BFA+MFA 2023

Yousef Sheikh, The Gift of Ayah, Graphic Novel, Digital illustrations, 2023. The poster for The Gift of Ayah showing the characters, their personalities, and the mystery that awaits them.

Yousef Sheikh, The Gift of Ayah, Graphic Novel, Digital illustrations, 2023. A page from The Gift of Ayah graphic novel.

Yousef Sheikh, The Gift of Ayah, Graphic Novel, Digital illustrations, 2023. The front and back cover for The Gift of Ayah.

Yousef Sheikh, The Gift of Ayah, Character Design, Digital illustrations, 2023. The character designs represent people of diverse cultures in the setting of Qatar, Doha.

Yousef Sheikh

The Gift of Ayah

Graphic Design

"The Gift of Ayah" is a graphic novel that follows a group of Middle Eastern protagonists on a thrilling adventure that takes place in Doha, Qatar. The story unfolds as the group meets a new student named Nour only to find out she isn't all that she seems. They are faced with a dangerous enemy that tests the limits of their friendship, skills, and courage. Throughout the comic, the characters are portrayed as complex individuals with unique personalities, rather than relying on harmful stereotypes commonly associated with the region. With dynamic artwork and a fast-paced storyline, Ayah and her friends are able to show their individuality in their own way.