For Allaa Kammel, creativity has been a constant companion since childhood. Growing up captivated by the world of cartoons, she found herself drawn to more than just the characters and stories on screen. The intricate details, vibrant colors, and innovative designs sparked a curiosity that would later shape her career. “As a child, I was deeply curious about the way shapes moved, how colors blended together, and the logos that branded the characters,” she recalls. This fascination planted the seed for her passion for design and animation, setting her on a path to become a multidisciplinary artist and creative visionary.
Discovering the Perfect Path
Like many young adults, Allaa faced the challenge of finding a career path that aligned with her creative instincts. While conventional jobs focused on numbers or words seemed uninspiring, she sought a way to channel her artistic passion into something meaningful. The turning point came when she discovered the Applied Sciences and Arts program.
“It was the perfect blend of everything I was seeking,” Allaa explains. The program combined the study of design history with hands-on creative expression, allowing her to explore art, design, and technology in tandem. This fusion of disciplines helped her realize her dream of building and innovating rather than following traditional paths. “It was a perfect fit for me,” she says, reflecting on how the program enabled her to turn her artistic inclinations into a tangible, impactful career.


A Dream Come True: Working with Spacetoon
For many Arab children, Spacetoon is more than a television channel—it’s a cherished part of their childhood. For Allaa, joining Spacetoon as a designer was nothing short of a dream come true.
“My biggest achievement so far has definitely been the opportunity to work for Spacetoon, my favorite cartoon channel,” she shares. Designing posters for beloved characters and creating entire planets for the channel felt surreal, as it bridged the gap between her childhood memories and professional aspirations. “Being able to contribute to a brand I grew up with made me realize the power of pursuing your passions,” she adds. This milestone not only marked a significant professional achievement but also reinforced her belief in the transformative power of creativity.
Early Career Foundations
Allaa’s professional journey began with an internship at Scoop Empire, one of the Middle East’s leading digital journals. At the same time, she freelanced for international clients, leveraging various platforms to build her portfolio and hone her skills. These early experiences provided a solid foundation for her career, but it was her adaptability and willingness to embrace challenges that truly set her apart.
“What really helped me grow during those early years was my willingness to take on tasks I hadn’t yet mastered,” she explains. From working with award-winning architecture firms in Egypt to tackling roles as a content creator, graphic designer, video editor, and animator, Allaa developed a multidisciplinary approach to her work. This adaptability not only accelerated her growth but also opened doors to opportunities she hadn’t initially considered.
Leading with Creativity in Saudi Arabia
Today, Allaa serves as a full-time Art Director for a leading events company in Saudi Arabia. The role is both exciting and challenging, offering her the chance to hone her creative skills while developing valuable managerial expertise. Working in a rapidly evolving country like Saudi Arabia has been an eye-opening experience for her.
“I’m immersing myself in their rich heritage while also aligning with their bold vision for the future,” she says. The position pushes her out of her comfort zone and encourages her to grow as both a leader and a creative professional. “I’ve always believed that stepping into unfamiliar territory is where true growth happens,” she adds, exemplifying her philosophy of embracing challenges as opportunities for personal and professional development.
Mentorship and Inspiration
Throughout her career, Allaa has drawn inspiration from those who guided her along the way. Among them, her university professor Sally Skeret stands out as a pivotal figure.
“Sally Skeret has been the most inspiring person in my career,” Allaa notes. “She not only shared her extensive design experience but also demonstrated incredible empathy and compassion toward all her students.” During the challenging times of the COVID-19 lockdown, Professor Skeret’s mentorship helped Allaa stay creative and productive. Under her guidance, Allaa’s graduation project was selected for the prestigious Global Grad Show in Dubai in 2020, an achievement she credits entirely to her professor’s support.
Overcoming Challenges
Like many designers, Allaa has faced her share of challenges in the industry. One of the most significant hurdles has been setting boundaries. “Many people expect designers to be available 24/7, including weekends and holidays,” she explains. This unsustainable expectation often leads to burnout, a reality she has witnessed among her peers. To combat this, Allaa has learned the importance of establishing clear boundaries and ensuring clients respect her time.
“Establishing a healthy work-life balance has not only improved my well-being but also allowed me to be more focused and productive in my work,” she says. Her experiences have shaped her approach to the profession, enabling her to thrive without compromising her personal time.
Timeless Design Over Trends
Another lesson Allaa has learned in her career is the importance of not following design trends too closely. “Trends can change rapidly, and if you design based on them, you risk leaving your client with an outdated look,” she explains. Instead, she focuses on creating timeless designs that align with her clients’ long-term visions. This approach has become a cornerstone of her philosophy, ensuring her work remains relevant and impactful over time.
Redefining Success
As a young designer, Allaa once equated success with working for large, well-known companies. Over time, her perspective has evolved.
“These days, I measure my success by the satisfaction and feedback from my clients,” she shares. Knowing she has made a positive impact through her work is what truly makes her feel accomplished. For Allaa, success is no longer about external validation but about the quality and meaningfulness of her designs.
Words of Wisdom
If she could give advice to her younger self, Allaa would emphasize the importance of enjoying the journey. “The journey itself is far more rewarding than the destination,” she reflects. She’d encourage her younger self to embrace every step of the process, savoring the growth and lessons that come along the way.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Looking ahead, Allaa hopes to be remembered as a designer who did it all. From art and graphic design to animation, UI/UX, and even editorial makeup for photoshoots, her goal is to inspire future generations to pursue their passions without limits.
“The sky’s the limit! You can achieve anything and everything simultaneously if you’re determined and open to expanding your skill set,” she says. By breaking boundaries and exploring multiple creative disciplines, Allaa Kammel is not only shaping her own legacy but also paving the way for others to follow in her footsteps.
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