Interview with Mohammed Obaid

Mohammed Obaid ("MO") interviewed on Tuesday, 20 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

MO : advertising, and visual storytelling. Since 2005, I’ve worked with diverse clients across sectors such as aviation, real estate, FMCG, government, and technology. My academic foundation in marketing has helped me bridge business strategy with design thinking, allowing me to create work that is both meaningful and impactful.

How did you become a designer?

MO : From an early age, I was captivated by visual storytelling. Magazines, cartoons, and illustrations sparked my imagination and made me see the world through color and form. I became actively involved in school art activities, and some of my large-scale canvases were proudly displayed in the hallways. After high school, I pursued a diploma in design and multimedia, which opened the door to the world of advertising. Later, I completed my degree in Marketing, which gave me a strategic foundation to complement my creative side. This combination of artistic passion and business insight shaped my path into branding and creative direction, a space where I could bring ideas to life, influence perception, and build visual narratives that truly resonate.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

MO : My top priorities are clarity, purpose, and emotional connection. I approach every project with strategic thinking first, making sure the design aligns with business goals. My style is clean, structured, and emotionally resonant. I often begin with hand sketches before moving to digital tools like Illustrator and Photoshop. While I embrace technology, I always try to keep the human element at the core of my process.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

MO : Designing fills me with focus, excitement, and a sense of purpose. The early stages, when ideas begin to form, are especially thrilling. There is a moment when a concept just clicks, and that rush is incredibly fulfilling. For me, design is both emotional and intellectual a balance between intuition and structure and each project brings a fresh sense of discovery.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

MO : Having a foundation in both marketing and art helped me approach design with both empathy and strategy. I also developed strong communication and storytelling skills, which are essential for connecting ideas to audiences. Being observant and culturally curious shaped my aesthetic sense, and working across industries taught me how to adapt my creativity to different needs and environments.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

MO : My current path is focused on launching a full-service advertising and branding agency. I want to build a team that combines strategy, creativity, and cultural relevance to help brands grow meaningfully. My dream project is to lead a global branding campaign that reshapes how people view a product, city, or culture. I hope to be remembered as a designer who brought clarity, emotion, and impact through design.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

MO : Focus on mastering the fundamentals and stay curious. Do not rush success, give yourself time to develop your voice. Learn to listen, to your mentors, to your clients, and to your own instincts. The best designers are lifelong learners. Also, do not take criticism personally, use it to grow. Stay humble, stay hungry, and keep showing up.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

MO : Always design with intention. Do not follow trends blindly, but understand them. Create with empathy, and remember that design is not just about beauty, it is about solving problems. Build strong ideas before perfecting execution. Be honest in your process, and generous with your knowledge. The more you share, the more you grow.

What is your day to day look like?

MO : My day starts early with a gym session, followed by breakfast and coffee while reviewing my task list. Mornings are reserved for focused creative work, such as concept development, sketching, or design execution. Afternoons are for meetings, revisions, and communication. I end the day reading, journaling, or sketching for personal inspiration. Small creative rituals keep my mind sharp and grounded.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

MO : I stay updated through global design blogs, trend reports, and by observing cultural shifts across industries. While I value trends for context, I do not rely on them. My focus is on timeless ideas and clear storytelling. Trends may influence mood or tone, but strong design must stand on its own without depending on what's popular at the moment.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

MO : Good design is clear, purposeful, and emotionally engaging. It communicates without explanation and feels effortless to experience. I look for alignment between form and function, and whether the solution adds real value. When a design feels natural and leaves a lasting impression, that is when I know it works.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

MO : A design is ready when every element feels intentional and nothing feels forced or unresolved. I reach that point when further changes start to feel like overworking rather than improving. While there is always room for refinement, experience teaches you when to step back, trust the idea, and let it live. For me, readiness comes when clarity and confidence align.

What is your biggest design work?

MO : One of my most significant projects was developing a full brand identity for a client aiming to merge cultural heritage with a modern audience. The process involved deep research, strategic thinking, and a visual system that could adapt across media. This project not only earned international recognition, but it also helped reposition the brand in the market. What made it special was the balance between storytelling, aesthetics, and business impact.

Who is your favourite designer?

MO : I admire designers who combine clarity with emotion. One of my favorites is Massimo Vignelli for his belief in timeless design and discipline in form. I also find inspiration in the philosophy of Dieter Rams, especially his focus on simplicity and function. Beyond individuals, I’m influenced by any designer who uses their craft to create meaning, not just visuals.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

MO : I live in Riyadh, where tradition meets rapid innovation. This contrast fuels much of my creative thinking. I’m deeply connected to my cultural roots, and I often draw inspiration from local stories, patterns, and symbolism. Music is part of my daily creative flow, especially during concept development. Design has taught me to notice the little things, and I’ve learned to carry that awareness into how I live, work, and think.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

MO : I believe in clarity, collaboration, and high standards. I lead with vision but remain open to ideas from others. I work both independently and with specialized collaborators when needed. When selecting partners or team members, I look for creativity, accountability, and a positive attitude. Good design starts with good people, and I value work environments built on trust, respect, and shared purpose.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

MO : I dedicate part of my time to supporting cultural and educational initiatives, especially those aimed at empowering youth and creative communities. I offer design support for causes I believe in, such as local heritage, education, and social impact. I also mentor emerging designers and participate in design platforms that promote knowledge-sharing. I believe design should contribute to society, not just business.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

MO : Winning the A’ Design Award has been a turning point. It gave my work global visibility, opened new professional connections, and provided credibility with potential clients. The recognition affirmed the value of strategic, purposeful design. I believe design competitions like this inspire continuous improvement and create a global dialogue around creativity. Being named Designer of the Day is an honor that motivates me to keep raising the bar.

Mohammed Obaid Profile