Alma Kamal

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Alma Kamal ("AK") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

AK : I got a BA in graphic design at The American University in Dubai, worked for a few years with different client. Then, I moved to San Francisco to get an MFA, and am currently working on some personal projects.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

AK : I actually because a designer by coincidence. The school I wanted to attend at the time didn't offer many programs, so I ended up stumbling into the magical world of graphic design. After that, I realized that that way my calling. I am most motivated to design when I look at amazing works from the past.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

AK : It was a random choice that turned into an all-consuming passion.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

AK : I mostly design editorials, that's where my passion lies. I've worked on many different angles of design, but books and magazines remain my favorite.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

AK : I think as a designer it's very important to have strong typography skills, those are the foundation of strong design.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

AK : Typography, passion and courage. You have to not be afraid to experiment and to break the rules and see how far you can stretch your design without breaking it.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

AK : Good design is priceless, it's also very rare. Good design can either ensure a company's rise or fall, it can also facilitate an emotional connection with a brand or a campaign. This is precisely why when companies struggle they invest in millions of dollars to rebrand or why other companies, no matter how known they are, still pour millions into ads everywhere.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

AK : Piet Zwart, Alexander Rodchenko, Wim Crouwel, Alan Fletcher... etc

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

AK : Perhaps a collector of vintage books.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

AK : Design is everything. There is not a single item you interact with on a daily base that wasn't designed by someone.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

AK : Research. It's important to do a thorough research in order to understand what you're dealing with, and also to make sure you don't create a design that already exists in the world.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

AK : Adobe Creative Suite, scanner, and printer. Those are the most basic tools generally needed.