Qatari Calligrapher Maryam Altajer Shares Her Life Lessons As A Regional Creative

Harpers Bazaar Arabia

23-06-2025

From self-care secrets and splurges to temptations and tomes, Maryam shares personal and professional learnings
Maryam looks through a unique introspective lens, exploring a multitude of realms that are then reflected in her contemporary pieces. The Doha-based creative, who holds both a BFA and MFA in Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University, delves into the contrast between our superficial selves and the depths within, prompting reflection on self-discovery and the transient nature of our internal dialogues. Maryam's innovative approach to portraying abstract Arabic calligraphy, has garnered recognition both the Middle East and internationally in galleries and exhibitions, with the artist citing a Ramadan collaboration with Bvlgari – a recent career highlight.
Is it more important to be liked or respected?
Respect is more important. And the most important form of respect is self-respect so you can be content with the way you live your life.
What book changed your life?
Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers by Leonard Koren. It helped me understand that beauty can be imperfect and that there's no need to explain what you find beautiful, whether it's aesthetically pleasing or not.
What did your last Spotify Wrapped look like?
Ambient pop for mellow ethereal vibes and R&B.
What is your motto?
Love what you do and do it from the bottom of your heart.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I'd like to slow down and not overwhelm myself with work. Find more balance even though I enjoy the fast-paced life.
What's your biggest extravagance?
Time off and a self-care splurge.
What are you proudest of?
My dedication to trying new things and the courage I've cultivated to expand my boundaries.
What does success mean to you?
Loving what I do, and doing what I love full time.
What would you ban if you had the chance?
Stress and procrastination.
What's your most treasured possession?
An album documenting my achievements. It reminds me to trust the process helps me realise how far I've come.
If you could be anyone else, who would it be?
I would still choose to be myself! I would want to experience the same things and enjoy every step of the journey.
What's your guiltiest pleasure?
Binge eating excessive amounts of dark chocolate.
What inspires you most about your job?
The freedom to transform raw emotion into abstract art.
What experience taught you most about life?
Meaningful lessons often come from unexpected situations – good or bad.
If you could only wear one brand for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sticking to one brand is boring. I enjoy changing and mixing things up.
What do you consider to be overrated?
Minimalism is killing the beauty of details, patterns, and textures around us… erasing this sense of history and different periods of time.
What would you tell your younger self?
Stay dedicated and enjoy the process.