“Arabic calligraphy, is the artistic practice of handwriting, or calligraphy, and by extension, of bookmaking; while architecture,is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction.” (Arab-aa.com)Together they form perfect harmony, as demonstrated in this video by Wael Mashini.
A logo as one of the most visual cues of a complete brand identity is a very powerful thing. However, a logo in a form that is not understood by its intended audiences or compromising the brand’s core message is quite another thing.
For international brands that use Latin calligraphy for their logos translating/converting into the Arabic equivalent whilst retaining the overall feel of the original typographic style is not an easy task. The “Arabization” of logos, as it’s commonly referred to, has always incited some interesting discussions among communication design professionals, with most in agreement that there needs to be more respect of the calligraphic rules of each style.
Lebanese design professional Nina Kreidie outlines the common mistakes made in the Arabization of logos, using the history of Islamic calligraphy to make a great case for strengthening the Arab script visual identity in her post titled ‘Arabic Latin Logo Adaptation’on her blog Logo Talks.
Below are examples of logos of international brands that have been given Arabic translations by Middle East logo designers.
And here are a few examples of real world Arabized logos:
As part of an ongoing investigation on how authenticity can be sustained in the Arab culture, Zaman is calling all Design Enthusiasts to be part of Zaman’s Signature Calendar.
“Common Expressions” is a collection of Arab proverbs which we hear everywhere. The challenge is to bring them to life through the eyes of emerging design enthusiasts that will add meaning to them through visual interpretations. Zaman’s Signature Calendar will feature the 12 best art works that will be selected and judged on artistic merit. See below images of the calendar from previous years.
This competition is a bridge for design enthusiasts and Zaman to make their design commercially viable. The aim of the calendar’s next collection is to introduce new talent to the broad public and business community. The selected designers will feature on Zaman’s Signature Calender which has now become a reference amongst Zaman’s business community. You will receive a copy of the Calender and your art work will reference your name and contact.
Below are the 12 proverbs, pick the one that inspires you the most and start designing, there are no restraints in terms of your art form, the proverb you will choose will be your starting point in terms of inspiration….so start designing away…and go where your inspiration takes you..!
See our Rules of Entry for details on how to send your work.
ردت حليمة على عادتها القديمة
إن كان حبيبك عسل لاتلحسوا كلو
كلمة ياريت مابتعمر بيت
على قد فراشك مد رجليك
من عاشر القوم أربعين يوم صار منهم
طب الجرة على ثمها تطلع البنت على أمها
إذا أنت أمير وأنا أمير مين بيسوق الحمير
إعطي الخبز لخبازة لو أكل نصفة
اللي ما يعرف الصقر يشويه
غاب القط إلعب يافأر
الباب اللي يجيك منه الريح سده واستريح
القرد بعين أمه غزال
Rules of Entry:
Judging Criteria:
Deadline for Submission: 5th of July
Send your work to info@zaman.ae. Call for more info (+971) 04 326 1000
For more images of previous calenders calenders click here