The saying “you can’t limit an artist” is especially true now with aspiring artists having many options available to them to showcase their talent. One such aspiring artist is Meerub Ahmed from Dera Ghazi Khan. Meerub, a sketch artist and only 18, is perhaps one of the best in the business. She has been involved in multiple competitions, locally as well as internationally. Meerub has the unique talent of sketching any portrait in less than five minutes and that too with perfection. Having just completed her Intermediate studies, she is all set to complete her higher studies in Lahore. Meerub has been offered scholarship in the four biggest arts universities of Pakistan, Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design (PIFD), Punjab University College of Art and Design (PUCAD), Beaconhouse National University (BNU) and National College of Arts (NCA). And at the end she has finally decided to pursue her studies in NCA in Visual Communication. At the young age of 18, Meerub has managed to get her creations exhibited in more the 30 art galleries around the country. I hope more artists belonging to DG Khan and similar areas succeed in making their mark on the national art scene You have managed to come a long way and have achieved a lot in a short span of time. How would you rate yourself so far? In your opinion I might have done a lot but for me it’s just a start as I have big dreams and have a long way to go. I just try to follow my passion. Earlier I use to sketch simple portraits but then I tried my hand in water color paints as well and received positive response from the work. I also try a bit of abstract art, but so far most of my best work is portraits. What is your best work so far? My best is yet to come as I am still in the learning stage. Life is all about learning. My each creation is special for me as I give my best in it. You come from the lesser developed city of DG Khan. We don’t see many artists coming out from such places. Was it difficult to convince your family and relatives to let you pursue this career? It was never easy for me but my parents supported me. However, there were few people who considered my talent a waste of time but that never affected me much. The only reason why people don’t accept this kind of career is lack of education and I really hope that one day other artists, belonging to DG Khan and similar areas, succeed in making their dreams come true. What is the major source of your inspiration? I believe that inspiration is the key for any artist. I take inspiration from the daily routine of people. I travel in local transport so that I could meet new people and observe them. I literally sit anywhere and start sketching. You may find me sitting at a footpath and sketching someone and this is my way of work What are your future plans? I just want to follow my passion and make my parents and country proud one day Published in Daily Times, November 14th 2018.