Graphic Design history in the Kingdom of Bahrain
In Maziar Raein’s Guest Lecture, he talked about the history of graphic design and how technology has changed the practice by allowing us to connect and collaborate around the world. What is it like to be a graphic designer without the internet? Things like websites and apps did not exist so designing for them was not a concern. However, now with the advanced in technology and digital marketing, there are many adaptations that have emerged. Also, the user experience is something very important and which should be considered. In the field of graphic design, there are several new jobs that have been created. New jobs include: Motion Graphic Designer, Web Designer, UX/UI Designer, and so on. I believe the hardest task was Typesetting. Letters and words were manually cut and pasted onto the designs directly, leaving little room for error.
Working with images was another tedious task. Photos or images were required to be cut with an X-Acto knife, and designers must be surgical with their skills to make sure it was cut correctly. The past few years have seen dramatic changes with different screen sizes for multiple devices. Back in the 90’s, designers used Photoshop. However, now with the speed of things, I use Snapseed a lot on my phone for quick edits on the go. The ability to upload images from a camera to a phone and then send it via email has speed things up. The only thing that has stayed the same is the ability to think creatively which falls completely on the designer.
With videography being a must skill nowadays, Video graphic design was difficult back then. One of the most famous old-school graphics used in film and TV is the MGM lion, the familiar image of a lion roaring in a circular cutout of the Metro Goldwyn Mayer logo. To record the roar in the early days of film with sound, a sound stage was built around the cage of Jackie the lion in 1928.
Another cool TV/film logo from the pre-computer days belongs to the UK’s BBC1. You have probably seen this iconic image, which includes the world globe constantly spinning while images of continents scroll horizontally behind it. This was created using a small globe with the oceans painted in black metallic paint and the continents left with no paint at all. The globe was filmed rotating in front of a concave mirror, which gave the effect of continents whizzing by in the background. It was originally filmed in black and white, and the color was added later.
First printing press in the Kingdom of Bahrain was in 1952 – Oriental Press
First print facility to print airline tickets.
Founded in Manama in 1952, Oriental Press has grown to become a global printing group with operations in Bahrain, Dubai, and London. For more than 65 years, Oriental Press has set the pace for the printing industry in the region to become an internationally recognized premier printer exporting more than 70% of production to over 80 countries around the globe.
Oriental press started it all in the early 1950s. It has set the grounds for production and expanded regionally and globally. They are the top printing press till today. With the best quality and high-end machinery.
First design practitioner to open in Bahrain was Gulf Public Relations (1974) – Now known as Gulf Marcom
Founded by Mr. Khamis Al Muqla (Bahraini). He was always drawn to posters on the streets on Manama city. This fueled his vision to create the first GCC full-fledged, locally-owned advertising and PR agency in 1974 (Gulf Public Relations) which spoke the language of the Arab consumer.
“His local roots & knowledge combined with a global outlook have made GMG a leader in its field that continues to grow in strength. He has chaired and set up numerous bodies and associations aimed at institutionalizing the sector.” Mr. Khamis Al Muqla, President of the IAA Bahrain Chapter (was awarded the IAA Champions Award at the IAA’s 75th Anniversary celebrations held in London in October 2013.
Mr. Al Muqla was among the first to join the International Advertising Association from Bahrain and the Gulf region and represented the Kingdom of Bahrain at the International Advertising Congress held in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1978. He has contributed to the establishment of several professional associations in the field of advertising and public relations, in addition to organizing conferences, exhibitions and events in Bahrain, the Gulf region and other Arab countries, including three IAA global conferences held in Beirut, Cairo and Dubai.
Second agency to open was FortunePromo Seven in 1978 – Now known as FP7/McCann
The company was originally established in Beirut in 1968, Bahrain was its launchpad into the rest of the GCC in 1978. The agency network has won the respect of the global creative and communication community for work it has consistently produced over the years. FP7 is the ‘Network of the Year’ at the 2018 MENA Effie’s and has won this title for 6 consecutive years. As per the Effie’s Global Index, FP7 was ranked as the most effective creative agency in the World in 2016 and #2 in 2018 and 2019.
