At an event at Homs University, renowned Syrian designer Mohamed Selwaya offered students and tech enthusiasts a look into the strategic thinking behind Syria’s new national visual identity. The session, titled “The Entrepreneurial Designer” and organized by the Fox Media Club, explored the critical link between creative design, entrepreneurship, and building institutional brands.
Quick Facts
- Event hosted by Fox Media Club at Homs University.
- Featured Syrian designer Mohamed Selwaya.
- Detailed the design process for Syria’s new national brand.
The Entrepreneurial Designer vs. The Technician
Selwaya began by defining an “entrepreneurial designer” as a creative thinker who actively solves problems, not just executes tasks. He traced the history of design from early human civilization to the modern digital age, urging young attendees to cultivate skills in communication, self-confidence, and creative thinking to succeed in the current job market.
He drew a sharp distinction between a “technical designer,” whose role is limited to implementing existing ideas, and a “conceptual designer,” who is capable of creating new concepts and innovative solutions. Selwaya emphasized that entrepreneurs operate within a margin of risk, relying on skill acquisition and creative problem-solving to advance.
Rebuilding a National Brand: The Story of the Golden Eagle
A key part of the discussion was Selwaya’s personal journey and his recent commission from the Syrian Ministry of Information to design the country’s new visual identity. He revealed that he was tasked with the project on December 25th, a date of personal significance as it was the same day he had left the country in 2011.
Working with a team of creatives, Selwaya explained that the biggest challenge was the logo. After extensive historical and visual analysis, the team selected the golden eagle. The choice was based on the eagle’s presence in eight of the ten major civilizations that have shaped Syria’s history, symbolizing strength, pride, and speed.
The project extended to a new currency design, which he noted was developed with a vision of sustainability and unity. The new designs move away from depicting personalities and instead focus on symbols of agriculture and the unity of Syrian land, aiming to foster a sense of belonging and nostalgia.
Connecting Students with the Job Market
Mariam Abdel Mawla, Director of the Fox Media Club at Homs University, stated that the event was organized in response to the public interest and questions surrounding Syria’s new visual identity and currency.
“These meetings help connect young people with the labor market and save them significant time and effort by transferring practical experiences,” Abdel Mawla explained. She highlighted that the club provides free training programs, including workshops on cinematic photography, editing, and media appearances, to prepare students for professional careers.
Source: SANA
