Interview with Mohammed Obaid

From an early age, I was captivated by visual storytelling. Magazines, cartoons, and illustrations sparked my imagination and made me see the world through color and form. I became actively involved in school art activities, and some of my large-scale canvases were proudly displayed in the hallways. After high school, I pursued a diploma in design and multimedia, which opened the door to the world of advertising. Later, I completed my degree in Marketing, which gave me a strategic foundation to complement my creative side. This combination of artistic passion and business insight shaped my path into branding and creative direction, a space where I could bring ideas to life, influence perception, and build visual narratives that truly resonate.

My top priorities are clarity, purpose, and emotional connection. I approach every project with strategic thinking first, making sure the design aligns with business goals. My style is clean, structured, and emotionally resonant. I often begin with hand sketches before moving to digital tools like Illustrator and Photoshop. While I embrace technology, I always try to keep the human element at the core of my process.

Designing fills me with focus, excitement, and a sense of purpose. The early stages, when ideas begin to form, are especially thrilling. There is a moment when a concept just clicks, and that rush is incredibly fulfilling. For me, design is both emotional and intellectual a balance between intuition and structure and each project brings a fresh sense of discovery.

Having a foundation in both marketing and art helped me approach design with both empathy and strategy. I also developed strong communication and storytelling skills, which are essential for connecting ideas to audiences. Being observant and culturally curious shaped my aesthetic sense, and working across industries taught me how to adapt my creativity to different needs and environments.

My current path is focused on launching a full-service advertising and branding agency. I want to build a team that combines strategy, creativity, and cultural relevance to help brands grow meaningfully. My dream project is to lead a global branding campaign that reshapes how people view a product, city, or culture. I hope to be remembered as a designer who brought clarity, emotion, and impact through design.

Focus on mastering the fundamentals and stay curious. Do not rush success, give yourself time to develop your voice. Learn to listen, to your mentors, to your clients, and to your own instincts. The best designers are lifelong learners. Also, do not take criticism personally, use it to grow. Stay humble, stay hungry, and keep showing up.

Always design with intention. Do not follow trends blindly, but understand them. Create with empathy, and remember that design is not just about beauty, it is about solving problems. Build strong ideas before perfecting execution. Be honest in your process, and generous with your knowledge. The more you share, the more you grow.

My day starts early with a gym session, followed by breakfast and coffee while reviewing my task list. Mornings are reserved for focused creative work, such as concept development, sketching, or design execution. Afternoons are for meetings, revisions, and communication. I end the day reading, journaling, or sketching for personal inspiration. Small creative rituals keep my mind sharp and grounded.

I stay updated through global design blogs, trend reports, and by observing cultural shifts across industries. While I value trends for context, I do not rely on them. My focus is on timeless ideas and clear storytelling. Trends may influence mood or tone, but strong design must stand on its own without depending on what's popular at the moment.

Good design is clear, purposeful, and emotionally engaging. It communicates without explanation and feels effortless to experience. I look for alignment between form and function, and whether the solution adds real value. When a design feels natural and leaves a lasting impression, that is when I know it works.

A design is ready when every element feels intentional and nothing feels forced or unresolved. I reach that point when further changes start to feel like overworking rather than improving. While there is always room for refinement, experience teaches you when to step back, trust the idea, and let it live. For me, readiness comes when clarity and confidence align.

One of my most significant projects was developing a full brand identity for a client aiming to merge cultural heritage with a modern audience. The process involved deep research, strategic thinking, and a visual system that could adapt across media. This project not only earned international recognition, but it also helped reposition the brand in the market. What made it special was the balance between storytelling, aesthetics, and business impact.

I admire designers who combine clarity with emotion. One of my favorites is Massimo Vignelli for his belief in timeless design and discipline in form. I also find inspiration in the philosophy of Dieter Rams, especially his focus on simplicity and function. Beyond individuals, I’m influenced by any designer who uses their craft to create meaning, not just visuals.

