“There is something beautiful about Arab work that speaks no borders and resonates with different cultures”
Throughout history, art has played a pivotal role in shaping cultures, reflecting societal values, and expressing the human experience. From ancient cave paintings to Renaissance masterpieces, art has served as a means of communication, storytelling, and self-expression. In the past, artists were often revered as visionaries, their works serving as windows into the collective consciousness of their time.
Today, the importance of art remains as vital as ever. In a rapidly evolving world marked by technological advancements and globalization, art continues to serve as a bridge between different cultures and perspectives. It challenges norms, provokes thought, and fosters empathy and understanding. Whether it’s through traditional mediums like painting and sculpture or modern forms such as digital art and performance, creativity continues to thrive and evolve.
Behind the brilliance of art lies the creative minds of artists. These individuals possess a unique ability to perceive the world in ways that inspire and captivate audiences. Their innovative thinking pushes boundaries, breaks stereotypes, and pushes society forward. Whether they are working in the realm of visual arts, music, literature, or any other creative field, artists contribute to the richness and diversity of human expression.
In essence, art and the creative minds behind it are essential components of our past, present, and future. They remind us of our shared humanity, challenge us to think critically, and inspire us to imagine new possibilities. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the modern world, art remains a timeless beacon of inspiration and introspection.
In the dynamic world of art, individuals like Dina Sami stand as exemplars of creative prowess. Much like artists throughout history, Dina’s dedication to fostering innovation and inclusion underscores the timeless importance of creativity in shaping our past, present, and future. With extensive experience managing multi-channel campaigns, Dina demonstrates exceptional leadership skills in guiding creative teams, agencies, and partners to produce compelling and meaningful content from concept to fruition. Beyond her impressive professional track record, Dina is committed to cultivating an atmosphere of creativity and inclusivity, motivating her peers to explore new realms of innovation and collaboration.
Dina joins José Berrocoso, our lifestyle editor, for an in-depth exploration of the narrative behind her artistic journey and the inspiration that fuels her creativity.
Can you share a brief overview of your artistic journey and how you got started as a creative professional?
I remember doodling on my schoolwork, always trying to draw something. I was and still am fascinated by life around me, the stories that unfold, the people and cultures I come across and trying to capture that somehow was my way of putting the picture in a frame. I am a twin and we both have a passion for design so having that spirit of collaboration and us moving to New York to study Graphic Design was the beginning of making my work make sense in the real world. My illustrations have always been the window for people to see the world through my eyes.
What or who are your primary sources of inspiration, and how do they influence your creative process?
Everyone, in my opinion is a muse in their own unique way. Everything in my surroundings inspires me and combining play into my creative process and exploring different styles while staying open to experimentation is an important element of how I create and deliver art. This playfulness sparks new ideas and helps me break free from creative blocks. I am always questioning things which allows the information hunt to happen and opens a whole other world.
Can you tell us about any particular artists, movements, or cultural phenomena that have shaped your artistic style?
Lebanese artist Adra Kandil. She plays with different mediums and has a way of blurring the lines between what is real and what isn’t. I love the way she plays with Nostalgia in her work, evoking emotions and memories that are universal yet deeply personal. There is something beautiful about Arab work that speaks no borders and resonates with different cultures. Jessica Walsh. She takes risks in the work she creates and takes the unexpected route which is inspiring to me in how she tackles any project.
Walk us through your typical creative process. How do you approach a new project or idea? Are there any rituals or habits you follow to enhance your creativity during the artistic process?
Everything starts with a sketchbook and pen, and I just need to digest the brief and understand the ask first and I just doodle or take notes that stand out for me. I am a big doodler, so I am constantly jotting down any initial thoughts that come to me. Ask questions to know more information that can help me in the design phase. Then it’s the research that is the gold mine. I turn on my Spotify and dive into the world of content around me for inspiration of branding, styles, colors, designs, typefaces. If a project is for a burger shop for example, I try to work with the client to personalize the experience of consumer through all design touch points. Create this storytelling through art and design to sell a business need. I love to bounce ideas off someone who isn’t in the industry or someone in strategy to see it from a different perspective. I then jump into design which is the fun part and there is no wrong that can happen which is liberating. I make mistakes, I scribble, I create then edit then recreate until the magic starts to happen. The most important part of this whole process is getting up and taking a walk every few hours, it helps the process when you step away and get back to it with fresh eyes.
How would you describe your signature artistic style, and how has it evolved over the course of your career? Are there specific elements or themes that consistently appear in your work?
