By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, June 11: What began as a simple act of helping a friend quickly escalated into a turning point for 38-year-old airbrush artist Mohamed Shukur Mohamed, whose resourcefulness and dedication have earned him respect in his profession.
Mohamed Shukur recounted to DayakDaily an incident involving a friend who accidentally scratched the paint of a luxury motorbike at a showroom.
Determined to fix it, Shukur embarked on an extensive journey of trial and error, taking over eight months to perfect his technique with the right tools and research.
“Remarkably, it was a simple nail polish (enamel paint) that saved my day and solved the one-inch scratch,” he shared, adding that the emotional strain and frustration almost led him to give up.
His breakthrough came when an expert advised using enamel paint, commonly found in nail polish, for its fine detail work.
Initially hesitant about purchasing bulk quantities of enamel paint, Shukur found a practical solution through a friend during a martial arts training session.
He purchased nail polish from a local beauty care shop, mixed the colors, and achieved a nearly perfect result.
This successful repair not only relieved Shukur and his friend but also impressed the motorbike shop owner, who subsequently offered him more work.
“The eight months of self-teaching brought me to this level, and the rest is history,” he said.
Shukur’s passion for art, inherited from his parents who excelled in craftwork, fueled his career.
Starting in 2014, he registered his company in 2019, attracting more clients with his custom airbrush art.
His dedication to customer satisfaction and precise craftsmanship became the cornerstone of his business.
Now, Shukur can complete a customized project within a month, provided there are no last-minute changes from customers.
His commitment to quality has earned him accolades, including the Best Livery Design Award, Best Pick ‘Ada Gaya’ Award, and the Guest Best Pick Borneo Kustom Show Award at the 2023 Art of Speed Malaysia event.
Shukur, who also owns cruiser bikes, looks forward to the 2024 Art of Speed event in Serdang, Selangor, this July.
Among his esteemed clients are Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, members of the Sultan of Selangor’s family, a Shah Alam High Court Judge, and Toyota Gazoo racing helmet racers.
Reflecting on his journey, Shukur expressed gratitude and pride in his achievements.
“I can’t believe I had a silly start in this profession. I hope to expand my business, host events, improve my craftsmanship, and someday own my academy,” he said.
For more information, contact Mohamed Shukur at 011 1039 0205. — DayakDaily