I live in Riyadh, where tradition meets rapid innovation. This contrast fuels much of my creative thinking. I’m deeply connected to my cultural roots, and I often draw inspiration from local stories, patterns, and symbolism. Music is part of my daily creative flow, especially during concept development. Design has taught me to notice the little things, and I’ve learned to carry that awareness into how I live, work, and think.

I believe in clarity, collaboration, and high standards. I lead with vision but remain open to ideas from others. I work both independently and with specialized collaborators when needed. When selecting partners or team members, I look for creativity, accountability, and a positive attitude. Good design starts with good people, and I value work environments built on trust, respect, and shared purpose.

I dedicate part of my time to supporting cultural and educational initiatives, especially those aimed at empowering youth and creative communities. I offer design support for causes I believe in, such as local heritage, education, and social impact. I also mentor emerging designers and participate in design platforms that promote knowledge-sharing. I believe design should contribute to society, not just business.

Winning the A’ Design Award has been a turning point. It gave my work global visibility, opened new professional connections, and provided credibility with potential clients. The recognition affirmed the value of strategic, purposeful design. I believe design competitions like this inspire continuous improvement and create a global dialogue around creativity. Being named Designer of the Day is an honor that motivates me to keep raising the bar.

Design is my language, my way of understanding and reshaping the world. What motivates me most is the power of design to influence how people think, feel, and connect with ideas. I became a designer not just to create beautiful visuals, but to craft meaningful narratives that bridge culture, business, and emotion. The process of turning abstract concepts into something tangible and impactful is endlessly fulfilling.

Becoming a designer was a conscious, natural choice. I was always drawn to visual forms of communication, from illustrations to typography. There was never a moment of being pushed into it, it felt more like design chose me. The passion started young and grew stronger with every project, challenge, and breakthrough. I followed that passion and shaped it into a career driven by curiosity, discipline, and purpose.

I primarily design brand identities, visual systems, and advertising concepts. What excites me most is crafting the strategic DNA of a brand, then translating it visually and emotionally. I’d love to design more culturally rooted projects that reflect heritage through a modern lens. I’m also interested in immersive brand experiences that combine physical and digital storytelling.

Master the fundamentals, stay curious, and remain patient. Great designers evolve over time. Learn to think beyond aesthetics, design is a tool for solving problems. Read, travel, observe, and always ask questions. Most importantly, stay true to your values and develop a point of view.

A good designer creates beautiful solutions. A great designer creates meaningful ones. Greatness comes from understanding context, culture, and people. It’s about empathy, depth, and the ability to lead with vision, not just skills.

Good design communicates clearly, feels intuitive, and leaves a lasting impression. A really good design aligns seamlessly with purpose, brand, and audience. It should look effortless but be deeply intentional.

Good design builds trust, tells stories, and shapes perception. It’s not decoration, it’s strategy. Investing in good design saves time, money, and confusion. It creates impact, clarity, and emotional connection.

I’d love to work on a national cultural identity project, something that connects heritage, tourism, and public space. Designing for a city or country is both a creative and social responsibility I’d embrace fully.

Creating a design-driven museum or creative space where history, design, and innovation meet. A physical place where branding and architecture tell a story together, open to the public as a learning and inspiration hub.

Discipline. Passion alone is not enough. Consistency, deep research, and treating every project with care make the difference. Also, listening carefully to clients, culture, and the unspoken.

Massimo Vignelli for clarity. Dieter Rams for purpose. Paula Scher for boldness. Tadao Ando for spatial poetry. I also admire contemporary creatives who merge tradition and innovation with respect and originality.

The NYC subway map by Vignelli, functional yet iconic. Muji product packaging minimalism with meaning. I admire works that strip away noise and keep only the essential.

A brand identity system I created that won the A' Design Award. It was rooted in cultural research and visual storytelling. What made it great was its balance between tradition and forward-thinking expression.

Stay open. Watch people. Listen more than you speak. Study not only design, but psychology, culture, and communication. I constantly read, sketch, write, and travel, these habits sharpen both instinct and intellect.

