In the vibrant world of digital creativity, my journey with Wanabqa stands out as a defining chapter. Beginning in 2023 as a graphic designer, my path quickly led to the role of Art Director, reflecting not just a change in title, but a deepening of my commitment to social change and cultural advocacy. At the heart of this journey was the creation of Wanabqa's website - a project that was not just about building a digital space, but about crafting a portal to Syrian culture, heritage, and diverse narratives.
At the heart of my work with Wanabqa was the development of their website. This wasn't just a web development project; it was about creating a digital home for stories about Syrian culture, heritage, and diversity. Hani, the leader of Wanabqa, envisioned a website that was clean, modern, and interactive, serving as a credible resource for anyone interested in Syria. Collaborating with Abdulrahman, another web developer, we set out to turn this vision into reality.
My first foray into using WordPress marked a significant shift from my preferred platform, Webflow. The decision was driven by the need to manage a substantial content load, including over 300 articles. The design philosophy was centered on simplicity and ease of use, ensuring accessibility and seamless navigation for users. The website's aesthetics were carefully aligned with Wanabqa's brand identity, incorporating vibrant blues and pinks against a stark white background, with Rubik and Karla fonts providing clarity and a modern touch.
Completing the website in three months was both challenging and exhilarating. The positive feedback we received, particularly for its interactive features, was immensely gratifying. This project not only honed my skills in full-stack development but also deepened my understanding of the power of WordPress and the importance of a well-structured CMS.
In addition to web development, my role as Art Director allowed me to contribute to Wanabqa's visual storytelling on Instagram. The graphics I created were more than just visual elements; they were narratives that echoed the collective's mission to share and celebrate Syrian culture and heritage.
Below, I've included a selection of screenshots from the Wanabqa website, showcasing the digital experience we created. Alongside these, you'll find some of the Instagram graphics I designed, each one a piece of the larger mosaic that is Wanabqa's story.