Mahin Hussain Artist Q+A
Posted by East End Prints on 11th Sep 2025
The East End Prints team is thrilled to be working with the amazing Mahin Hussain and we caught up recently for a chat! You can discover Mahin Hussain's East End Prints collection here.
Mahin, you may be new to some of East End Prints’ followers – tell us a bit about yourself and your journey into art?
My name is Mahin Hussain. I was born and raised in Pakistan, but am now based in London.
I graduated as a Textile Designer in 2002 in Pakistan and went on to work briefly in a textile mill before becoming a lead designer with a fashion designer. I went on to do a one-year long diploma in Fashion Accessories from the London College of Fashion in 2007 before returning to Pakistan to build my own bag label which I ran successfully for over a decade.
I left my career behind in Pakistan to migrate to the UK with my family in 2017. It took me a few years to find my feet, but I was finally able to kickstart my creative journey in 2021 in my new home.
In the last 4 years, my cultural background, Pakistan’s rich textile history and my childhood memories have been the guiding light for my work. I have always been fascinated by Pakistan’s truck art and find, it’s loud colours, bold imagery and shiny reflective stickers to be beautifully harmonious. Through my hand-painted artwork I strive to create deliberate, thoughtful patterns in riotous colours.
How would you describe your artistic and creative style?
I am a maximalist. In the words of Iris Apfel, ‘More is more, less is a bore!’
What was the first spark or idea that inspired this collection?
Bright colours evoke positivity, optimism and happy vibes. I have always found people at markets smile when they look at my work and I wanted to use that ‘Joy’ I saw as inspiration for my artwork. My ‘Joy’ design was the starting point for this collection.
Do you have a personal favourite design in the collection, and if so, what makes it stand out for you?
The "dream" print is my favourite from my collection. The tigers in the design echo the strength, power and courage needed to dream. I am a passionate dreamer myself and those hearts highlight how much I love the power of dreams to allow us to live out our ambitions.
Are there any interesting stories behind any of your designs you can share with us?
My artwork ‘Mama’ is a tribute to my own mother who I lost 6 years ago. The wings are a nod to her. She wore bright red lipsticks and I wanted to add some personal elements to make it ultra special.
How do you typically begin a new design – do you sketch, experiment, or dive straight in?
I have an archive of photographs from my visits to Pakistan that consist of colour palettes I find interesting, traditional motifs, architectural buildings and even old family pictures. Before starting each project, I go through my photographs looking for inspiration. Once I have a clear idea, I start sketching on paper. I paint with gouache and acrylic paints and once the artwork is finished, I scan the artwork. Final edits are made on the computer before it is ready for printing.
What role do materials, textures, or colours play in shaping this collection?
I am a textile designer with a love for print design. I lean on bright colours and patterns to express myself. For me, a sophisticated palette of strong saturated colours coupled with impactful artwork is critical to my style of work.
What do you most enjoy about seeing or hearing people’s reactions when they choose one of your prints for their home?
I think it is just such a privilege when someone chooses your artwork to be part of their personal space. I love how my art creates a bridge between me and others who experience my work.
Who or what outside the art world has had the biggest influence on you and how you create?
It was only after I moved to the UK in 2017 that I truly started appreciating my identity. My entire creative journey is about showcasing my background in the most authentic way. My Pakistani roots stay at the heart of all my work. At the same time, I am also a big fan of pop art and that also influences my work.
What does partnering with East End Prints mean to you as an artist?
I am excited by the prospect of being part of this great community of artists created by East End Prints. Through this partnership, my work will reach a wider audience and I hope more opportunities, so I can continue to create artwork that I am incredibly proud of.