I might have become a filmmaker or a writer. Both are about narrative and emotion. I’m drawn to storytelling in all its forms.

Design is the process of making ideas visible and useful. It’s where logic meets emotion. It shapes how people understand, feel, and interact with the world.

Design is the process of making ideas visible and useful. It’s where logic meets emotion. It shapes how people understand, feel, and interact with the world.

Curiosity, obsession with details, and never settling for “good enough.” I always try to push further, even when no one else is looking.

Lack of resources early on, limited exposure to global design standards, and moments of self-doubt. But each challenge became part of the journey a reason to work harder and aim higher.

With context. Design without explanation is decoration. Tell the story behind the decisions, the problem you solved, and the impact it made.

I’m working on launching a branding agency that blends strategy, design, and storytelling. You can expect bold ideas, culturally inspired visuals, and creative leadership.

To leave behind work that speaks beyond trends, ideas and visuals that stay relevant, meaningful, and human.

People expect clarity, leadership, and vision. But I also believe they appreciate humility, honesty, and the ability to listen and evolve.

Design simplifies, clarifies, and inspires. It can make public systems more accessible, bring awareness to social issues, and make everyday life more beautiful and efficient.

I’m developing a cultural brand project that merges local heritage with modern expression. It’s a challenging and rewarding exploration of identity and meaning.

Projects where I had full trust from the client and a deep connection to the subject matter. Those are the moments where design flows effortlessly and impact-fully.

More respect for strategic thinking, fairer recognition for creatives, and better education systems that go beyond tools and focus on design thinking.

Toward integration between digital and physical, art and business, emotion and data. Designers will be problem-solvers, not just visual creators.

It varies by scale. A logo might take a week or two, while a full identity system can take several weeks. I believe in giving each stage the time it deserves.

I always start with questions. Why does this brand exist? Who is it for? What does it believe in? Then I move to research, strategy, and visual exploration.

Design with purpose. Create with honesty. Leave behind meaning.

Great design sets trends by solving problems in new ways. But it’s a dialogue trends reflect culture, and designers shape how culture evolves.

Technology is a tool, not the goal. It helps accelerate and enhance the process, but the idea always comes first.

Primarily Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. I also use pen and paper in the early stages. Simplicity and speed matter more than fancy tools.

Color sets mood, materials shape perception, and ambiance influences experience. These elements are not decorative they are strategic.

I wish they’d ask about the thought behind it, not just how it looks. Every element has a reason, and every design tells a story.

I wonder what challenge it solved, what story it tells, and how I can learn from it. Great design always leaves me curious.

Someone who brings a different but complementary perspective like a strategist, writer, or motion artist. Yes, I believe in co-design when the vision is shared.

Creative directors I worked with early in my career, and clients who trusted me fully. Their belief pushed me to go further and think bigger.

“Designing Brand Identity” by Alina Wheeler. “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek. And surprisingly, books on psychology and storytelling have shaped my thinking more than design manuals.

By doing the work. Over and over. I never stopped learning, asking questions, or refining my eye. Time, repetition, and passion are the best teachers.

Leonardo da Vinci. His ability to connect art, science, and human insight is endlessly inspiring.

Awards are affirmations, not the destination. They bring joy and open doors, but they also raise the standard. I take them as motivation, not pressure.

Color: Deep blue. Place: Jeddah by the sea. Food: Grilled seafood. Season: Autumn. Thing: My sketchbooks. Brand: Apple, for its clarity and vision.

Once, a client insisted that their logo should be “bigger and louder” on a radio ad. We both laughed when we realized what they had said. It reminded me that communication is everything.

A clear concept, a meaningful brief, and seeing the spark in a client’s eyes when an idea lands. That moment of connection keeps me going.

I was always drawing, cutting, building even before I knew what design was. Looking back, yes, it was written in the way I saw the world.

