Many AAU students solicited drawing as a powerful outlet to process their emotions and  life’s experiences, entrancing a vital pathway to mental well-being and self-expression.

For many arts pursuers, drawing began as a leisurely passtime,  but the hobby evolved into something far greater– a lifelong passion and a means to define themselves.

“It’s always been a part of my life, I think. I started liking drawing when I was in primary school because it was fun and seemed cool. Then, later on, I rediscovered my passion for art”, Soffia Miroshnychenko AAU first-year student, Soffia Miroshnychenko, said.

Photo by AAU Flickr

The act of drawing often embodies more than just a creative process as it gradually transforms  also an emotional journey. The experience of transferring thoughts and feelings onto paper could bring a sense of accomplishment and relief to many stressed-driven scholars.

“Since I draw for my tattooing career, it’s not always fun. But when I create designs I like, I feel happy and accomplished,”  AAU second year student Nehir Erdogan said, elaborating on the challenges of balancing producing arts for fun and for money. 

Whether as a hobby, a career, or a therapeutic activity, the art of healing through drawing is accessible to all. 

“It helps me relax after long, stressful days,” Miroshnychenko said. “It’s okay to make mistakes [in drawing]; that’s how we all learn.”