Mirza Exclusive Interview | Lifetsyle Pocket Guide
Hey Anmar, thanks for your time! Can you start by telling us how you first got into art?
Hey! I first got into art when I was a kid. My auntie had left her paints out, and I was quite curious as to what they were, so I started painting over her homework. It’s hard to forget such an experience ha-ha.
When did you sell your first piece of art?
I was studying Art & Design at City College, and my final piece got purchased by the chairman during the end-of-year show.
What does a typical day as an artist look like for you?
I usually wake up quite early and go for an hour walk, come home, have breakfast, and catch up on emails. Then I paint until 5. Even if I’m in a flow state, I call it a day at 5. This routine has been key in my development and growth – it helps keep self-doubt and overworking at bay.
What challenges have you faced in growing your brand, and what strategies have worked best?
Self-doubt and overworking have been the biggest challenges. Those two things together can be quite intense at times. I’ve found that keeping an open mind and trusting the process helps. One way or another, something productive always happens.
I’m very familiar with your work, and I genuinely love it. You’re also very multi-talented with the style of illustrations and shapes you create. Your art is incredibly dynamic and diverse. How has your style evolved over the years, and do you find yourself gravitating toward a particular approach or medium?
Thank you. I really appreciate the kind words! Well, I suppressed my emotions a lot growing up, so as I got older, I didn’t want to continue doing things like that anymore, as a result, my style changed the deeper I delved into my own being. The previous style was more analytical, and I guess the boldness of the colours and shapes was to distract from the core feelings. Whereas now, I don’t mind sharing how I feel, and as a result, the work is far less analytical. I’m accepting things for what they are. Also, using oil paint has freed me up tremendously. The slow drying time allows me to move differently, I used to want things done quite quickly. Now I don’t mind. There’s something quite nice about using time rather than rushing into time.
Which project has been your favourite, and why?
My favourite was a project I did in Antwerp which was organised by Treepack. It was a month-long tour around Belgium and Amsterdam; painting venues. So, I got to experience the culture, and the locals were really friendly. I got a real feel for the place and felt really relaxed being there. So, when the Antwerp project came up, I was already in the flow of things, and my friends were hanging with me. It was just fun, and as a result, the painting came out great!
Your latest wall piece is stunning – especially the way you use blues, yellows, pinks, and pastels to create such a vibrant yet sophisticated feel. Can you walk us through the creative process behind it?
If I’m honest, I started this project a year ago after a long break from creating anything. The first 5 months broke my mind. I didn’t have a great deal of confidence in what I was making nor the ability to back it up, and my muscle memory had gone. I couldn’t relate to my old style of work either, as I felt I’d outgrown it, so I didn’t really know what my identity was. When you observe the mural, you’ll see my different thought stages, doubt, sometimes overconfidence, and all the other emotions I experienced over the 9-month time period.
Do you plan your works in advance, or do you create based on the moment? Or is it a mix of both?
No, not really. Sometimes I’ll use an old reference and then edit it as I paint, but usually, I try to feel out the environment and create something to complement the space.
Who inspires your work?
I used to have a long list of artists – I would say my style is a combination of all the things I like in others’ works. Eventually, it built up and became my own unique style.
What is your ultimate dream as an artist?
It’s funny you ask me this, because I think about this every now and again, and recently I’d say for the last year or so… it’s the same thought over and over. I want 2 shows a year and a couple of mural/commercial jobs. The rest of the time – I want to hang out with my loved ones. Being an artist is fun, but it’s also quite a lonely profession as you spend so much time on your own. I guess balance – A balance is my dream ha-ha.
Your art has been featured in multiple galleries. Are there any exhibitions where your work has been displayed that stand out to you the most?
I was involved in a group show in Singapore a while back, and that stunned me the most, as it was my dream as a kid to become an international artist. I remember reading magazines about my favourite artists and seeing them do things like this, so when that moment happened, I couldn’t stop smiling.
Out of all your works, is there one that holds the most personal meaning to you? What makes it stand out?
There’s this painting called “Together Again” for my last show. It represents a feeling I’ve had for a long time – outgrowing situations and friendships and being unable to connect the same way you once used to. And having to approach the friendship in a new manner, a new phase, you could say. It was quite personal and allowed me to let go of those feelings.
Together Again | Anmar Mirza
You’ve also painted large walls of venues both inside and out! How do these projects differ in terms of creative input and artistic approach?
Luckily, the owners don’t get involved too much and let me have full reign. I usually try to feel out the space – I won’t paint for a day and just observe. Then the next day I’ll start. I also like the work to complement the space and the people. It’s an addition, rather than a centre-piece.
Can you offer aspiring artists any tips on developing their own style and making a name for themselves?
Just put yourself out there, and don’t fear rejection. Also, don’t concern yourself with making money. That will become a by-product further down the line. And most importantly… don’t spend too much time in your head. Take breaks and live a little – the brain needs to relax too! It’s taken me 10 years to realise this ha-ha.
Looking ahead to 2025, do you have any exciting projects or goals you’re particularly looking forward to?
There are a couple, but I don’t like to think about these things too much. I find looking forward to projects adds unnecessary expectations. Once the project is complete and at the destination – then I’ll think about it.