Interview with Sara Mansour

I am currently associated with Drive Dentsu a marketing and communication network servicing the MENA region. As part of the Dentsu Global Network. Working with clients such as: Lexus, Toyota, Bridgestone, & Jumeirah.

I believe that design and the arts are the clearest form of communication. As Frederick R. Weisman once said: "I don't think there is anything that communicates better than art. It is quicker than language and clearer than philosophy”.

Illustration & branding.

“Drive-by Shooting: April Greiman Digital Photography”. For the last 20 years, April Greiman has been taking pictures filled with motion while sitting inside a moving car; and from that she created a magnificently moving video called ‘Drive-by Shooting’ (the imagery presented in the video were also exhibited in several galleries). Her purpose behind the images was to display the qualities of digital photography by revealing new kinds of form, composition, space, and time. As described in her ideology, “I now use digital cameras, not just as a source of imagery but as a gateway to yet another dynamic process hidden within the dna of the computer. Natural energy is transformed into images via the camera lens, these images are then transformed into pixels – into a parallel landscape of transformative digital energy. Grass becomes fur, solids become transparent, light becomes volume, an instant becomes an object of extended study. Material objects dematerialize into semi-transparent blurs in which foreground and background lose their former identity. In contrast, immaterial qualities of pure light and color take on unexpected substance and become ‘objects’ in their own right — streaks and washes of color develop an almost painterly presence equal to

Tush Fush 2, a new addition to the original Tush Fush caricature book. This book displays the works and biographies of 8 Arab illustrators.

Adobe Illustrator.

At noon (during work hours) and at midnight (alone time for personal illustrations).

Research and concept generation.

A certain thrill and self-fulfillment.

Excitement and gratefulness.

Solid concepts and aesthetically appealing visuals (based on the target audience).

Is it the right design for the brand and its target audience.

To also work with clients that giveback to society and the environment, such as ALJ- Abdul Latif Jameel Co. Ltd and SEDCO.

Last exhibition was held in 2013, Vision Senior Year Graphic Design Exhibition at Dar Al Hekma College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Hopefully, my next exhibition will be held at Broletto di Como, Como, Italy for the The A’ Design Awards exhibition of winning designs.

Reading books, watching movies, going through design websites and blogs, attending exhibitions, and meeting new people and most importantly designers.

Even though I am mostly known for my illustrative style of portraits, collaging, and rough sketching, my professional work has a life of its own. I strive to create diverse work through research and concept generation by solidifying the end result that encircles the myriad fields of graphic design, hoping to achieve my sense of purpose of becoming a well-rounded graphic designer.

I live in Saudi Arabia. As a Saudi living in Saudi Arabia, my cultural heritage greatly affected my design style from the preferred choice of language to the sense of humor that is incorporated in my personal designs. But of course, at this day and age no one can’t deny the influence of globalization and pop culture.

I work in a company called DriveDentsu as a graphic designer.

Based on their portfolio. As the presented work of the designer should speak on his/her behalf.

1.Read the brief. 2.Understand the client and brand. 3. Research (target audience, existing products) 4. Write notes 5. Create basic sketches. EXTRA STEP (6. Discuss with design team) 7. Produce 3 options. 8. Create a presentation. 9. Write a strong rational on all 3 directions. 10. Meet or send to client.

Adobe illustrator, pencil, sketchbook, Wacom tablet (sometimes), MacBook Pro.

I wake up everyday at 8 in the morning, take a 50-minute ride to work. As soon as I arrive, I turn on my computer and let it load while drinking a cup of tea. Work until 1 pm, go out for lunch with my colleagues (or work if there are any tight deadlines). Comeback at 3 and continue work. At 6:30-7 pm I go home and spend some quality time with my family until 10:30-11 pm. From then on I finally have some alone time to either watch missed shows, continue reading a book, or create personal illustrations that I usually end up posting on my instagram account.

Research, research, research! Work hard and believe in yourself.

Research, concept generation, and knowing your target audience.

By attaining the priorities first, and also maintaining a time based schedule of course.

It depends on the client, the brief, and the requirements.

Do you have to be a good illustrator to become a graphic designer?

During my internship as a student. Working on a project that took more of an artistic venture that our usual corporate design root. Creating multiple branding applications of Souk Okaz 6, an annual poetic and political platform where Arabs gather in the city of Taif.

Previous clients:
Souk Okaz, Khotwa Magazine,
Branding Garnish Restaurant, Tosh Fosh Caricature
Book, Mohammed Monassar Alesa, Saudi Aramco.

Current clients:
Lexus, Toyota, Daihatsu, SEDCO,
Virgin Megastore, Money Gram,
ALJ- Abdul Latif Jameel Co. Ltd.
Dar Al Tamleek, Barakat Jewellery.

I usually enjoy working on various types of designs to help me learn more and keep me motivated.

To gain as much work experience as possible before getting into a masters programme.

Varies depending on the project.

Working with Abdul Latif Jameel Auto Equipment Co. in launching a new mobility brand in Saudi Arabia. The launch will be a corporate social responsibility initiative under Abdul Latif Jameel targeting the handicapped. Utilizing the most prominent social media channels as a platform to inspire handicapped citizens by sharing their life stories and accomplishments, creating their own community filled with support and a sense of belonging. To inspire other handicapped individuals and their families to be optimistic and supportive. Also, giving perspective and inspiration to non-handicapped citizens who lost sense of purpose, giving them the ultimate motivation boost.

Through email: info@saramans.net