Meet this 14-year-old influencer taking social media by storm
Shayaan Ali, a remarkable 14-year-old from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has captured the attention of social media with his influential presence. Despite his young age and academic commitments as a Class 8 student, Shayaan has amassed an impressive following of one million on Instagram. In an exclusive interview with wknd., Shayaan shares insights into his passion for art and the responsibilities that accompany his role as an influencer.
Hailing from Delhi, India, Shayaan moved to Riyadh at a young age, where he found solace and inspiration in sketching. With the support of his family, including his sister who assists him in creating videos, Shayaan embarked on his journey as a social media influencer. He began by sharing his sketches online at the age of ten, initially attracting followers who requested free sketches. Over time, Shayaan diversified his content to include motivational acts and Bollywood-inspired sketches, further enhancing his popularity.
Reflecting on a memorable encounter during the Covid pandemic, Shayaan recalls meeting Bollywood superstar Salman Khan in Saudi Arabia and presenting him with a sketch—an experience he describes as both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. When it comes to his approach to sketching, Shayaan emphasizes the importance of capturing the likeness of his subjects, whether through live sketching sessions or working from photographs.
Despite his burgeoning online presence, Shayaan remains committed to his studies, diligently balancing his academic responsibilities with his passion for sketching and content creation. He emphasizes the importance of responsible content creation, advocating against abusive or harassing material and striving to deliver positive messages through his platform.
Looking ahead, Shayaan expresses his desire to continue honing his skills in sketching, with aspirations to create hyper-realistic portraits of non-real personas. Despite his growing fame, Shayaan remains grounded, crediting his teachers for their ongoing support and maintaining a balance between his online endeavors and offline activities, including his love for cricket, football, and Indian cuisine.
As one of the few teenage influencers in the digital landscape, Shayaan aims to set a positive example for his peers, using his platform to inspire others and spread joy through his art and content. With unwavering determination and a commitment to excellence, Shayaan Ali exemplifies the potential of young individuals to make a significant impact in the world of social media and beyond.
By: Sahiba Suri
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