ThinkUp

Source: Think Up
Featuring: Mariam Bin Natoof

Mariam Bin Natoof is the founder of the creative brand, Natoof. It started as a dream. Just like any other project or organization, Natoof started as an idea, a vision and a dream for the founder of this design studio. And ever since that dream touched the hands of reality, it has been continuously growing thanks to the trust that we are receiving from clients who appreciate the excellence, quality and talent.

Please give me a brief summary about yourself, including yourself as an individual in reference of your personality & how it led to you being where you are now:

I am a Bachelor graduate (Applied Media Studies) from Dubai Women’s College, and I have been working in the field of branding, design and communication for the past 9 years (worked previously as a senior graphic designer at ENOC & as Corporate Brand Manager at du) & currently I am self-employed as the Founder & Creative Director of Natoof Design.

The experience I gained form working in the corporate companies had a huge impact on my work & a personal design back in 2005 (a wedding invitation for a friend) led me to establish my own business. Therefore, in 2007 I decided to take it more seriously so I got the license from the Department of Economic Development.

When did you discover your creative talents & which elements of life pushed you towards your discovery? (phase/family/self-interests)

Designing has always been my passion, I used to draw since I was a child, create scrapbooks, and make my own products such as jewelry boxes, pens holder. Once I joined the college, and specialized in Graphic Design & Multimedia, I figured out that this is what I want to do for living.

Maybe it’s worth to mention that prior to college I tried working in a bank for a summer job, I was appointed at the customer services desk, I must say I never returned the second day and from that moment I knew that I didn’t want to do a routine desk job.

Could you tell us about some of your work?

I provide designs for corporate & personal needs. My ultimate goal is to provide good design solutions. So the style will depend on the client’s needs. Generally I would say that my approach is modern but I am not afraid to combine traditional elements without compromising the project’s target.

Captions from magazines describing my designs:
Emirates Bride Magazine:
“ The haute couturier of invitations”

Martha Stewart Weddings Middle East:
“Natoof is known for creating vivid & elegant designs with a contemporary edge”

Arabian Woman Magazine:
“Designs that are modern with a traditional twist”

Natoof is quite irrelevant to your name ‘Mariam’, Could you tell us how this aroused?

Natoof is actually my family name as in “Mariam Bin Natoof”. The name is short, easy to pronounce and remember so it made sense to choose it and make it a central feature of the visual identity. The blending of Arabic calligraphy and English typeface in the logo shows that Natoof is comfortable integrating the two cultures.

What inspires you to keep going?

Interacting and connecting with other designers from around the world keeps me inspired, as I get to share and see different techniques. The design field is similar to the technology field where everything keeps evolving, so there’s no place for boring routine and that keeps me motivated.

Where do you aim to reach? (Final goal on an international scale)

I don’t think that I have set that yet, and no one should have a final goal. Goals are meant to direct you so realistically your goals should be refined and changed every couple of years. For the time being I just aim to provide best design solutions and continue in doing what I am passionate about.

Is your work dedicated to a specific age group/ kind of people/ country-region?

The designs & products I create are for business & individuals, locally & internationally.

What other interests are you amused by?

I love writing, and occasionally I post articles about related subjects to design business. For example a current post on the blog talks about how to copyright your work in the UAE, I have written an investigative story for the college’s magazine, trying to educate the designers about the legal process and encourage them to stand up for their work and rights. I also love reading books as they feed your brain & imagination.

Any future plans for your work?

Currently working on a quite big project which involves publishing, started in May 2011 & hopefully it will be completed and ready by Jan 2012 (www.mawahib.ae).

Tell us a little more about Mawahib.

It’s a combination of a directory & a book, called “Mawahib”. The main goals of this project are to present the Arab talents in (graphic design + illustration + photography), give them the exposure to get potential clients, build a recognition for the above fields & acknowledge them.

The first edition is going to showcase Emirati graphic designers, illustrators and photographers. We are already getting requests from several organizations to book their copy and also offering amazing opportunities to collaborate with the featured artists.

The submitted work is astonishing, we are in the design phase now, & I have assembled a small team to collaborate and produce the book (project consultant, editors, translators, designers, article contributors). So I believe the outcome will be with high standards.

Lastly, any words of advice for aspiring designers/artists?

To keep learning new things, don’t wait for others to teach you, grab a book, search the Internet, read and practice. And to fresh graduates, don’t start working directly as freelancers, I advise them to apply and work with corporate companies or agencies to gain the experience, it will help define their styles and act professionally.

Contact Info:
Website | E-mail: hello@natoof.com
Facebook
Twitter: @Natoof | Instagram: Natoof

AWARDS RECEIVED:
Media Innovation Habib Award Winner: Journalism
Design & Design International Award
Creativity International Awards: The 40th Creativity Print & Packaging Awards

PUBLISHED WORK (BOOKS & MAGAZINES):
Creativity Awards Annual | Choi’s Package 02 | Wedding Invitation Ideas Look Book | My Own Business Card #2 | Book of the Year Vol.3 | Emirates Bride | Martha Stewart Weddings ME | Design DNA: Logos | Basic Identity | 1000 More Greetings | Brand Identity Essentials | The Secret Life of Logos