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Interview with Suraya Chami |
Home > Designer Interviews > Suraya Chami |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Suraya Chami (SC) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Suraya Chami by clicking here.
FS: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
SC: I am a Lebanese graphic designer with a passion for creativity and visual communication. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, I have established myself as a dedicated professional with a proven track record of success. My journey as a designer began in 1999, 8 years after the Lebanese civil war ended, having a risky childhood and a lack of accessibility to many natural elements of life, I found myself eager to study and learn at a young age and this is when I started honing my skills and exploring the world of graphic design. While pursuing my education, I simultaneously ventured into the professional realm, working in various companies where I had the opportunity to apply my knowledge and showcase my abilities. I am driven by a deep desire to express myself creatively. Design provides me with a platform to unleash my artistic talents and transform ideas and concepts into visually captivating creations. I find immense joy and fulfillment in the process of bringing imagination to life. Design is a powerful tool for communication and storytelling. I am motivated by the ability to convey messages, evoke emotions, and tell engaging stories through visual elements. Striking the right balance between aesthetics and effective communication is a constant challenge that I am passionate about. I had the wonderful opportunity to become a graphic designer at 19 years old, with my love for art and computer skills I went through intensive trainings in the graphic design world from concept creation to sketching to printing production to quality control to final hard copy (the digital wave came afterwards). It was an amazing experience and I loved every minute of it. I worked on Mac G2, using disks then cds then dvds with the then new imac.. I realized then that design was my calling.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
SC: I am a freelancer and as a designer, I immerse myself in the design process, from researching and gathering insights to brainstorming, sketching, and refining concepts. I consider every detail, from color choices and typography to layout and composition, ensuring that each element harmoniously contributes to the overall design.
FS: What is "design" for you?
SC: Design, for me, is a creative outlet where I can bring ideas to life and make a meaningful impact through visual expression. It is a process of problem-solving, where I use my skills, knowledge, and artistic sensibilities to communicate messages, evoke emotions, and enhance user experiences.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
SC: I really enjoy designing logos and food products. For me, there's a unique joy in creating a visual identity that captures the essence of a brand or a product. Logos serve as the face of a brand, and I find the challenge of distilling its personality and values into a single, memorable symbol exhilarating.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
SC: Ibrahim Achkar logo: A very personal project, the challenge was to come up with a meaningful relevant logo to Dr. Achkar this is why the focus was on his 3 initials I, Y, and A the result is a successful sleek elegant logo which can be adapted to any kind of communication visual.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
SC: Baby shampoo
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
SC: IMac, Macbook pro and Adobe (Illustrator, Photoshop and Indesign)
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
SC: Surrounding myself with sources of inspiration, such as art, nature, music, or books, tends to ignite my creativity. Exposure to different perspectives, aesthetics, and ideas fuels my imagination and helps me generate fresh and innovative concepts.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
SC: Understanding the purpose and message of the design is paramount. I delve into the core objectives and desired outcomes of the project, ensuring that the design aligns with the intended message and effectively communicates it to the target audience.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
SC: Designing evokes a mix of emotions for me, ranging from excitement, frustration and inspiration to focus, pride and satisfaction. It's a dynamic and ever-changing process that keeps me engaged and constantly seeking new ways to express my creativity and bring meaningful designs into the world.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
SC: When I complete a design project that I'm proud of, there's a deep sense of accomplishment. Seeing the final result, knowing that I've poured my creativity, skills, and passion into it, brings a great sense of pride. It's a reminder of the impact I can make through design and the value I can create for clients or users.
FS: What makes a design successful?
SC: A successful design clearly communicates its intended message or information to the target audience. It effectively conveys the desired emotions, ideas, or instructions, ensuring that the intended message is understood and resonates with the viewers.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
SC: I assess the visual impact of the design. Does it catch my attention? Does it evoke emotions or create a memorable impression? Strong visual elements, such as striking color choices, compelling imagery, or well-executed typography, contribute to the overall impact of a design.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
SC: The responsibilities of a designer extend beyond the aesthetics and functionality of a design. They encompass considerations of ethics, inclusivity, sustainability, social impact, and empathy. By embracing these responsibilities, designers can use their talents to create positive change, improve lives, and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
SC: The future of design holds exciting possibilities. We can expect increased integration of technology in design processes, such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. Designers will play a crucial role in shaping user experiences, addressing complex challenges, and driving innovation across industries
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
SC: As a designer, my golden rule is to strive for simplicity and clarity. I believe that simplicity is the key to creating designs that are intuitive, memorable, and timeless. By eliminating unnecessary complexity and focusing on clear communication, I can ensure that my designs are easily understood and resonate with the audience. Simplicity allows for a seamless user experience and enhances the visual impact of the design. It involves thoughtful consideration of elements such as layout, typography, color palette, and overall composition. By adhering to this golden rule, I aim to create designs that are not only visually appealing but also effective in conveying their intended message with clarity and elegance.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
SC: I develop my designs myself and I outsource when the required project needs additional design skills that I am not excellent in doing such as video creating and editing.
FS: How can people contact you?
SC: surayachami@hotmail.com
FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
SC: As a mother of three, a freelancer, and a strong advocate for woman empowerment, I have embraced the power of balancing multiple roles and pursuing my passions. I believe that being a mother should never limit a woman's aspirations, but rather serve as a source of inspiration and strength. Through my freelance work, I have seized the opportunity to create my own path, showcasing my skills, talents, and expertise. I have embraced the flexibility and autonomy that freelancing offers, allowing me to prioritize my family while pursuing my professional goals. As a woman in a competitive industry, I am determined to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and empower other women to do the same. I am passionate about supporting and uplifting fellow women, encouraging them to embrace their unique talents, pursue their dreams, and overcome any obstacles they may face. I firmly believe that every woman has the power to achieve greatness, whether as a mother, a freelancer, or any other role she chooses to embrace. By harnessing our collective strength, supporting one another, and celebrating our achievements, we can create a society where every woman feels empowered, valued, and capable of reaching her full potential.
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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