Mohammed MustafaApplicant of Visual Design

Program

Summary

This document is intended to display some of my original work to allow the institute, Bahrain Polytechnic, get an idea of my passion, current skills set and eagerness to learn and grow in the field of visual design.

01 Statement

02 Exercises

03 Photography

04 Sketches & Painting

05 Digital Designs

06 Mixed Artworks

“A picture is worth a thousand words.” What about two pictures?

2008 2018 2028

Every single situation that we face and the decisions that we make, led us to the person we are today. To a position we are in today.

Since my childhood, I have been into drawing and painting. Later, during my high school days, I took that interest to computer and started using my creativity in Microsoft Paint and then Adobe Photoshop. That later, changed into passion when I realized that no matter how many times I fail in it, I kept going back to it until I succeeded. With that passion, I started learning more about it and finally came across the term “Graphic designer” which allowed me to look for such job titles. Surprisingly, at that time, I didn’t know that such job title exists for someone who likes to play on Photoshop. Thanks to the internet the mystery unfolded. After some attempts, I got my first job as a designer in 2008.

Later, desperate to fulfill my parent’s dream of me having a degree, I quit my job and enrolled in University of Bahrain. Back then it was hard to find a good design school locally as most of them offered software education than design fundamentals. And the ones that did, were too expensive to enroll. Therefore, I started hunting for opportunities in and outside university to keep the fire up for the passion I have for designing. I volunteered in events, worked as freelancer and also participated in competitions like Mashroo3i (by Tamkeen). All such participations made me more serious about my passion; especially after winning the competition. This win made me hungrier than ever and therefore I took upon internships and contractual jobs in renowned agencies of Bahrain: Miracle and DaDeDo. Working in these two agencies allowed me to understand what it takes to be a designer.

“A picture is worth a thousand words.” What about two pictures?

Today, while I write this page, I am working in a digital marketing agency, Dime Engage, since 2018. Here, I face the client challenges directly, unlike Miracle or DaDeDo where I was being shielded and directed by creative directors and senior designers. It made me realize the importance of having confidence to deal with tough situations. After observing and pondering upon this, I realized that regardless of all years of experience, talent and passion, I still lack of fundamental knowledge of design. Knowledge that can provide me foundations to stand upon with all skills and experience I already have. Hence, I am applying to enroll in Polytechnic where, I believe, will allow me to get the fundamentals right and help me become better and more confident designer. The vision I have for myself in coming years it to be one of the pioneers of design world.

Let’s unlock that version of me (2028), together.

“A picture is worth a thousand words.” What about two pictures?

Exercises

This piece represents a fresh start, just like an early morning of a new day when a thin line of sunlight appears in dark sky. It also represents the growth.

Exercise #1

The Dawn

Exercise #2

Black markers and pens were used to create this piece.

Living room

Photography

Photography (1)

During golden-hour in Alareen Zoo.Golden Duck

Photography (2)

This shot required lots of patience and lots of clicks until the result was achieved.Lightening & Sunset

Photography (3)

Inspired by a shot taken by photographer Dabboo Ratnani of Shahrukh Khan.Outdoor test shot

Photography (4)

This image was showcased in Batelco’s Bahrain Eye Photography exhibition; which I consider not less than an achievement.

Manama from Muharraq

Sketches &Painting

Sketch (1)

This sketch was made for an art-class assignment in University of Bahrain.

Computer Mouse

This sketch was made for an art-class assignment in University of Bahrain.

Shoes & Slippers

Sketch (2)

Getting driving license was a big achievement for me as it took years to get it. As an act of celebration, I used black Indian Ink along with black and white paint colors.

Driving License

Painting

Digital Designs

Designs (1)

Visual Identity Design for a university event held in University of Bahrain. The event’s discussed several aspects on the importance of time in university and student’s responsibilities therein.

UOB Life (2011)

Designs (2)

The artwork represents the vision of the company: enabling the businesses globally by providing futuristic technological solutions. On right, the cover of brochure is shown.

Dime Global in Gitex 2018

Digital Painting

After getting accepted by Miracle (agency), I wrote an article in my blog on the journey that I took to reach to this point. This digital painting was used in the blog and on social media to promote the article.

Journey to Miracle

Mixed Artworks

Sketch, Lettering & Design

This artwork was made for an online competition organized by ‘99Designs”. It was required to create an imaginary movie poster yet reflecting the look & feel of 1970-80s movie.

‘Hope’

It was created for my freelance business’s social media accounts to be part of the celebration. The materials used to create this scene are clay, cotton, wire, papers, ice-cream sticks and paint

Eid-Al-Adha (2013)

Clay, Paint & Design

THANK YOU.

mnmustafa88@gmail.com | (+973) 3313 0213behance.net/mnmustafa