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July 18, 2017
A Whole Other World

If you’re a fan, like me, of comics and the related games and movies they inspire, you will undoubtedly have heard of, if not visited, Comic-Con. These conventions are held in major cities around the world and gather fans by the tens of thousands.

Comic Con 2017

Obviously, a major marketing tool for the industry they are also an opportunity for us, the aficionados, to immerse ourselves in the fictitious worlds we love, often dressing as our favourite hero (or villain) for the day and bringing the character to life along with our alter ego.

Dubai’s annual gathering, The Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC), held at the Trade Centre over 3 days in April, is now the biggest popular culture event in the region. I have been attending since the beginning in 2008 and the growth of interest and participation has been phenomenal.

Being such a youthful cauldron of nationalities and cultures, Dubai’s version offers a mixture of people which is probably unique in the world, all drawn by a common enthusiasm. That makes it truly fascinating. You have Batmen, Hulks, Spocks and Wonder Women from every corner of the earth.

Bushra at Comic Con_003For this year’s visit, I became a fully made up character of my own creation in the Japanese Manga style. I have loved manga comics since my teenage years, drawn to their detailed illustration, depth of character and life simulating story lines.

Having always enjoyed illustrating and drawing, I am inspired by the artists behind these comics and characters. Studio Ghibli, based in Tokyo, is a favourite, making incredible films for huge global audiences (and profits).

I am extremely happy to say that illustration has now become part of my professional life and I can create scenes and characters that communicate and influence on behalf of our clients.

For a unique spectacle of creativity visit Comic-Con in 2018. I’ll be there but you probably won’t recognise me.

 

Bushra Laota – Graphic Designer at Zaman

April 16, 2014
If you were a building

If you were a building which building would you be?

We recently came across a piece of work, which grabbed our attention.

Federico Babina, an illustrator based in Barcelona, has produced a series of beautifully illustrated and plausible architectural structures, as if several well-known artists had created them. The fun part is that we can recognize the artist (depending on how much time we have spent roaming the museums and galleries of the world) through these caricatures even in a medium they never used.

The work shows how the artists, such as Picasso, Lichtenstein, Dali and Warhol, managed to create unique styles so defined over time that they are easily recognizable through their colours, tones, textures, shapes, structures, scale etc.

In turn, we project all that we know of the artist’s character and nuances on to it. Then, by asking ‘What type of building would I be’, we choose our preferences and use them to reflect how we want the world to regard us.

We like the clear comparison with the branding process.

Consistently and creatively using the elements of a brand’s visual identity system will create the recognition, understanding and engagement with the target audience and let them use the brand to reflect themselves in their own world.

That’s a powerful and valuable relationship to be part of. Take a look for yourselves. Federico’s work can be seen here.

April 10, 2014
Not Your Everyday Project

Not Your Everyday Project

Here at Zaman we are used to branding challenges of all types and sizes, but recently we embarked on a truly unique project.

Working with the team from The Dubai Mall, we were briefed to create a brand and the collaterals for the exhibition of a dinosaur, a huge 80 ft long, 25 ft high, 5 tonnes, Diplocus dinosaur (http://www.thedubaimall.com/en/Entertain/The-Dubai-Mall-Dinosaur.aspx).

Bought and shipped from the Museum of Houston in the US, the permanent exhibit now gracing the Mall’s main entrance atrium is one of the most complete dinosaur fossils ever discovered. In keeping with The Dubai Mall’s approach of providing unique and world class experiences the exhibit is both an awe inspiring centre piece and an educational attraction.

Our challenge therefore was to develop an enduring brand identity that can be evolved and managed over time. Then to create an enlightening and entertaining set of collaterals – the video, to be shown on screens integrated into the exhibit’s base as well as a leaflet, a poster and the launch print advert.

For the launch we chose to tease, a close-up of the foot, an enquiry as to her whereabouts for 155 million years, all set amongst a dramatic red background and historic typeface. And then the content, researched in detail and with realistic images commissioned from specialist artist Andrey Atuchin (andrey-atuchin.blogspot.com‎) animated to bring them even more to life. Visitors are certainly learning something during their visit.

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In the next phase of this brand’s evolution the dinosaur will get a name, selected from public entries on the Facebook page. Zaman will then create a brand mark from the name and a campaign to announce the winning name. In doing so we will strengthen the personality of the dinosaur and deepen the public’s attachment to it. We are also developing a range of merchandise and a kiosk for its display that will help make our dinosaur a lasting memory for all those that visit her.

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We look forward to reporting on the next step of her new life her in Dubai.

April 3, 2014
Clusters of Light 2014

Clusters of Light 2014

We recently visited Clusters of Light to mark the Sharjah Islamic Culture Capital 2014 and were quite impressed with the event. His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the first performance of the spectacular musical Clusters of Light at Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Sharjah.

The musical, which depicts the beginnings of Islam through poetry, music, drama and dazzling audiovisual effects, marked the commencement of Sharjah’s year of celebrations at being named Capital of Islamic Culture and drew an audience of over 3,500, bringing together the emirate’s senior officials with artists from throughout the Arab world.

Clusters of Light, an epic musical show, was written by Dr Abdul Rahman Al Ashmawi, a Saudi poet, and composed by the Bahraini artist Khalid Al Shaikh. The soundtrack was recorded by the German Film Orchestra Babelsberg in Berlin, led by the German composer Christian Steinhauser. We were honored by the Arab idol winner, Mohammed Assaf, who opened the stage show, followed by artists such as Hussein Al Jasmi, Ali El Haggar and Lotfi Bouchnak.

