- Sara Fida -

Hello, Went to Carrefour the other day for some grocery shopping. Found this roll-up banner on the way out. Not bad. The msg is clear. The design is simple. The font is....... WHAT?! Ok guys, I gave you credits for the design, clarity, legibility, and concept overall, but why isn't the Arabic font matching the English? The English and Arabic copy are acting as a unit, which is great! Shouldn't the English and the Arabic fonts be the same in design since they both convey the same msg? The English font is fantastic! You used some handwriting font on a post it, BRILLIANT and makes complete sense, but couldn't you copy the same for Arabic? It's easy to do on Illustrator; outlines the selected font, then start drawing those 1/4 hatches! Nothing else to say. Obviously the main design concept was executed in English then the Arabic translation was added to it. "Call us we'll answer" is another example at the bottom of this same banner! The Ar...

Salam and Happy Eid to all, Right! So, went Eid shopping with my sister and entered a shop called  Jeans West .  She started trying on some jeans, while I was seated on the chair besides the changing room handling her different sizes, and so, I noticed this... While the door was locked, she had her Denim Off And while the door was unlocked; she had her Denim on, so it was fine to open the door. Now seriously, how cool is this idea?! I absolutely LOVE IT! Although the production was cheap; it was printed on some home A4 paper and Impact was the font used, but who cares right now!? I'm fascinated by the idea and the way it was delivered; simple, clear, creative.  Sometimes you don't need all the extra graphics and bits. Using your guideline's colours with some simple smart copy, makes a great attention grabbing design.  Enough said. This made my day. I'm happy! With design, SF.

Hello all, The whole mall is on sale. Isn't that wonderful news?! I can look for something new. Something new like SALE signs, window displays, ads, danglers... whatever! :D Terranova  is an Italian brand gone international for  Clothing and shoe fashion.  They have branches in London and France to name a couple. Terranova is owned by some Lebanese in Oman. They've decided that this is the best way to go about their shop sale display design. According to what he said, they know exactly how to promote themselves. Fair enough. Hands down. Now lets see what they did. As you can see in the pic above. The owner was staring at me wondering why the hell was I taking pics. Then he approached me and asked, EXCUSE ME. WHY?! - I criticize ads = From what magazine are you? - No magazine. I do this for my personal blog. = Website?! - Yes. website! Your window display is intriguing!  = *chin up, very proud* Yes I did that on purpose.  -...

Salam, Ok... Lets look at this then start analyzing I'm speechless. This so called "ad" has been done in an hour, ermm maybe less - to be fair ya3ni. Do you see a concept?? Done done and over done with the phone msg trying to tell the reader something. But the funny part is that this ad has been running in an English newspaper while the message is targeting Arabic readers. "our mobile banking services are now in Arabic".. Hmm?? I'm not saying that Arabic readers can't read English, but if they can read English why would they be applying for this service? Design wise. No comment about the red swashes and jumping out text with black shadow. BankMuscat *buzzer*, your new HQ is quality and so should be your advertising! Rating: Layout over all:  1/5 Colours: 1.25/5 Font: Legible 2/5 Concept: (Is there one?)  Execution: 1/5 (for applying the guidelines only) With design, SF.

Here's a nice simple one!   This screams out youtube as soon as you see it... ermm.. that's if you're familiar with the logo ofcourse.  And if you get it, then you are Omantel's target in this ad. Since its an Omantel ad + youtube then = this definately has something to do with speed or fast broadband connection. There you go, I've done the math without reading anything so far, which means this megacom works in seconds. For those who didn't get the ad. You might get the other ad in the campaign that mimics the Google logo. I don't have a picture of that. Will try to find it and upload it. Found it!!.... look at this     Now I'm not too sure if this has been done before. I think it has been, I just don't have anything to prove it. So, for now, this wins.  Simple, creative, straight to the point are the key words we should always look for in an ad. Remember, creativity doesnt have to be complicated.  ...

Right.. back on. Attached below is an official document that I got from ministry of Manpower here in SULTANATE of Oman. I'm embarrassed for them. And I'm also embarrassed as an Omani to see this huge spelling mistake on some official government document. This gets sent out to everyone not only locals.  I didn't know that a document as small as this should to get proof read first! No further comment your honor. I rest my case! With design, SF.

Window displays are a reflection. A reflection of the shop. What the shop has to offer at that season.  Its the same with us as humans, what we wear on the day reflects our mood.  Window displays are a teasers to ur way inside. They either grab your attention at a glimpse and drive you into the store or fail to do so. You're the judge. Usually, for that specific reason, the shop HQ would release a window display design and distribute to all its branches around the world. To synchronize all, and to deliver the same message at the sametime. So, for example Zara windows in Oman should match Zara windows in London. Oh! but thats only if its the same collection. Say, when its winter in Oman, its Summer in Australia, therefore the display wont be identical. Got it? :) Now after that introduction of mine, lets have a look at the image attached below. tape -à-l' oeil  which means flashy or high profile sells fashion from ages 0 to 14....