Tamer El-Menyawi

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Tamer El-Menyawi ("TE") 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?

TE : I have been working in the graphic design field for 25 years (since 1998) and have a bachelor's degree in media. From 2002 to 2015, I owned an advertising agency that served a large number of companies and entities in various fields, including some multinational companies. My client list includes success stories spanning from Egypt, the Gulf countries, and Turkey to the United States and several European countries such as the UK and Germany.

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

TE : Since childhood, I have had a passion for art and creativity in various fields. During my teenage years, I played heavy metal music and dreamed of being a film director at the same time. Then I discovered my talent for graphic design and pursued this field.

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

TE : Of course, I chose this path willingly when I discovered my ability to design and come up with new and crazy ideas.

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

TE : In the beginning of my career, I specialized in multimedia designs, but I was also fascinated by visual identities and other related designs.

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

TE : Young designers should focus on developing themselves artistically and scientifically. They should expose themselves to exceptional visual stimuli and never stop learning. They should blend art, innovation, and the scientific foundations of design. Continuous learning is essential.

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

TE : The ability to blend innovation, exceptional ideas, and the artistic principles and foundations of distinguished artistic design is crucial.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

TE : As I mentioned before, in my opinion, evaluating a design is related to the extent of innovation, creativity, and new ideas combined with the artistic principles and foundations of good design.

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

TE : Design is the gateway to the acceptance of the target audience for a product, service, or message. Design determines the impression and level of acceptance of the target audience. Psychologically, based on this impression, the target audience will position you in a certain place among your competitors.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

TE : My secret recipe is to maintain a dedication to learning and development, and to embrace visual nourishment. to consistently endeavor to link innovation and creativity with the science and theories of art.

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

TE : The legendary graphic designer Massimo Vignelli, the Italian guru who represents minimalism, precision, and the use of grid systems, Paul Rand and his clean lines and David Carson who represents the grunge style of graphic design in the 1990s.

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

TE : Design, for me, is a creative problem-solving process that combines aesthetics, functionality, and purpose. It involves visually communicating ideas, messages, and concepts through various mediums such as graphics, typography, images, and layout. Design is not only about making things visually appealing but also about achieving specific objectives, evoking emotions, and enhancing user experiences.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

TE : My ultimate goal as a designer is to create meaningful and impactful experiences through visual communication. I want to leave a lasting impression and make a positive difference in the world through my work.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

TE : As an esteemed designer, people expect me to deliver exceptional quality and creativity in my designs. They expect me to have a deep understanding of design principles, trends, and techniques. They anticipate that my work will be innovative, relevant, and aligned with their needs and goals.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

TE : In the coming years, I would like to see a greater emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices within the design industry. I believe it's crucial for designers to prioritize environmentally friendly materials, responsible production methods, and inclusive design practices.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

TE : The design field is constantly evolving and adapting to new technologies and trends. In the future, I believe we will see a continued integration of design with emerging technologies such as virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

TE : The timeline for finalizing a design project can vary depending on its complexity, scope, and specific requirements. Some projects may be completed within a few days, while others can take several weeks. It's important to allow sufficient time for research, ideation, iteration, and client feedback to ensure a well-executed and refined final design.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

TE : Design and trends often influence each other in a cyclical manner. Design has the power to set new trends by pushing boundaries and exploring innovative concepts. At the same time, trends in society, culture, and technology also shape design by influencing the aesthetics, preferences, and expectations of the audience. It's a dynamic relationship where both design and trends inspire and inform each other.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

TE : Technology is playing a significant role in design nowadays. It enables designers to explore new possibilities, enhance efficiency, and create innovative solutions. Advancements in technology have opened doors to new design fields such as user experience (UX) design, interaction design, and motion graphics, allowing designers to create more immersive and interactive experiences.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

TE : Color, materials, and ambiance are vital elements in design that contribute to the overall impact of a project. Color choices evoke specific moods, communicate messages, and create visual harmony or contrast. Materials selection influences the sensory experience of a design, conveying qualities such as durability, luxury, or sustainability. While ambiance, including lighting and spatial arrangements, sets the tone and atmosphere, influencing how people perceive and interact with a designed space.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

TE : I wish people would ask about the story behind my design and the thought process that goes into creating it. I think understanding the intention and inspiration behind a design can deepen the appreciation and connection people have with it.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

TE : When I see a new great design or product, I am filled with admiration and inspiration. I appreciate the attention to detail, the innovative thinking, and the seamless execution. I analyze the design elements, the user experience, and the overall aesthetic, trying to understand the choices made by the designer.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

TE : If I could meet and talk with anyone, regardless of time and space, I would love to engage in a conversation with legendary graphic designer Massimo Vignelli. His minimalist and timeless designs have left an indelible mark on the industry. I would be fascinated to hear his insights, learn from his experiences, and discuss the principles that guided his design philosophy. Such a conversation would be an invaluable source of inspiration and wisdom.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

TE : Receiving awards and recognition is truly humbling and validating. It's a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion I have put into my craft. While it is gratifying to be acknowledged for my work, I believe it's important to stay grounded and continue striving for growth and improvement.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

TE : A great day as a designer is when I can see the impact and positive response to my work. When I receive positive feedback from clients expressing how my design has made a difference or exceeded their expectations.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

TE : When I was a child, everyone expected me to become a famous football player. I had exceptional talent, but due to circumstances beyond my control, I had to quit the game. Personally, at that time, I couldn't imagine myself as anything other than a famous football player :)

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

TE : Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who has helped me reach this position. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my beloved wife for her continuous support and dedicated effort in providing me with the best means to effectively perform my job. To my fans, I want to express my deep gratitude for their support and appreciation of my work. Their enthusiasm and engagement motivate me to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new creative avenues. I hope that my designs would always inspire them, evoke emotions, and spark curiosity.