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By Layan Damanhouri
RIYADH – Graphic design students at Princess Nourah University exhibited their graduation projects in a three-day Taharra exhibit that ended on Saturday at Alaan Artspace outside the campus to show their work is compatible to the Saudi market.
“We wanted to offer the students an opportunity to exhibit their work to the public because their projects have potential to compete in the market,” said Noha Al-Shareef, vice head of the Graphic Design Department and lecturer for senior projects.
“The execution of the project goes through several stages before its completion. Students come up with a concept, conduct research, pitch to an external committee, and have to consult with real professionals. The feedback they get helps them determine if the project is a success after graduation,” she explains.
Visitors and recruiters from both the public sector and private sectors were offered a chance to browse through the projects and speak with the 16 students participating.
The students were approached by recruiters offering them job opportunities.
The projects ranged from games, apps, movies, posters, books and magazines to consumer products. Concepts revolved around either self-expression or promoting cultural heritage.
Sara Al-Hajery said she wanted to promote Arab youth through her online and printed magazine Millenial, a collection of articles by young writers.
“It’s a magazine from the reader to the reader,” she said.
“Its mission is to provide helpful tips for anyone struggling and needs a sense of direction.”
Viz-a-visual by Malak Al-Hajery aims to fill a gap in the market by creating a pop-up mobile space for creative visualists where they collaborate and have meaningful conversations.
Malak Al-Atir produces modern clothing accessories with designs representing traditional characters from popular Arabic love stories such as Qais and Layla.
Reem Al-Othman aims to raise awareness of the use of social media through her educational book that tells the real stories behind their Instagram posts.
Novel ideas include apps for designers’ patent rights, enhancing Arabic script writing, and awareness campaigns in social responsibility.
“Media and design are booming markets and people are now aware of the importance of art and design, which was not as prominent as it is now,” said design consultant Alaa Linjawi, who was on the judging committee.
“The Saudi market is allowing young women to rise and establish graphic design in the Kingdom. I was impressed by the quality of work and concepts behind each project,” she added.
“Students nowadays have many resources to refer to that are both local and international. It resulted in graduates with lots of potential in executing creative and high quality work.”
Asked about the job opportunities for graphic designers, Al-Shareef said, “We train them on how to enter the market and how to sell their work. They are also required to do a fulltime internship.”