FP7 has contributed in elevating the design culture in Bahrain. It has superseded and challenged the norms in striking designs through its advertising campaigns. It has handled major global, regional and local brands, such as Coca Cola, Red Bull, Ford, Bahrain Telecommunication Company, and Bahrain International Circuit (F1 Bahrain).
The GCC Advertising Society:
The first meeting of the GCC Advertising Society was held in January 1992 in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The aim of the Society was to promote the role and benefits of advertising, raise the performance levels. and establish ethical and practical standards between its parties. It also strengthened cooperation among the advertising professionals in GCC countries by establishing educational and training programs to introduce the role of advertising in the economy and society, and cooperate with local, regional and international associations working in the Advertising field.”
This society met occasionally and included members from all aspects of design. It was hub to share and compete making it a competitive platform to showcase different design works and being awarded on the same.
Studio Practice
Design Practice in the Kingdom of Bahrain
There are a variety of design studios and agencies in the Kingdom of Bahrain, but below are my best 3 picks.
Gulf Marcom
Address: Bahrain Tower, Al Khalifa Avenue Manama Central, Block 305, Road 385, Building 20, Flat 71, Manama, Bahrain
Type: Design practice
Bahrain’s first truly integrated ad agency with global alliances with Denstu Aegis & Carat (Creative Media agencies). Established in 1974. Employees: 51 – 100.
Memac Ogilvy
Company Statement:
As part of Ogilvy and Mather Worldwide, we are one of the largest marketing communications networks in the world, with over 450 offices in over 100 countries. Making us a regional powerhouse in a global network. With our 360º philosophy, we identify and express the essence of a brand and then ensure this essence is reflected everywhere the brand touches your customers. Our approach focuses the optimum combination of disciplines on the brand and its needs, avoiding any bias towards a particular channel.
Address: Al Moayyed Tower, 35th Floor, Building 2504, Road 2832, Block 428, Seef District, Bahrain
URL: https://www.memacogilvy.com/
Type: Design practice
The Company was born in 1984 when Edmond (Eddie) Moutran founded Memac (Middle East Marketing and Advertising Company) in Bahrain, with only one office, one client, and four people, and a capital of $13,000. Today, the company has 15 offices covering 17 marketing in the GCC, Levant and North Africa region serving over 150 international, regional and local brands, and managed by over 500 local and international talents.
Today, group billings exceed $700 million, and Memac Ogilvy is among the top 5 agency groups in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. 15 offices covering over 17 markets in the GCC, Levant and North Africa region, serving over 150 international, regional and local brands, and managed by over 900 local and international talents. Now that’s a lot of numbers!
Al Waraqoon
Company Statement:
The company has developed a reputation for publishing excellent literary and intellectual works, and in the spirit of culture and traditions, Al Waraqoon looks forward to an expansion in this area of publishing to offer it to a wider audience. Mohammed Bu Hassan, the Managing Director, believed in the authenticity of the past and that cultural aspects should be given opportunity for expression as they are of utmost importance. At Al Waraqoon, everything goes beyond the standard to create a truly distinguished story-telling experience with the book at its heart. It is a truly unique way for titles to find their way into genuine inheritance.
Vision: We strive to be the premier publisher and provider of choice for products and services that are faithful to culture and tradition with a standard of excellence.
Mission: Al Waraqoon exists for the purposes of strengthening and embracing the unfolding era of culture. Our ultimate goal is to create and provide a reliable portal of the Arabic authentic heritage.
Address: Budaiya Highway, Jannusan
Type: Design practice
Al Waraqoon is much more than a publishing house; it provides the most comprehensive offering of integrated services to enhance the publishing capabilities. In Al Waraqoon, no detail is gone unattended. We are dedicated to produce high-quality books. With over 55 titles in print and 10 years in business, Al Waraqoon’s reputation for publishing quality books comes from a variety of imprints led by dedicated editorial and creative design teams that bring great ideas and stories to readers of every age.
From educational resources, craft and photography, cookbooks and more, we offer something for everyone. With the range of services offered, we strive to maintain client satisfaction, whereby our work reflects our client’s morals, beliefs and taste whilst upholding the most meticulous standards of quality.
They stand out for their traditional Arabic calligraphy and cultural art.
