Owais Riaz, Creative Director, “Craftsmen Media” & Founder, “TypeO” in conversation with Karvan where he discusses the birth of TypeO.
1. What inspired you to create The TypeO?
I’ve been playing with typography for the past 8 or 9 years now. Initially, I used to share my designs on my Facebook profile only. People began appreciating my typography and I was motivated to take it further and create my page. I was hesitant at first but everything settled for the better.
2. What is the creative sense behind the name, The TypeO?
Umm… I don’t know how to put my thoughts exactly in words but “Typo” is usually the short term that is used for typography as well but the main idea behind “The TypeO” came from blood groups. Yes, it might sound bizarre but like one has type B and someone has type AB, etc, the O in “The TypeO” represents me (Owais). So it’s typography infected and infused with my essence, or blood in the literal sense. Hence, “The TypeO”.
3. From where do you get the motivation and ideas to create your designs?
To be very honest, they naturally come to me. Usually, I get a clear picture in my head but sometimes I have to sketch, scribble as my thoughts clear up and condense to form an idea.
4. What was the initial reaction of your friends and family when you showed them your designs?
Initially, they thought it was just a vibe, a burst of mischief, which would eventually fade away. Some friends would make fun or laugh at me as they never saw anything like that before. But now they love the work that I put out and some even try to imitate me, which, is flattering quite frankly.
5. Which designers, illustrators, creative gurus of Pakistan and the world inspire you?
There are lots of creative minds out there who inspire me locally and internationally, people like Faraz Maqsood Hamidi, Shoaib Qureshi, Paul Rand, Paula Scher and so many others.
6. What are the favorite designs that you have developed?
Here are some of my favorite designs which I have made.
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7. Your advice for the youth of Pakistan?
No matter who you are or what your career is, you must first figure out your unique selling proposition (USP) or your point-of-difference. This will set you apart from the competition. If you look deep enough and are determined to find that out, you are meant to succeed in whatever profession you pursue.
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