My journey in conscious design.
I was trained as a graphic designer,
I started my higher education with a Bachelor of Design at the American University of Science & Technology in Beirut and continued with a Masters of Design (MDesign) with emphasis on Visual & Service Design from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
I became an art director,
My professional background spans from being an Art Director at Leo Burnett and TBWA to a Senior Art Director at a private design studio. In the corporate and private sectors, I designed for brands from several industries. However, I felt the urge to pivot from commercial to conscious design.
A humanitarian designer,
I pivoted from employment into consultancy work for humanitarian and wellness organizations in 2015. I collaborated with international NGOs including UN Women, UNHCR, Oxfam and others. I designed for brands from the USA, France, Vienna, Dubai, Lebanon and Qatar. In parallel to my work, I have volunteered as a designer with Isha Foundation since 2012.
A service designer,
During my studies at UTS, I experimented in Service Design projects in Sydney within various sectors. I specialized in applying conscious human-centered design, systems thinking and strategies rooted in Service Design methodology for effective brand experiences – in both private and public institutions.
A mentor,
Sharing knowledge is a core value in conscious design. I founded this blog in 2015 to educate clients about design and coach students. In 2021, I collaborated with ANERA, as a Design Program Coordinator and Mentor for aspiring designers. In 2022, I launched a digital Course Toolkit called “The Consultancy Crash Course” for freelancers.
A visual artist,
In parallel, in 2019 I ventured into birthing an art studio: “Prime and Flow”. It now operates from the Netherlands and provides custom art, art classes, party favors and lunar stationery. Its purpose is simple: flow into a creative state, with art and wellness tools, while living connected to nature and self.
An entrepreneur,
In 2023, I officially launched this “Hanan Bou Akl Design Consultancy” Business; based in the Netherlands but operating globally. I started this with an intention to wake up everyday and make a conscious impact on the world with Inclusive, Humanitarian and Empathic design.
An author,
I explored the “Designer as Author” concept by creating content and working in an entrepreneurial way rather than simply reacting to problems and tasks placed before me by clients. I experimented with the ideas of “mother to the world” and “creative mother” by birthing ideas and art projects. So I create ideas, opportunities or products and implement them.