A thousand years from now, design will be invisible. It will be so deeply integrated into life that people will feel it more than see it. But its essence solving problems with meaning will stay the same.

Design is not just what I do, it’s how I live. I believe in the power of clarity, storytelling, and emotion. If my work has ever inspired, helped, or made someone pause and feel something then that is the real reward.

I work as a creative director and brand consultant. My focus is on creating brand identities, developing comprehensive design systems, and leading creative projects from concept to execution. I collaborate with clients from various sectors, offering solutions rooted in strategy, clarity, and storytelling.

Design, to me, is the bridge between an idea and its real-world impact. It’s how thought becomes tangible, how emotion is translated into visual form, and how brands find their voice in a crowded world. Good design is not just about aesthetics, it’s about solving problems, evoking feeling, and guiding perception with intention and precision.

I enjoy designing brand identities the most crafting a complete visual system that captures a brand's essence and makes it instantly recognizable. There’s a deep satisfaction in building a language that communicates a company’s personality and ambition through logos, typography, colors, and layout. I also enjoy the conceptual side of advertising campaigns, where strategy and creativity meet.

One of my favorite designs is the award-winning identity project I created for a brand that bridges tradition and innovation. It involved deep research, strategic narrative crafting, and a visual language that resonated across cultures. Winning the A' Design Award for this work was a proud moment not just for the recognition, but because it proved that thoughtful design can be timeless and universal.

The first professional design I created was a print advertisement. It was a simple layout, but it taught me the value of hierarchy, clarity, and how design needs to serve a message. It also showed me how exciting it is to see your work published and out in the world.

I enjoy working across digital platforms, especially those that allow for brand expression at scale, like web and social media. From a tools perspective, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop remain essential to my process, but I also appreciate the simplicity of pen and paper in the early concept stage.

I feel most creative during quiet, uninterrupted hours usually late at night or early in the morning. That’s when my mind is clear and ideas flow freely. Traveling or being exposed to different cultures or places also sparks new thoughts.

Clarity and meaning. I focus on how every element contributes to the message whether it's color, typography, or composition. Design should never feel forced; it should feel inevitable.

I feel a mix of excitement and responsibility. Design is not just a task, it’s a process of bringing something to life. There's joy in discovering the right solution and seeing it take form it feels like solving a visual puzzle with purpose.

When a design is realized and seen in its final form, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment and quiet pride. It is rewarding to know that something that began as an abstract idea is now functional and impactful. I also feel gratitude for the trust clients place in me to bring their vision to life.

A successful design communicates clearly, connects emotionally, and fulfills its purpose. It should be relevant, intuitive, and memorable, while also reflecting the brand’s personality and values. Success is also when the audience responds to it as intended.

I first look at clarity, function, and emotional impact. If the design solves the problem and feels effortless to interact with or understand, it is usually a strong piece. If it relies solely on decoration without substance, it often misses the mark.

Designers have a responsibility to create work that is ethical, inclusive, and conscious of its environmental impact. We influence perception and behavior, so our role includes promoting positive values and minimizing waste through thoughtful design.

The design field is becoming more interdisciplinary and integrated with technology. The future lies in human-centered, adaptive solutions that blend function, emotion, and sustainability. AI and automation will assist us, but the need for originality and empathy will remain at the core.

While most of my work is showcased in commercial and digital platforms, I am considering curating a personal exhibition that explores the intersection of branding and culture. It would ideally be held in a creative hub like Dubai or Jeddah within the next two years.

My inspiration comes from contrast, travel, cultural heritage, architecture, cinema, and everyday conversations. I also study design history and global trends to keep my mind open. Creativity is fed by curiosity, and I constantly explore new mediums and ideas.

My style is strategic, clean, and emotionally resonant. I aim for timelessness and clarity rather than trend-driven visuals. I explore ideas deeply before visual execution, ensuring each design has a clear concept and story behind it. Simplicity with depth is the core of my approach.