Design Production in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Oriental Press
Company Statement:
Since its conception in 1952 the Oriental Group has grown to become one of the world’s premier print organizations that exports products to over 80 countries worldwide. With modern manufacturing plants in Dubai and Bahrain, and Sales & Marketing offices in the Middle East and Europe, we enjoy an enviable list of clients who have remained loyal to Oriental for many decades. We manufacture a comprehensive range of high-quality products in 4 business divisions- Books, Commercial Printing, Security Printing and of course Digital.
Address: Bahrain International Investment Park Building no. 1297, Road 1516, Block 115 Hidd, Industrial Area Bahrain
URL: http://www.orientalpress.com/
Type: Design production
Company Summary:
From a simple beginning in 1952 with a single colour letter press to 45,000 sqm of modern production space in Bahrain and Dubai, equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and a range of services; we offer our clients one stop solutions for a complete gamut of printing and print management. Today with our Sales and Marketing offices in the Middle East and Europe, we take pride in serving an enviable tally of global customers with deliveries to more an 80 countries around the world. The main services offered by Oriental Press Bahrain are folding carton packaging and commercial printing.
Union Plastics
Company Statement:
At Union Plastics, we place great value on customer satisfaction, and we go an extra mile to ensure that they are delighted with our service. Our Team of Sales and Customers Service Representatives are always available to aid our clients on which product or service would best meet their objectives. We work closely with our clients to have a better understanding of their requirements and marketing goals. We encourage close co-ordination and open communication to ensure that every single detail in the finished product meets their expectation. The latest equipment and design software complemented by innovative and skilled personnel are the key to our successful operation for last 21 years.
Address: Building 4407, Road 475, Block 604, Sitra Industrial Area
URL: http://unionplastics.biz/
Type: Design production
Company Summary:
Union Plastics, part of Union Group was established in 1990 to provide complete Outdoor and Interior Advertising Solutions. Our most advanced machinery, state of the art technology, well complemented by the Skilled and experienced Professional employees have established us as a leading name in the industry in Bahrain and the Middle East. We continually strive to provide the best products and services to meet our client’s expectations by equipping our manufacturing facility with the most modern equipment and machinery. Over the period our Exhibition Design and Installation Section have catered to meet the challenging requirements of the major companies in Bahrain and overseas for major shows.
Colours Bahrain
Company Statement:
Established in 1999 in Bahrain, Colours started operations as Colours Events Management specializing in event production, interiors and mall kiosks. During the 20 years, our team of designers, project managers and a full-fledged production facility have worked with a dedicated roster of clients and delivered some of the biggest events and exhibitions in Bahrain and GCC. Colours is proud to own and manage one of the biggest carpentries and joinery units supported by structural design, technical team, digital printing and acrylic works.
Address: Unit 7 Building No: 2568, Road 4450 Block No: 744
Manama, Bahrain.
URL: http://coloursbahrain.com/
Type: Design production
Summary:
We deliver compelling ideas for branding, advertising, strategic planning, marketing strategies, media buying and social media. Be it media, exhibitions, events or interior designing, we ensure that our creative solutions result in your brand having a high impact even in the most competitive environments. Customized blueprints are brought to life in our state-of-the-art design studio equipped with full-fledged production and fabrication units. From conception to production, we provide an end to end service that includes design, content writing, publication, engineering, manufacturing and installation.
Research, process, outcome and reflection
The research process was somewhat easy for this task as I have been living in Bahrain for the past eleven years and very familiar with the design marketplace. Initially I wanted to include three design practice agencies that are very familiar in terms of work and services. However, I thought of including a unique type of agency that cherished the Arabic culture and handwriting (calligraphy) and produces amazing Arabic stories with art included in the books. I am aware of their business. However, with the research I have discovered how much effort and how difficult it is to showcase this kind of heritage art. It is considered a very niche type of design. However, it’s very appreciated.
Personally, I think that Bahrain has a very strong history of advertising and design since the early 1950s. It has been one of the first GCC countries to embark on this from an early time. And these agencies have grown regionally and globally. Design has taken aspects from the world. However, in Bahrain it has been localized and appreciated by all who visit the country. Another new modern design booming, is graffiti art. It has been recognized in the past few years amongst the youth segment.
Omar Mal
February 5, 2020
Omar Mal 