Social Media has given this generation the ability to express themselves, a quick and fast way to follow the latest trends and the platform to make themselves a celebrity sitting at home. But one thing that we can get enough of is the ‘Meme Game’ that many social media users have now found an expertise in. We, here at Pakistan, are also blessed to have several graphic designers who not only make social media fun and captivating for us but also get recognized internationally for their strong meme game. We got a chance to chat with one of the most popular social media graphic designer in the scene right now. Here is how the conversation went with Moin Nazim.
What originally made you want to become a graphic designer? Was it something you always wanted to do?
I did not always wanted to be a graphic designer. I didn’t even know who a graphic designer was until 2012. One of my class fellows noticed me while I was drawing something behind my notebooks. He advised me to convert all these things by digitalizing them. That is when I participated in a competition in 2012 and decided that this is who I want to become.
How did you discover your talent for sketches/doodles/designing?
I was pretty decent at drawing since I was a kid. I get it from my father who’s an artist by hobby. So, I’ve kind of picked it up from him. All my siblings are also good at sketching but only I took it up as a profession.
What are the concepts behind your philosophy and what makes you stand out from other designers?
I think every designer is unique. Every designer stands out in their own way. We take inspirations from each other. The concepts behind my comics and designs come from my observations. Little things like the love for chai and biryani are the things my designs are based on. As I’m an introvert, this is how I choose to express myself.
What has been the most memorable moment so far of your career?
There have been plenty but I think that even after been featured on BuzzFeed and even after realizing that my work is being recognized internationally. And even after being called for TEDx talks, which is like a dream for every artist, even after all these things, I still think that the most memorable thing is yet to come so I’m still waiting for it.
You created Desi version of Pokemon monsters which just went viral instantly, how did you go about it?
I keep observing stuff and, in those days, Pokémon Go was really topping the charts, so I had to make something out of it. Now, since most of the Pakistanis have forgotten about these Animies and there is a big generation gap. Therefore, I needed to target a broader audience and hence, I collaborated with ‘Being Indian’ to incorporate the Indian culture as they requested to give Pokémon a desi touch.
You have won so many awards, is there any specific one left you aspire to achieve?
My first graphic design competition in 2012, that was the one competition that changed the course of my life. It was back then when I realized that this is the line of profession, I want to get in.
What kind of messages do you aim to deliver through your work?
There are layers of messages that I want to deliver. Sometimes it is to deliver witty punchlines, sometimes just to cash in on the trends, and to please my followers. Also, sometimes I address current political situations by delivering peace messages just like at the time of India-Pak clash.
Who is and has been an inspiration for you professionally?
Countless people, I draw inspiration from every artist. There is always something to learn from other people. One person is Ramish Safa who provided me with blueprints to get my work started. Even though I was a no one at that time but it all ended up really well. Also, Shahzaib Hussain, Abeer Kasiri, Jehangir Syed (Mr. Jeem) Adu (the Art of Adnan Ali) inspired me throughout the process of becoming a graphic designer.
How would you like the world to remember Moin Nazim?
There was this magazine called Young Times in my childhood. It was a big thing back then. If I fast forward my life, I still remember that time, that era. Even if I inspire ten to twenty people and people pass it to generations just like it used to happen before, I’d feel that my job is pretty much done.
All Image Sources: www.facebook.com/mointhedesigner & www.twitter.com/moinazimgraphcs