I live in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The cultural richness of the region deeply influences my design thinking, especially the balance between tradition and modernity. The fast-growing creative scene is a pro, but the limited exposure to design education in earlier years has been a challenge I worked to overcome.

I work closely with clients to understand their business, audience, and goals. I believe in a collaborative process that includes discovery, strategy, creative exploration, and refinement. Clear communication and trust are essential to producing meaningful results.

Companies should look for designers who understand both creativity and business objectives. A good designer listens well, asks the right questions, and can translate strategy into visual language. Portfolios reveal a lot, but so does the designer’s ability to collaborate and adapt. Trust and clarity in communication are key to a successful partnership.

My process starts with research and discovery to fully understand the client’s goals, audience, and industry context. From there, I move into conceptual development, sketching and testing directions before crafting the final design. Feedback loops are important at each step to refine the solution collaboratively.

A framed wall puzzle, a vintage camera, a minimalist floor lamp, a custom-designed coffee table book, and a framed typographic print. Each one reflects a balance of function and design.

My day begins early with a gym session to energize both body and mind. After that, I have a light breakfast followed by coffee and a quiet review of my task list. Mornings are reserved for deep work and creative exploration. Afternoons involve client meetings, revisions, or presentations. I usually wind down with reading or sketching ideas unrelated to work, keeping the creativity alive.

Stay curious, be patient with your growth, and focus on building both your eye and your thinking. Learn to take critique with humility and never stop studying the world around you. Your value is not just in making things look good, but in making them meaningful.

The positive is the freedom to express ideas and the joy of bringing abstract thoughts to life. The negative can be the pressure of constant reinvention and the occasional undervaluing of creative work in business settings. Still, the passion outweighs the challenges.

Never design without understanding the purpose. Every element must serve a reason and contribute to the bigger picture. Form should follow meaning.

Visual sensitivity, conceptual thinking, communication, adaptability, and a strong grasp of design principles. Empathy and curiosity are just as important as technical tools.

I rely on Adobe Creative Suite, especially Illustrator and Photoshop, I often sketch by hand in notebooks before jumping to screen. My inspiration library includes branding books, design blogs, and references from cinema and architecture.

I set clear priorities and break projects into stages with milestones. Time blocks for focused work help me avoid distractions. I also allocate time for feedback, rest, and creative breathing room so I can stay sharp and motivated.

It depends on the project’s complexity and scope. A simple logo might take a few days, while a full brand identity system can take weeks. I prefer not to rush the process, allowing time for research, exploration, and refinement.

Clients often ask, “How can we make our brand stand out?” It’s a question that goes beyond aesthetics and opens the door to strategic thinking. My answer usually involves a mix of clarity, authenticity, and consistency across all touch-points.

Leading the creative direction of a cross-cultural branding campaign for a major client was a defining moment. It tested my ability to balance strategy, culture, and creativity, and the results had long-lasting impact on the brand’s presence.

I have worked with a wide range of clients including government entities, real estate developers, FMCG brands, and tech startups. Each brings a unique challenge and learning opportunity.

I enjoy projects that involve creating or evolving a brand from the ground up. These allow for full creative immersion, from concept to execution, and often lead to the most satisfying results.

I plan to start a full-service advertising and branding agency that combines strategy, creativity, and cultural relevance. My goal is to build a strong team capable of crafting impactful brand identities and campaigns across industries. I'm also interested in mentoring young creatives and expanding my work through regional and international collaborations.

I usually lead the creative process myself, but I collaborate with specialists like copywriters, developers, or motion designers when the project requires it. This hybrid model allows flexibility without compromising quality.

Yes, I am currently developing a visual identity for a cultural initiative that aims to promote local heritage in a modern format. It is still in early stages but has the potential to be one of my most meaningful projects.

I can be reached via email at mobaid.creative@gmail.com or through my LinkedIn profile: linkedin.com/in/mohammedobaid

I believe design is a lifelong journey. Winning awards is an honor, but the real reward is in continuously evolving, learning, and leaving a meaningful mark through creative work.