Maya Majdalani, a young and aspiring woman, was born into a family of artists and grew surrounded by paintings and colours. This environment inevitably saw her veering toward a path related to design and illustration. ArabAd talks to the spirited creative to learn what the triggers are that make her tick.
What are you passionate about and how does it feed into your work?
I am passionate about photography. It is an incredible way of capturing genuine moments and expressions. It inspires and helps me recreate those moments, moods, expressions and emotions.
If you could describe to us your design style in a few words, what would you say?
I don’t think I have a specific style. I often adapt styles to projects as each project has its own personality.
What are some of the tools you use on a daily basis?
Depending on the project, the media can be different. It can be manual such as hand painting, charcoals, pencils, and collage or digital. Sometimes I combine various techniques.
Do you have a favourite piece in your portfolio?
I recently illustrated a book called “Geha wa challatahou” in which I combined modern style with traditional pattern. The outcome is quite unexpected as it illustrates the modern version of Geha.
Which project or period of your career have you enjoyed the most so far?
Although I enjoyed working in advertising agency, I also enjoyed the moment I decided to become a freelancer. It was not an easy step but it gave me more freedom in choosing my projects and the way I wanted to approach them. It gave me the opportunity to live enriching experiences through the people I met and the concepts I developed.
You’ve been working remotely since you started – what are some of the perks for you?
Working remotely gives me a lot of flexibility in managing my time between personal and professional needs and priorities. I try to have between 3-6 months visibility over which I schedule my projects in the most convenient way.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I do enjoy the multidisciplinary aspect illustration affords and the creativity that it requires. I often compare Illustration to cinema. You first need to write a story. Then, you need to imagine the characters, the backdrop, the uniforms and the angles. Finally, you need to draw everything you have imagined. It is quite challenging but infinitely exciting!
What type of brief or project do you enjoy working on the most and why?
I appreciate working on projects that hold inspiring messages as well as projects that combine design and illustration.
What are you currently fascinated by and how is it feeding into your work?
I am currently spending a lot of time reading about education.
What are some of your favourite new trends in design?
I currently tend to prioritise alternative technics such as collage and mixed media.
What would you say is your strongest skill?
Guessing the end of the movies I watch, but more seriously, with respect to my work, I would say authenticity and curiosity.
Who or what has been the biggest single influence on your way of thinking?
My parents.
We’d love to know what’s next for you, are you working on anything exciting at the moment?
I am currently working on a new scenario for a comic book, which is inspired by a person a met. Unfortunately, I can’t say more at this moment, but hope you’ll appreciate it once published.
