A mockup room with an 18 in. x 24 in. charcoal and pastel, resembling Mount Rushmore but with different faces, a sunset background, and a dragon and black panther silhouette symbology.

New and exclusive art is available for purchase. Just click on the image above to shop.

Order custom portraits today!

At Maarifa’s Portraits, we specialize in custom artwork that reflects the unique stories and identities of our clients. When you choose to purchase custom work, you're not just investing in a piece of art; you're collaborating with a talented artists who is dedicated to bringing your vision or photography to life.

To get started, simply reach out to us with your ideas or inspiration, and we'll guide you through the process. Be prepared to send us clear photographs of the person(s) that you would like to have drawn. We emphasize quality craftsmanship and use the best materials to produce authentic art. Each custom piece is tailored to fit your style and space, making it a true representation of you and your values. Embrace the opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind artwork that supports Black-owned artistry and fosters community. Let's create something beautiful together!

A person holding a framed pencil drawing of a seated individual with tattoos, in front of a wall with black and white artwork.
A charcoal portrait of a smiling child with beaded hair next to a color photo of the same child standing outdoors. Three colored pencils and a ruler are placed nearby on a brown surface.
A mockup of an 18 in. x 24 in. graphite and pencil drawing called Ebony Ecstasy.

At Maarifa's Portraits, we believe in the power of community and teamwork. We’re happy to announce a limited-time sale that showcases our commitment to working together and supporting each other. This effort highlights our personalized way of connecting with clients, focusing on finding solutions that benefit everyone. As a proud Black-owned family business, we invite you to explore our unique, handcrafted portraits that capture identity and heritage.

Instagram QR code for @MAARIFAS_PORTRAITS with Instagram logo
You start off doodling on a piece of line or copy paper, and then, one day you have pieces that are the size of house walls. I’m not quite there yet, but the wall size pieces are around the corner 😁 #artist #motivation #keeppushing #doyou #fyp
Fundraising goal. At Maarifa Portraits, every purchase you make transforms into a powerful contribution toward our future goals. When you choose to invest in our custom work, you're not just receiving a unique creation; you’re also helping to u
When men begin to politic, lines get drawn. Some or going to choose sides, some will straddle the fence, and others will bury their heads in the sand, exclaiming that they don’t want anything to do with the political drama.🎭 A good brotha once
Bob Marley 11 in. x 14 in. charcoal and pastel on Bristol, remix. Available for purchase now at www.maarifasportraits.com. #artistic #fyp #bobmarley #customorder #chooseyourinspiration
The objective of this 23 in. x 29 in. piece is to transform the original International Blunt Funk Compilation album cover design, into my own version of it rendered in handcrafted art form, without changing it’s originality. Stepping outside my
Undertaking an all-charcoal life-like portrait for the first time. I think I just have a knack for this, people 🤷🏽 👌🏽
I’ve always been a multitasking, jack-of-all-trades type of brotha. This is one of a few projects I’m working on right now, taking my time with this special gift. #special #artis #fyp #oneofakind #famous #popular
Commission-job opportunity. Contact me for more details. Email:art@maarifasportraits.com or call: 510-272-7342

Transform your cherished moments into stunning artwork that speaks to you! At Maarifa Portraits, we specialize in taking your beloved photographs or images and turning them into unique custom pieces tailored for your home, office, or as thoughtful gifts for your loved ones.

Imagine seeing your favorite memories beautifully captured and displayed, bringing warmth and personality to any space. Whether it's a family gathering, a breathtaking landscape, or a moment of joy, we'll work closely with you to create a piece that reflects your vision and style.

Your ideas deserve to be showcased, and it would be our pleasure to bring them to life in a way that resonates with you. Let's collaborate on a project that is not only visually stunning but also holds special meaning. Reach out today and let's create something extraordinary together!

What We Offer:

  • Custom Portraits: Each artwork is tailored to reflect your individuality, created with great attention to detail and a deep understanding of your vision.

  • Maarifa’s Art Gallery: View gallery and choose from exclusive, hand-drawn portraits and landscapes that you will find nowhere else on the planet. Be the first to own an authentic, original piece from Maarifa himself.

  • Collaborative Development: While I handle the vision and design, I collaborate with a network of talented family and friends who aid in the development process. This collaboration allows us to offer high-quality portraits with a diverse range of artistic influences.

Why Choose Us?

  • Personalization: Every portrait is a reflection of your story, crafted uniquely for you.

  • Quality Assurance: We uphold high standards in both artistic and technical execution.

  • Creative Collaboration: The fusion of my design expertise with the skills of other talented creators enriches every project.

Explore the world of custom portraits with Maarifa's Portraits. Your vision deserves to be captured in a way that's as creative as you are!

Realistic pencil drawing of a person sitting with arms wrapped around their knees. The person has a tattoo of the word "CASTRO" on their arm, wears a necklace, and has a ring on their finger. Signed by the artist Maarifa.
Black and white portrait drawing of a person resting their head on their knees with "CASORO" tattooed on their arm, framed and signed by the artist Maanja Alea.
A framed portrait drawing of two individuals. The person at the bottom is wearing a necklace, rings, and a watch, holding their hands near their face. The top half features another person in a shaded, contemplative pose looking downward. The artwork
Pencil drawing of a young child wearing a beanie and a plaid shirt.
Black and white pencil drawing of a young child wearing a beanie and jacket, framed and set against a textured background.
Black and white pencil portrait of a smiling girl with long hair, wearing a necklace and earrings. Artist signature at the bottom right.
Graphite drawing of a person lying on the ground, head resting on an arm, with long hair cascading down, and a hand gently placed on their back.
Two person portrait
A split image showing a young girl with braided hair and a pink shirt on the left, and a pencil sketch of the same girl on the right.
Pencil drawing of a man in a suit with the phrase "Let us banish fear."
Pencil sketch of a young child with hair styled in small buns, wearing a long-sleeved shirt, leaning on a surface with colorful blocks or drawings.
Pencil drawing of a person with short braided hair, wearing a hoodie featuring star patterns. They have a subtle smile and the drawing is signed in the bottom right corner.
Side-by-side comparison of a photograph and a pencil drawing of a person wearing a space-themed hoodie, posing against greenery.
Pencil portrait of a smiling child with braided hair and beads in frame, next to a smaller photo of the child in a coat standing on steps.
Pencil drawing of a young girl next to her photo with colored pencils and a ruler on a table.
Pencil drawing of a woman with long hair and detailed facial features, wearing a buttoned top.
Drawing of a person singing passionately into a microphone with raised hand, wearing a headscarf, hoop earrings, and multiple bangles.
Charcoal portrait of a smiling person wearing a beanie and denim shirt with abstract black paint splatters in the background.

Experiments and developments

We envision a future where creativity meets healing. We plan to invest in an art studio dedicated to teaching art and drawing lessons as a therapeutic workshop, offered free of charge to youth in need of support and mentorship. This initiative will not only provide a safe space for self-expression but also foster personal growth and community connection. Our commitment to enhancing lives through art aligns seamlessly with my current work in developing a generative live visuals system for online artists. Eventually, I plan to offer free online classes to the youth, teaching them the fundamentals of art/drawing. Together, we can create an environment that nurtures creativity and supports our youth in their journeys. If this vision speaks to you, we welcome your thoughts and collaboration. Contact us at the information privided below, and be sure to follow us on Instagram: @maarifas_portraits.

— Maarifa

Contact

Contact

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!

A man in a black hoodie and jeans walking past a mural on a street wall. The mural features a portrait of Frances Cress Welsing with accompanying text below the image.