We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Hassan Abdullah Taher ("HAT").
I was born and raised in Kuwait. I Graduated from the Lebanese University with a bachelors degree in Graphic Design and Visual Communications, Lebanon in 2012. I'm currently the Associate Creative Director at Kout Food Group, I was the former Social Media Manager at Memac Ogilvy, Kuwait from 2019 - 2022. I started off my career as an in-house graphic designer for an architectural firm and shortly after 2013, the world started shifting with the new technology and new platforms, towards digital and social media for marketing where I found an opportunity to grow and develop my skills in the social field. I have worked for a diversified clientele in various industries including governmental, entertainment, retail, architecture and F&B's. I also handle the social media account of the most prestigious landmark in Kuwait, Kuwait Towers since 2019. I also pursue my passion in photography and videography through my own personal social accounts and the clients I work for.
Hassan Abdullah Taher Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Hassan Abdullah Taher.
Hassan Abdullah Taher Design - Frozen Splash Artistic Photos
Hassan Abdullah Taher Design - Kayan 2022 Calendar
Designer Interview of Hassan Abdullah Taher:
DI: 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?
HAT : I was always drawn to art, from tracing cartoon characters for homework as a child to choosing arts in high school exams. My journey began formally with a graphic design degree from the Lebanese University in Lebanon in 2012, paving the way for my career.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
HAT : As the Associate Creative Director at Kout Food Group in Kuwait, I bring over a decade of experience in graphic design and social media management. My role encompasses enhancing communication and marketing strategies across the mother brand and multiple restaurant franchises within our portfolio. This position allows me to apply my expertise across various sectors, integrating innovative strategies to strengthen our brand presence and engage our diverse audience effectively.
DI: What is "design" for you?
HAT : To me, design is the science and art of solving problems and creating functional beauty. It transcends traditional art by applying aesthetics to solutions that meet specific user needs.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
HAT : I am particularly passionate about branding and visual identity projects because they allow me to delve deep into a brand’s ethos and craft a comprehensive aesthetic that resonates with their story and audience.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
HAT : One of my favorite projects is the comprehensive signage solution for the Galleria Food Court at The Avenues - Phase 3. This project skillfully combined functionality with aesthetic appeal, significantly enhancing navigation and visual engagement. Being my first major project, it holds a special place in my heart and marks a significant milestone in my career.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
HAT : In October 2011, I joined the team and was tasked immediately with creating a new Arabic typeface for the upcoming year calendar and greeting cards. This design was distinctly abstract and contemporary, positioning it ahead of its time and setting a new standard in design innovation across the company.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
HAT : I prefer digital platforms for their unmatched versatility, particularly the Adobe Creative Suite for graphic design tasks. Additionally, the advent of generative AI technologies has caught my interest for its groundbreaking potential and is definitely worth exploring further in our projects.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
HAT : My creativity is at its highest during team brainstorming sessions, where we come up with innovative ideas and unique solutions. I’ve noticed this often happens under tight deadlines. I’ve worked on improving how I handle deadlines and have made great progress, leading to a more efficient workflow.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
HAT : My focus is primarily on user experience and functionality, ensuring that every design not only looks good but serves its intended purpose effectively.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
HAT : Designing stirs a mix of excitement and challenge in me. It's about pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities, which is thrilling. Can be stressful but always fun!
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
HAT : Seeing my designs come to life brings immense satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment, particularly when they benefit the client's business or when I see the look on the face of the end-user. To celebrate the completion of a major project, I've made it a personal tradition to take the following day off. It's my way of treating myself to a brief respite after the intense effort involved and stress involved in the process.
DI: What makes a design successful?