The stage show, a narration of the biography of the Prophet Mohammed from his birth until his passing, featured several actors and musicians, with cinematic visuals and live performances.

Did you have the honor of experiencing this truly spectacular musical event in Sharjah?

March 30, 2014
If Your City Has a Colour

If Your City Has a Colour What Would It Be?

At Zaman we believe that each city has its own identity which consists of its heritage, culture, traditions, music, cuisine and more. For our 2014 calendar we have translated these aspects into abstract portraits.

The 2014 Zaman Calendar encompasses 12 Arab cities (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fez, Kuwait, Cairo, Muscat, Doha, Baghdad, Jeddah, Beirut, Damascus, and, Jerusalem) where each city is represented uniquely through the use of colour and abstract formations. This calendar was a result of intense research of analysing close to 600 pictorial references and 100 unique colours extracted to create compositions for each city.

Which colours would you use to describe your city?

March 26, 2014
THE DESIGN CHALLENGE

THE DESIGN CHALLENGE

Companies often don’t make a distinction between design and branding. They think that by having a modern look, they have achieved what it takes to win people’s hearts.

Today, as companies are racing to counter generic competition and large brands, our challenge is to focus on real values rather than design and marketing.

If there is a way to develop a brand through design alone, then many companies in the Arab world would have a chance, but no such possibility exists.

Design is a good ground breaker and therefore incredibly important. However, if the experience isn’t authentic and sustainable, then the relationship will remain shallow & fragile and ultimately unviable.

When companies realize that by being authentic, showing determination and creating their own distinctive cultures, not only will they win the hearts of their customers, shareholders, partners and principals, they will also recruit the best candidates, and those candidates will stay with them longer.

March 23, 2014
Design Days Review

Design Days Review

We recently visited Design Days, a key event now firmly fixed onto the annual Dubai calendar and held in its prime central location Downtown Dubai.

This year it seemed the event went all out in terms of organization and quality of the design displayed and anyone who attended and participated over the 4 day event, would definitely have felt the vibe throughout Dubai. It was also really encouraging to see designers from the Arab world creating furniture with such attention to quality, detail and intense thought behind such concepts.

It was hard to pick a winner in all this talent but we definitely had our favorites!

Two of the most outstanding items for us were from Michael Anastassiades and Victor Hunt Designart Dealer. Michael through his piece ‘Miracle chips’ (right picture) featured large rolled pieces of marble defying the technical engineering which built them. Victor Hunts mesmerizing piece ‘Million Times’ (left picture) was true to their gray zone interpretation of industrial design and craft.

Further highlights for us came from Latifa Saeed represented by Tashkeel, who created a beautiful braided sofa and armchair (left picture) and Nermeen Abu Dail represented by Naqsh design house who managed to build the narrative of Palestinian cities using a unique combination of embroidery with bronze on Corian surface (right picture).

The Design Terminal piece from the Hungarian National Centre for creative industries was also remarkable with Ivanka presenting embossed concrete tiles that were versatile in their usage (left picture) and Laszlo Lukas who managed to dazzle us with his glass work showing complex depth and perspectives (right picture).

Last but by no means least the Carwan Gallery proved to be a real delight, profiling a mix of Lebanese contemporary designers including Nada Debs and Karen Chekerdjian. Karen’s stunning copper vases were truly enchanting each one taking on its own individual sculptural form.

With such an array of rich talent and a fantastical electric atmosphere we are already looking forward to next year’s Design Days!

March 20, 2014
Our Top 5 Picks at Art Dubai

Our Top 5 Picks at Art Dubai

Tashkeel – Established in 2008, Tashkeel is a contemporary art organisation based in Dubai committed to facilitating art and design practice, creative experimentation and cross-cultural dialogue.

Leila Heller Gallery – Founded in 1982 in New York, is known for having an active and innovative exhibition featuring international contemporary artists and modern masters from the Middle East. For over 25 years, the gallery has had a long-standing commitment to creating links between Eastern and Western culture through art.

Lombard Freid Gallery – Was founded in 1995 in New York. Over the last nineteen years, the gallery has prided itself on curatorial exploration and a commitment to artists whose works combine a remarkable visual vocabulary with a strong conceptual underpinning.

Grey Noise – Is a contemporary art gallery representing a selection of artists, with a focus on work from South Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The gallery provides emerging and established artists with a platform for ambitious projects engaged in dialogue with the international art community.

Galerie Chantal Crousel – Since its establishment in 1980, Galerie Chantal Crousel has represented artists of diverse origin to the French and international art worlds. These artists share a common exploration of the essential values that underlie contemporary society, each drawing upon their own heritage to develop a visual language that is both powerful and universal.

March 19, 2014
Do Brands Matter?

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There is a lot of speculation on the fate of brands during the economic downturn. Many say they won’t sustain themselves. Some go further and are questioning the meaning of luxury in adding happiness to people’s lives.

Which Middle Eastern brand has invested in creativity to create a  happy workplace and build trust? Today’s client briefs, are all about saving money and making sales. The history of brands notes that their most efficient growth was achieved when they combined business strategies with meaningful purposes that served humanity and engaged the workforce. Brand guidelines were codes of ethics and their results were measured by their positive reputation.

Arab brands can survive. They’re in their infancy and can last during these trying times if they reflect the principles of Islam. To do that they must think in terms of equality, mutual respect, workforce engagement, and creating products and services that serve the community in positive ways. It is often in bad times that people engage in a more cooperative lifestyle. Arab companies can use the current economic reality to elevate their status globally.

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