My signature style is a story within a story and has predominantly been black and white. I have also drawn so many burgers, coffee and food in various ways and it will never get old. I love to learn new techniques and styles so I have experimented with paint, calligraphy, ink, mixed media, color and animation but there is a signature style to my work. It’s graphic and if you look at it twice you notice something new, which I enjoy.
Can you share a memorable breakthrough moment in your career that significantly impacted your work?
Apple Store Dubai Mall opening is still my favorite project. I was approached by Apple to create a mural that showcased brands and companies in Dubai that are connected by creativity. It was digging into my city and its people and how these brands are shaping lives, so the project was interesting from the get go and of course it is Apple, any creative’s dream so it has a special place in my world. The tightest turnaround, three time zones to accommodate, hours and hours and hours of drawing but the result is beautiful. Being a Dubai kid, it was an honor to represent these brands in illustrating their brand story in a connected life size mural that resonated well with the audience.
Having collaborated with renowned global brands such as Tom&Serg, Sephora Middle East, Goodwings, New Balance, and Pepsi, how do these diverse experiences influence your creative approach? Can you share a specific project or moment that stands out in your collaborations with these brands, and how it has contributed to your artistic growth?
Each project for me is a learning and I appreciate the work and effort that goes into it collectively so for me it is about the connection with the client as well to understand what they really need. I have worked with brands that I love and wear so for me to work with the likes of New Balance for example fits perfectly into my world. Pepsi project was about Football and FIFA which I played Football, so it spoke to me personally. Sephora Middle East has allowed me to showcase my work regionally and have been the dream client in allowing me to create with little barriers. Tom&Serg was my first ever mural in Dubai, I loved the coffee shop and what vibe it was creating so having my work up on a big scale in a popular spot was great for my recognition. Each project offers me something hamdilla so I am excited for 2024 and all the good things I am working on.
Is it hard to stay innovative?
We as people are fed content 24/7 which makes it exceptionally hard to stand out with all the noise. It is difficult because it’s about taking risks, thinking outside the box, but it’s also so rewarding. It’s the journey towards staying innovative that opens different avenues. For me, I love to dabble in different workshops and courses that aren’t in my field as it opens my knowledge and inspires me in ways I never thought of. I like to stay on top of all tech updates, software and design research, after all AI is working double time.
In what ways do you believe art and creativity can influence or reflect societal values and trends?
Free Palestine is the best example of how art and creativity can shape, educate, influence and be the voice of many. Artists were using their skills to tell a story that not many understood and that connected with people seeing the pain illustrated tapped into another layer of empathy.
Are there social or cultural issues that you feel compelled to address through your work?
I have grown up in Dubai, in a Palestinian family and studied and moved to the States so I wasn’t drawn to politics or social issues in the outspoken way but more through my art with the people I work with, the work I create and the brands I associate with.
As a creative director, how do you balance artistic vision with practical considerations and client expectations?
Communication needs to be crystal clear from both the client and me so that we avoid any “expectations vs. reality” hiccups. I like to moodboard and walk the client through the ideas personally or on a video call to avoid any misunderstandings that could happen through email or text. It is important to align with the client on their needs and having creative checkpoints so that everyone is on the same page. Having the alignment early on sets the tone and it only gets stronger when the feedback is constructive.
Can you share insights into maintaining a work-life balance in a demanding creative field?
I make it a point to take my lunch even if I am working from home and I clock out at a decent hour and won’t be online till the next day. I have taught myself to really shut off. Don’t think of reaching me on the weekend because that is a Monday’s problem. I need to feel disconnected and off my screens on weekends so you will always find me outside living life. I fill my time with workshops and activities that breaks my routine. Some days I am winning at work-life balance and other days not so much, but the aim of the game is to always check myself.
What’s your personal motto?
“Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” ~Confucius. This has been my sign off quote since my first job and still is valid. It’s how you see the beauty in the little things. I love having an outlet to express myself through my design and illustration work so it feels less of a job when it’s a passion of yours.
What motivates you? Is it money, fun, life or something else?
Being the best version of myself, to continuously evolve and stay current with a recognizable style. It motivates me to see the people I love and respect also striving for more. There is so much beauty around us hamdilla.
What are your aspirations for the future, both personally and professionally, in the world of art and creative direction?
To have my work featured with the best of the best in UAE and on an international scale, from coffee shops in Amsterdam to murals in Los Angeles.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Double tap my shoes and get to the other side of the world in minutes. Breakfast in LA and dinner in Dubai with family. If only.