HAT : A successful design effectively communicates the intended message, meets the users' needs, and enhances the overall brand experience.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
HAT : I first consider functionality and user engagement when judging a design. Aesthetics are important, but they must serve the design’s purpose.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
HAT : Designers have a duty to society and the environment to create sustainable and ethical solutions that contribute positively to our world.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
HAT : The design field is rapidly integrating with technology, moving towards more interactive and user-centered experiences. The future will likely see more virtual and augmented reality in everyday design.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
HAT : My most recent exhibition was in 2023 in Italy, where I participated in the A'Design & Competition Winners Exhibition. This prestigious event showcased my award-winning work, earning me both the Bronze and Iron awards, and celebrated my contributions to design innovation and excellence. While I currently have no exhibitions scheduled, I am actively working on a new project. I hope to share this exciting development with the public very soon.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
HAT : Inspiration comes from everyday life, cultural heritage, and continuously learning about new trends and technologies. Travel and reading also feed my creativity.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
HAT : My design style is characterized by its simplicity, modernity, and a sense of organized structure—which might seem atypical in the context of design and art. This 'organized chaos' reflects a deliberate approach where every element has a purpose and contributes to the overall harmony of the design. While I often draw inspiration from Arabic design elements, I integrate these only when they enhance the project's aesthetic and functional goals. I don’t force these elements; instead, I incorporate them naturally when they align with the design narrative. This method ensures that my work not only respects but also revitalizes traditional motifs within a modern framework."
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
HAT : I currently reside in Kuwait, where the rich cultural heritage deeply shapes my design approach. Growing up in this vibrant environment has enabled me to blend traditional Arabic artistic elements with contemporary global trends, creating a unique stylistic fusion that enriches my work. My upbringing in a culturally mixed setting has added significant diversity to my personal and professional life, fostering a deep appreciation for my heritage. This appreciation continually inspires me to innovatively integrate cultural motifs into modern designs, making them relevant and appealing internationally. The key advantage of this approach is the ability to produce distinctive designs that stand out in a competitive market. However, the challenge remains in balancing authenticity with modernity to ensure that my designs are accessible and resonate with a diverse audience.
DI: How do you work with companies?
HAT : I work closely with companies to thoroughly understand their vision and needs, ensuring that my design solutions align seamlessly with their business goals. By immersing myself in learning about the company's culture, challenges, and objectives, I can anticipate their needs more effectively. This deep understanding not only speeds up the design process but also ensures that the solutions I provide are both impactful and timely. My approach is proactive and focused on achieving results that not only meet but often exceed client expectations.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
HAT : Choose a designer not just for their style but for their ability to solve problems and communicate effectively. A good designer understands business just as well as art.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
HAT : My design process is comprehensive and iterative, beginning with extensive research to deeply understand the project's context and the needs of the target audience. This is followed by concept development, where ideas are generated and refined, and then prototyping, which brings these concepts to life for initial feedback. User testing is a critical phase that ensures the solution resonates well with its intended users. Additionally, I place a high value on my relationships with clients. I believe in being thorough and transparent, often educating them about the design process in a way that's easy to understand. This approach not only helps in solving their problems effectively but also in enhancing their appreciation of the design’s value. By guiding clients through this process, I help shift their perspective and enrich their understanding of what good design can achieve. This collaborative journey is key to creating solutions that are not only visually appealing but also strategically sound.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
HAT : My home features a collection of wall art, each piece telling a unique story, setting the tone for each room. I treasure my figurines and little souvenirs, scattered around my desk, which evoke cherished memories from my childhood. Several decor items throughout my space are handcrafted from recycled materials like glass bottles and frames, reflecting my commitment to sustainability in design. Among these, my absolute favorite item is Humbaba, a puppet I created during university. It holds a special place in my home and heart, symbolizing my journey in art and design.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
HAT : A typical day involves project meetings, design conceptualization, client consultations, and perhaps some hands-on design work or photography, balancing creativity with managerial responsibilities.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
HAT : For young designers venturing into the expansive universe of art and design, my advice is to stay deeply curious and continuously explore. Find your niche, discover what resonates with you, and then break rules and push the boundaries of conventional design. In this era, the most important thing is to provide the audience with an experience, share part of your professional life (work-wise) with them, sometimes maybe your personal life, whatever works best for you.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
