Alma Kamal

Specialized in Print Design.

Alma Kamal

About Alma Kamal

An award-winning graphic designer with a serious passion for print. Alma moved across the globe to learn more about design, herself and others. She believes that design can be applied to literally everything, but it works best when utilized to spread knowledge, love and compassion. Alma has been a designer for over 13 years and has worked in variant industries, including a few print centric places such as Chronicle Books and Brownbok magazine where she was a Creative Director in charge of a bi-monthly magazine as well as many other projects. Alma also worked on a catalogue for one of Takashi Murakami’s exhibitions. In addition, she was in charge of finding and recruiting talent from illustrators to photographers to designers. Alma's work has won many awards and was featured in different media platforms such as Adobe Live, Communication Arts and Print magazine.

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

Stet Editorial Design

Print Design

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Interview with Alma Kamal

What kinds of works do you like designing most?
Editorial design is my favorite because it's tactile, complex and can stimulate many emotions. Editorial pieces demand more of your time and attention, and that's another thing I love about it.
When do you feel the most creative?
When I design for a topic I feel very passionate about and genuinely want to share with the world.
What makes a design successful?
The inability to look away from it. You see a piece of design from a distance and it pulls you in, makes you want to study it and take a longer look at all its facets.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
Typography is the first and most important tool for me. When typography is poor I immediately lose interest in the piece no matter how great the other aspects of the piece are.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
I think designers must choose to work on projects that reflect their values as people. I wouldn't want to use my skill to promote a product I don't personally believe in or think is harmful in any way.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
Currently, it feels like design is mostly being steered towards advertising. Strong design comes from individuals or personal projects, and not from big companies. Very few studios refuse to compromise on the quality of design to appease their clients.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
It comes from the past. I'm very attracted to the beginnings of graphic design like codices. Because design was such a novelty back then, so much love, care and skill was put into it and even though that was hundreds of years ago, many of those designs are extremely modern and cutting-edge.
Can you describe a day in your life?
Scrolling through Pinterest or Instagram, finding an amazing vintage graphic design book, then jumping through hoops trying to find a copy for purchase online.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
Designing work I, myself, am proud of. There are times when you have to design something for a client in a specific way and they love the work, but you don't... That's the worst part for me.
What skills are most important for a designer?
I believe typography is the most important and complex tool in the graphic design world.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
It varies greatly depending on the subject, client, your connection with the piece. I've had projects that I struggled mentally with and others that came out so naturally and smoothly I barely had to think while working on them.
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
People are always asking me 'what is design?' It's funny, we're surrounded by design everywhere we look, but most people have no idea what design really is beyond a logo or a business card.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
Editorial, because there are so many pieces that need to be put together in a cohesive and specific way. It’s an immensely fun and complex process.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
I'm currently working on a book documenting my personal journey with spiritual growth.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
I work alone, but my partner is an illustrator as well as a designer and I'm always pushing her to participate in my projects.

Extended Interview with Alma Kamal

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
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.
How did you become a designer?
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.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
It was a random choice that turned into an all-consuming passion.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
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.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
I think as a designer it's very important to have strong typography skills, those are the foundation of strong design.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
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.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
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.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
Piet Zwart, Alexander Rodchenko, Wim Crouwel, Alan Fletcher... etc
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Design is everything. There is not a single item you interact with on a daily base that wasn't designed by someone.

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