Arabic for Designers [Hardcover]

Mourad Boutros has achieved far more than the anticipated function of this lavishly produced book, ARABIC FOR DESIGNERS, as a primer for those who seek to understand the rhythm and flow of the Arabic language in creating commercial avenues for communication. While this book works very successfully on the level of a teaching tool for designers, with well over 200 pages of extraordinary examples of the beauty of Arabic creative work, the general reader will find in this volume a worthy introduction to understanding the flow of Arabic calligraphy, the manner in which the liquid letters weave into images of communication far better than the Latin based characters, and hopefully result in an appreciation of Arabic art and culture and beauty that has eluded our literature to date.

After a wise introduction 'Arabic in the World Today', Boutros wisely divides the book into chapters: Historical Backgrounds/Calligraphic Styles/Aramaic; Elements of Typography (Arabic vs. Latin)/ Typeface Technology and Development; The Value of Cultural Knowledge; Logos; Currency Design/Basic Arabic; and the final and glorious Gallery. In this last section (as well in the generously illustrated previous chapters) the book is devoted to some of the most sophisticated and subtle design work for books, advertising, pamphlets, labels, photography integration, and simply stunning images of Arabic calligraphy as art in and of itself. The book includes a fine glossary of terms and a useful bibliography.

Yet the most touching part of this lovely volume lies on the final cover flap where writer Boutros' philosophy is stated: 'All of these subjects covered within hinge on the idea that language carries the identity of those who speak it and it is a formative influence on how those people view their world around them....Arabic and its speakers have entered an era in which they must achieve a balance between tradition and the realities of the contemporary world'. This is a book for artists, yes, but it is also a volume that speaks loudly for cross cultural understanding and mutual appreciation. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, April 06

Arabic for Designers is a much needed insight into the changing face of communication in the 21st Century. The author skilfully and tactfully offers the reader an insightful introspective on the need to recognise that the written word is as powerful symbolically as it is directional or explanatory. The political landscape being as it is, the book addresses key issues not just for the Arab speaking world, but also to western designers and the need to recognise the cultural and sociological effects of the influences each culture has on the other.

When raising important questions about cultural expansion and the need for greater understanding, the author highlights the issues with over 200 pictorial examples and demonstrates an astounding depth of knowledge and sensitivity to the Arabic mindset, whilst pointing out the need for those in the West to seek greater understanding of the historical and social imapct of the coming together of cultures.

It is the evolution of cross cultural design where the author comes into his own, highlighting exceptional examples of the hybrid of cultural communication, the pitfalls and successes, whilst at the same time offering caveats for the future, and insights into how and where new designers can create for a changing and demanding new world.

A highly recommended book, offering any designer a distinct advantage where one is creating communication patterns, with a changing and complex language.

A report released on 6 June by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute finds that at a time of rapid globalization, most U.S. states don't even try to provide young Americans with a solid grounding in world history. That's why books like Arabic for Designers are more relevant than ever for designers to read and to absorb for today's globally competitive market. Arabic is now used in 23 countries and is spoken by over 300 million people. Although feelings about Arabic cultural integration may still be colored by events like 9/11, western businesses have sought to expand brand recognition to appeal to Arabic speaking people.

To that end, Arabic for Designers incorporates over 200 black and white and color examples of the best in Arabic calligraphy and graphic design. Beyond a current focus on design and advertising transitions, chapters also deal with historical backgrounds and cultural intricacies involved with the Arabic language and mindset. The focus is devoted to Arabic and Western Latin, or America and English-speaking Europe, but other global-reach advertising problems are included to expand on the difficult processes that are involved in cultural expansion and understanding.

The evolutions are universal, and the author notes this fact when he states that, "As the application of language change, so too does the identity of its speakers." This transition is visible in the examples of how the Arabic and Latin typography blend to create new cross-cultural designs, which are explained through text and illustrations that range from corporate products to fashion to fine art.

Mourad Boutros speaks from experience, as he has worked to combine traditional Arabic calligraphic techniques with the latest technology and materials for over forty years. Boutros has achieved more than just a beautiful book with this publication, however. He's reached across cultural boundaries with text that's missing in American history, social studies, and design books. After a designer reads this book, he or she will have an absolute advantage over anyone who attempts to understand the mysteries and beauty hidden within Arabic typography and culture.