MA Graphic Design

Shinaza Taghian

Various designs for Egyptian Typefaces and book covers

Hand-lettered Egyptian idioms printed on tiles to bridge cultural expression and the art of pottery.

As a designer I draw inspiration from the intersection of typography and design innovation to create meaningful, visually compelling experiences. My work focuses on blending cultural influences with modern design, pushing creative boundaries to craft projects that resonate on both a personal and cultural level.

Words Across Worlds: A Visual Exploration of Egyptian Idioms

This project serves as a bridge between Arabic and English cultures, offering readers a unique exploration of Egyptian idioms. Through the lens of these idioms, the book highlights both the similarities and differences in language, revealing the variety of cultural expression embedded within everyday phrases.

Each idiom is presented in its original Arabic form, carefully documented in my own calligraphy to honor its place in Egyptian heritage. Alongside these, you will find literal translations into English, paired with their closest English equivalents, enabling English-speaking readers to grasp the meaning and appreciate the cultural nuances.

This journey through language and art invites you to explore how deeply rooted expressions reflect the shared human experience across cultures.

Various Arabic typefaces
Book spread with Arabic typeface and caption "A Person Who Eats Alone, Chokes"
Arabic typeface
Arabic typeface design with captions Sleeping in the Honey and Head in the Clouds
Eight versions of book cover for Words Across Worlds with Arabic and English titles
Book spread of Arabic typeface with title The Son of a Goose is a Swimmer
Animated gif of book spreads with Arabic font and typeface designs
Lettering of Egyptian Idioms