HAT : The positive is getting to create every day and seeing your ideas impact the real world. The challenge is continually adapting to new technologies and trends.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
HAT : Always design with the end-user in mind. User-centric designs are not only more successful but more fulfilling to create.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
HAT : Creativity, empathy, technical skills, and business acumen are crucial. Designers must understand their audience as well as the technologies they use.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
HAT : I use a variety of tools from digital software like Photoshop and Illustrator to traditional sketching materials and modern devices like iPads and digital cameras.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
HAT : Effective time management is key. I prioritize tasks based on deadlines and complexity, using project management tools to keep track of all my responsibilities.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
HAT : Design projects can vary, from a few weeks for a logo to several months or even years for other projects, depending on the scope and client needs.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
HAT : The most common question I get is about balancing creativity with commercial goals. It’s about finding that sweet spot where design meets business.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
HAT : Throughout my career, each role has presented its unique set of challenges and contributed significantly to my development. However, my time at Memac Ogilvy stands out as especially transformative. It was a pivotal period that broadened my expertise in digital marketing and sharpened my strategic thinking. This role didn't just enhance my skills; it opened my eyes to new dimensions in marketing and profoundly influenced my approach to design and client strategies. It was during this time that I truly grasped the depth and impact of integrating digital solutions with traditional marketing.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
HAT : I've had the privilege of collaborating with several high-profile clients, including the Touristic Enterprises Company, owners of Kuwait Towers, the Ministry of Tourism in Georgia, the Iraq Fund, and the iconic Hamra Tower. Additionally, I work closely with Kout Food Group, managing branding across their diverse portfolio. My experience spans multiple sectors such as government, retail, food & beverage, medical, and consultants, each offering unique challenges and opportunities that enrich my professional journey.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
HAT : I find the most enjoyment in working on brands that have a rich backstory. These narratives provide a solid foundation from which I can draw inspiration and build a compelling visual story. This process allows me to deeply engage with the brand's essence and craft designs that encapsulate and amplify their core message.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
HAT : My immediate focus is on enhancing my interactive design skills and leading my team toward innovative solutions that have a tangible impact. At work, I am spearheading the creation of a new in-house design studio dedicated to our restaurant brands. This initiative not only involves reimagining these brands from a marketing perspective but also aligning them closely with contemporary design trends as part of our studio’s integration. These efforts are geared towards elevating our brand presence and ensuring a cohesive and dynamic market strategy.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
HAT : While I value the autonomy of working on designs individually, I firmly believe that teamwork is indispensable for achieving comprehensive and innovative outcomes. Over time, I've learned that 'one hand can't clap on its own'—collaborative efforts often yield richer, more effective results. Whenever possible, I actively engage in every stage of the design process, consistently contributing my insights and ideas to ensure that the final product benefits from a blend of perspectives.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
HAT : I am currently developing a new personal branding project, working on my portfolio and rethinking the marketing for several local restaurant brands, aiming to bring fresh perspectives to established names.
DI: How can people contact you?
HAT : People can reach me via email at hsn.taher@outlook.com or by phone at +965 97875247. I'm also active on all major social media platforms under the usernames "hsn.taher" or "clickedbyhsn", where I regularly engage with followers and share updates about my work.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
HAT : In addition to my professional endeavors, I have a profound passion for hands-on projects that allow me to blend various media and bring my designs to life in dynamic ways. From seeing my artwork transform from digital designs to physical installations like billboards and event setups, I revel in the process of creation from start to finish. One of my personal projects that I hold dear is the design of my own wedding card, to which I added a ribbon myself to give it a personal touch. I’ve also ventured into jewelry design, crafting necklaces, bracelets, and earrings with innovative designs that incorporate modern interpretations of Arabic calligraphy in an abstract style. Designing personalized gifts is another passion of mine, as these projects allow me to infuse emotion and individuality into each piece. This aspect of my work not only fulfills a creative desire but also strengthens the personal connection between my art and its recipients. Art and design have always captivated me, not just as professions but as profound means of expression that are endlessly versatile and deeply impactful. Their unpredictability and expressiveness never cease to amaze me, driving my continuous exploration and passion in this vast field.