Hisham Mougharbel’s journey into the world of design and creativity began in the most ordinary yet profound place, his school art classes. It was there that he first discovered his natural eye for design and developed a deep appreciation for all forms of art, from fashion and poetry to theatre and visual storytelling. What started as a simple interest soon became a lifelong passion that shaped his career and his life.
For Hisham, art is not just about creating pretty pictures. It is about telling stories, connecting with people, and making an impact through visual ideas. His work is driven by this belief, and it is what fuels his success as an art director today.
Humble Beginnings in Beirut
Hisham’s professional story started modestly in Beirut, where he worked as a stylist and graphic designer for a local fashion boutique. This early experience gave him a unique blend of skills that combined fashion’s flair with the precision of design. But more importantly, it taught him resilience.
Working with limited resources and in a fast-paced environment, he had to learn quickly. He faced many challenges that forced him to adapt, innovate, and prove himself every day. These early struggles were not easy, but they were crucial. They shaped his work ethic, his creativity, and his ability to solve problems under pressure.
This phase was not just about skill-building; it was about survival in a competitive industry and finding his own voice as a creative professional.
The Power of Visual Storytelling
What truly draws Hisham to art direction is his love for visual storytelling. To him, design is a powerful tool that combines creativity with practical problem-solving. As an art director, he enjoys collaborating with teams to turn raw ideas into meaningful work that resonates with people.
He believes that a strong idea, when combined with thoughtful design, can create a lasting impression. This passion for storytelling guides every project he takes on, whether it is a branding campaign, a video production, or a graphic design task.
Hisham sees his role as more than just creating visuals; it is about crafting stories that connect and inspire.
A Career Milestone: Dubai Esports Festival 2023
One of the defining moments of Hisham’s career was his role in the Dubai Esports Festival in 2023. Collaborating with a talented team on video direction for such a large-scale event pushed his creative limits and tested his ability to deliver at a global level.
This project was not just a career highlight; it was a lesson in teamwork, innovation, and leadership. Working alongside exceptional creatives, he experienced how collaboration can elevate an idea to extraordinary heights.
The Dubai Esports Festival project proved to him that when passion is combined with a great team, it is possible to create work that stands out on an international stage.
Growing at Leo Burnett
Currently, Hisham is thriving as an art director at Leo Burnett, one of the world’s leading advertising agencies. This position gives him hands-on experience with major regional and global clients, allowing him to sharpen both his creative skills and strategic thinking.
The mentorship and challenges he encounters there are helping him build a strong foundation for the future. Every day brings new opportunities to learn, experiment, and grow, perfectly aligning with his long-term goals.
At Leo Burnett, he is not only refining his craft but also preparing himself to take on bigger creative leadership roles in the future.
Lessons Learned: Confidence Is Key
Throughout his career, one lesson stands out for Hisham: there is no absolute right or wrong in design. What matters most is confidence—confidence in how you shape, present, and believe in your ideas.
This mindset keeps him open to new possibilities and bold enough to push ideas beyond their initial limits. It also makes him a better collaborator, as he approaches each project with both conviction and flexibility.
For Hisham, confidence is the engine of creativity. It is what helps ideas grow from simple concepts into meaningful, impactful work.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Hisham hopes to leave a lasting mark through design that genuinely resonates with people. His goal is to create work that makes people feel something—work where they see themselves reflected and inspired.
Beyond his craft, he values empathy, collaboration, and passion. He believes these qualities are what truly allow a designer to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the creative world.
He wants to be remembered not only as a talented art director but as someone who cared deeply about the people he worked with and the stories he helped tell.
Advice to His Younger Self
If Hisham could speak to his younger self, he would say: go easy, trust the process, and believe in your ideas even when things feel uncertain.
He knows firsthand that success does not come overnight. It takes commitment, patience, and persistence. But if you keep showing up and stay true to your creative vision, everything eventually falls into place.
This advice reflects his own journey—one marked by challenges but also by steady growth and unwavering dedication.
Why Hisham’s Story Matters
Hisham’s story is more than just a tale of creative success. It is an inspiring example of how passion, resilience, and confidence can transform a simple school hobby into a global career.
From his early days in Beirut to leading creative projects on international stages, his journey shows that talent, combined with hard work and belief in your ideas, can open doors to incredible opportunities.
His story encourages young creatives everywhere to keep pushing forward, no matter how tough things get. It is a reminder that the creative path is often filled with uncertainty but ultimately rewarding for those who stay committed.
Hisham’s life and career continue to evolve, driven by a vision to inspire and connect through art. His journey stands as a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of believing in yourself.
Do connect him on LinkedIn
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