Christine Adel

Specialized in Toy Design.

Christine Adel

About Christine Adel

Christine is passionate graphic designer, art director and a full time mommy struggling to find balance between her two seperate worlds. After graduation deciding on a design path in her homeland was a rough choice, given design is still at its very early stages in Egypt. However the choice was made to dig her own path and choose an unfamiliar route.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Toy Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Toy
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Toy Design

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Interview with Christine Adel

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?
I studied in the faculty of Applied Arts & Sciences majoring in Graphic Design and cannot imagine my life without design. Back in high school things were not very clear though, I was too young and confused to make such a life decision.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
My studio is basically my personal portfolio that consists mostly of branding, packaging, typography and some illustrations. In addition to that I started a recent career in toy/game making as I found my company together with my sister under the name Zagazoo.
What is "design" for you?
If we are talking about illustration or font making it is more like my yoga or meditation. If we are talking about a brief it is more of my chess or smart game. If I am being experimental than it is just my fun.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
Arabic typography and lately I discovered a passion for toy design.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
I enjoy my work that include character development and illustration. I love my ancient Egyptian Gods & Goddesses project. I also like Zagazoo's mythical creatures set of illustrations.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
It was a children's banner for Mc Donalds, I worked on it while I was employed in FP7.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I love print especially on special materials or paper. I also love wood.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
I am conceptual I would say, so I would always care that the design derives from a strong concept and is backed up by research.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
At the beginning of something new, I am very tensed and afraid to disappoint myself. Usually, I enjoy the rest of the process. When I approach seeing how it will turn out to be I am very critical and afraid once again.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
It depends whether I like it or not. If I don't like it, I feel ashamed, but if I do, I am proud, but always feel there is room for improvement.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
The brief is important, regardless of how good something looks, it should answer a brief or at least challenge the brief.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
A designer should keep an open eye and observe where he/she can have an input in his society/environment and world. We are not just out there for cash, we should believe in certain causes and try to make a difference.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
I think more people will contribute to design, it will not remain exclusive, but rather inclusive, where more people will have input, regardless which background they have.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
I believe I am mostly inspired from my homeland Egypt. We have a lot of gaps and unexplored territories as we lack lots of design solutions, too. I am encouraged to find creative solutions for the people, once I can spot a problem.
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?
I would say I am pretty much experimental, of course this is toned down when the brief is limiting. I don't know if I have a particular style, I constantly change I think. I always start by sketching and if I have more time I use all conventional and unconventional materials to print, draw scribble...etc
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?
Right now I am in the UK and I am pretty much interested in integrating parts of my cultural heritage whenever there is a chance.
How do you work with companies?
Usually, as a freelancer I wait till they approach me. Somehow the opposite never worked really well for me.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
it is stressful sometimes to stay up to date and challenge the rules
What was your most important job experience?
Zagazoo, simply because it wants to add value to the children's world.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
I enjoy arabic typography and game design that includes illustrations or interesting graphical elements.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
Most of the branding projects I work alone, but since my recent startup Zagazoo, I work within a team.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
There is always something in-progress. Right now I am working on an Arabic Typeface for homeschooling during quarantine.

Designer of the Day Interview with Christine Adel

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
Working exclusively as a designer since 2012 with a great passion for lettering (especially Arabic). Had the privilege to work in some of the biggest global advertising agencies like McCann and Leo Burnett Egypt, where I got to learn much about teamwork, strategy, production and above all how to negotiate with clients.
How did you become a designer?
After graduating from school I wasn't particularly sure I had what it takes, but I thought to give it a try. I applied for the faculty of Applied Sciences and Arts at the German University in Cairo and to my surprise I was accepted. Later on I actually performed among the best students and graduated with high honors, which is something that boosted my confidence of course and gave me alot of motivation to continue. Back in Uni I found many passions in design, so I knew this is what I need to keep on doing.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I always start by hand drawn sketches in my sketchbook. depending on the project, but many are simple pencil sketches. I often choose a different tool (watercolors or collages) to explore different textures and feelings. When I am satisfied I would start digitizing (mostly using Adobe Illustrator).
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
Any brief is accompanied by fear: will I nail it, will I produce something that answers the brief and is fresh and new at the same time? I then get absorbed in experimenting and sketching. The best feeling is when experimenting leads to unexpected results.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
I believe fast observations and the ability to filter my visual environment were always a helpful skill that I had. I also learned to backup my design through valid arguments and research, this is a skill that I learned from my german education at the German School .
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
In the future I want to explore many things: I want to be more involved in the research and design field of Arabic typography, as I also want to invest more time and education in children related designs and projects, in particularly children who have learning difficulties and challenges.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Designers should never be afraid to explore different fields and gain exposure. I recommend that young designers don't settle too early and find a comfort zone, but rather dare to explore more and more.
What is your day to day look like?
My day to day is currently constantly filled with interruptions due to my life as a mother. But I learned to be faster and use all the in-between times to work. My day is like a race to achieve my work. On just lucky days, I get to sit down more and read design news, but this is not my usual for now.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I care alot about design trends and like my work to have a different essence each time, as I personally get bored. However being a mother of 2 it is sometimes too fast to keep up.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
A good design fulfills the purpose it was designed for, however a great design exceeds the expectations and sets new standards for future designs.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
In my opinion there is always room for improvement. I never designed anything and felt that this was the end, maybe it was the deadline or the launch, but definitely not the end.
Who is your favourite designer?
Reza Abdini & Homa Delvaray who both happen to be Iranian. I find a certain charm in Iranian calligraphy and designs.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
Design is a job that doesn't stop when your workday ends, but it tends to continue and come home, to bed and even in the shower with you. I prefer to work outdoors, but it isn't always easy with a screen and wacom. So if this isn't an option, I would settle for an indoor area with a big window and nice atmosphere.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
Lately I have been working either alone or together with my sister and partner in our small startup. I tend to believe that I need some time alone to design and meditate while designing, but it is always great to brainstorm with others.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Each year I try to contribute to (at least) one pr bono project, not just to feel good or helpful, but also because many of these have really impactful outcomes and come with their own interesting challenges and therefore interesting solutions.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
I feel honored to be amongst the winning designers. Taking part gave me confidence to try more and showed me some aspects of what makes a good design even better. Not only do I benefit from the exposure, but also having fellow designers to be inspired from and a drive to do more and better in the future.

Extended Interview with Christine Adel

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
Studied and received my bachelor degree in the major Graphic Design at the German University in Cairo, Egypt
How did you become a designer?
Because I enjoy the process of creating and experimenting the most.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
A good designer meets a brief target but a great designer exceeds the target & produces a design that is timeless.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
A good design challenges the ordinary and adds to what was previously there in the market. It has a function and excels in the looks, too.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Good design is unique and personal, that's why people should not just use templates, but rather seek to personalize their design.
What is your day to day look like?
I would love to explore designing for different cultures that I never knew before.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
Doing a design research & accordingly a design for a big documentary like National Geographic.
Who is your favourite designer?
I personally like my experimental ancient Egyptian gods illustrations, because its visual language is extremely different than the inherited familiar illustration of pharaonic Gods & kings. I believe it has potential to be used in many different ways: jewellery, give aways..etc

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