Farhana Hossain is a Brooklyn-based illustrator and animator with a style that’s warm, whimsical and appealing – the perfect starting point for creating a captivating narrative. She also specialises in illustrating environments, characters, concepts and storyboards for animated films and commercials.
The award-winning short The Dumb Elephant is what put Farhana on the map, and the Singapore-born artist has worked for some of the world’s biggest broadcast brands. She loves watching stand-up comedy, and there’s often a touch of humour in her work. Farhana is also inspired by the hustle and bustle of New York’s cafes, restaurants and subways, as well as the architecture of the city.
After four years studying architecture at the National University of Singapore, Farhana worked for an architectural practice. Then she moved to New York to take an MFA in Computer Art at the School of Visual Arts.
Approach
After sketching her basic concepts on paper and scanning them in, Farhana’s process is mainly digital. Colours are added in Photoshop, and she uses natural media brushes and pens to give her work a hand-painted feel.
Style
Farhana’s style is reminiscent of a high-quality graphic novel. Whimsical, atmospheric and colourful, dramatic lighting and warm colour palettes make her work lifelike and approachable. She adds a larger than life quality wherever impact is required.
Awards
2017 Taiwan International Student Design Awards – International Prize Client list
Farhana has worked for clients including Fannie Mae, Nickelodeon, Sprite, KSHMR, Sony BMG Asia, Bill Plympton , Zammex, Andy Prasa and Shun Ng.