Today we have the pleasure to introduce you to Abdullah Samir, a Cairo-based artist. He is a self-taught graphic designer and visual artist from Egypt. Currently, Abdullah works as an Art director for Thirtythree Posters Studio and freelances as a graphic designer.

Mathqaf: Nice to meet you! Who are you and where did you study?

Abdullah: I was born and raised in Kuwait until high school. Now I am studying Computer Science (digital media) in FUE Cairo, Egypt.

Mathqaf: Tell us about your practice. 

Abdullah: I have practiced designs since I was 13 (2014), started with pop art using smartphone, picture art using editing apps only. I learned calligraphy when I was 14 (2015) and got the Behance Appreciation award in (2015) Kuwait. Then, I stopped for 3 years, and returned back (2018) practicing doodling, sketching and illustration work besides pursuing my bachelor’s degree.

Mathqaf: How do you work? 

Abdullah: Usually I start with sketching. and I do take my inspiration from everything around me (streets, music, fashion, people and problems). Then use design softwares to do what’s in my mind. It requires a lot of research and hard work.

Mathqaf: What do you listen to when you work? 

Abdullah: Rap, Pop music, Abyusif, Underground Artists, Drake and different podcasts.

Mathqaf: What themes do you pursue? 

Abdullah: Minimal lifestyle, fashion work and art projects.

Mathqaf: What work do you most enjoy doing? 

Abdullah: Posters, layout and editorial work.

Mathqaf: How has your practice changed over time? 

Abdullah:  By hard work, my practice and thinking make me faster. I reach my goals in every new minute. 

Mathqaf: What is your dream project? 

Abdullah: Work with Virgil Abloh, Nike, Prada in fashion project.

Mathqaf: What do you do outside your practice? 

Abdullah:  Walking, listening to music, playing with paper, hanging out with friends and shopping a lot. 

Mathqaf: Lastly: why do you do what you do? 

Abdullah: I love what I do. I mostly find myself when I design. It’s the way that I can show what’s in my mind. 

Check out Abdullah’s Instagram profile here, his website and studio and shop.