Bridging Cultures Through Bilingual Branding
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Time to read 2 min
Table of Content
"I went to university to become an architect. It wasn't quite the same as being an artist, but I was still drawing designs and creating things. I really enjoyed it. (...) my background in architecture has a big influence on my work today."
Kinda Ghannoum, a Syrian-Polish graphic designer, has carved a niche for herself in the world of bilingual branding, particularly focusing on Arabic script. Her diverse background - born in Poland, raised in Syria, and now based in Belgium - provides her with a unique perspective that she brings to her design work and teaching.
From Architecture to Graphic Design
With a degree in Architecture from Damascus University and a Master's in Visual Arts from Sint Lucas Antwerpen, Kinda's journey into graphic design is unconventional yet impactful. Her architectural background influences her approach to design, giving her work a strong structural foundation.
Preserving Syrian Design Heritage
Kinda's connection to her Syrian roots is evident in her co-founding of the Syrian Design Archive, an initiative aimed at preserving and highlighting Syrian design for future generations. This project showcases her commitment to cultural preservation through design.
Syrian Design Archive
Domestika Course: Bilingual Branding with Arabic Signs
Kinda's expertise in bilingual branding, particularly involving Arabic script, is now accessible to aspiring designers worldwide through her Domestika course. The course, titled "Bilingual Branding with Arabic Signs," offers a comprehensive look at creating brand identities that bridge cultures.
Courtesy of Domestika.org
Course Structure:
Kinda's course is thoughtfully structured to guide students through bilingual branding. It begins with an introduction. Here, Kinda shares her background and influences. This sets the stage for the journey ahead.
The course then explores cross-cultural design. It covers the basics and introduces Arabic typographic styles. Students learn about general concepts in this field. They explore the anatomy and styles of Arabic typography. This gives them a foundational understanding of this rich visual language.
Next, the focus shifts to building an Arabic brand. Students learn the research process for cross-cultural projects. They practice concept sketching techniques. The course covers logo creation and visual identity definition. It also includes insights on poster creation.
As the course progresses, Kinda teaches presentation skills. Students learn to create mockups and prepare designs for social media. She provides guidelines for showcasing work on Instagram and Behance. These are essential skills in today's digital design landscape.
The course concludes with a final project. Students apply their new knowledge to create a bilingual brand identity. This identity incorporates Arabic signs. The project brings together all elements learned throughout the course.
Collect Kinda Ghannoum's Art Prints
Kinda Ghannoum
Kinda Ghannoum is a Syrian-Polish graphic designer renowned for merging her rich cultural heritage with artistic innovation.