A BLACKBURN man has become an internet sensation after his creative Snapchat drawings gained him hundreds of followers from all over the world.
Sajjad Riaz started sending pictures on Snapchat in April and soon realised he had a talent for creating the unusual.
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The smartphone app allows users to send photographs to one another, with the option of drawing or writing over the top of their image.
The pictures disappear after just ten seconds, unless the receiver chooses to take a screenshot.
The 35-year-old civil servant has already built up a following of several hundred on the app, and takes the inspiration for his creations from everyday life.
One of his pictures featured Sajj wearing an army issue hard hat with goggles and a gas mask – he drew it after encountering a strong smell in his office.
His pictures are drawn with just his fingers – he doesn’t use a special stylo or any other specialist equipment favoured by graphic designers.
The talented artist also often draws cartoon characters, and previous creations include the Cookie Monster, Simba from the Lion King, and Darth Vader from Star Wars.Sajjad, who has a degree in designing cars, said: “After getting used to the app and messing around with it, I realised I could create a lot of detailed work.
“I then started to let my artistic side take over and started to create a whole new picture by drawing on to my phone.
“I took advantage of the whole colour palette including the ‘secret’ extra colours during my lunch at work and any spare time I had. I’ve always been creative, it’s just a case of getting it out there, I’m looking to get noticed.
“But I didn’t expect it to go as fast as it did, it’s gone a bit crazy.”
To follow Sajj on Snapchat, search for “saj_r”.
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