We talk all things creative with the art teacher, visual artist, and founder of Alreeshah Studio

What’s the first thing you do when you sit down to create?
I sit quietly for a moment and let my mind settle. I need that pause before anything begins.

How would you describe your artistic style in three words?
Raw. Hidden. Playful.

Why the name Yoshi?
I chose Yoshi to differentiate myself from other Aishas, and because in Japanese it carries a positive meaning – something good.

What music inspires you the most?
Anything that feels grounding and rhythmic – music that lets my hands move without thinking too much.

What moment are you most proud of to date?
Teaching while still actively making my own work. That balance means a lot to me. I’m also proud of founding Alreeshah Studio.

Do you prefer sketching by hand or digital illustration?
Of course, by hand. I actually hate technology. Pencil, paper, and mess forever.

What’s the one tool you can’t create without?
My square-shaped sketchbook. It’s where everything begins.

Where in the UAE do you feel most creatively energised?
Abu Dhabi. Specifically, my studio is a tailor shop in the Al Falah suburbs. That space holds my energy.

If Yoshi had one piece of advice for the world, what would it be?
Keep making. Stay curious. Trust the process.

Would you say you’re a morning creator or a midnight creator?
I would say I’m a midday to midnight creator.

What’s next for you?
To keep making – that’s always the heart of it. I have collaborations with the Edition Hotel Abu Dhabi, two group exhibitions coming up in January, and I’m currently part of the Salama bint Hamdan Emerging Artists Fellowship, cohort 12.

Follow @yoshi.343 on Instagram