About Motif & the founder
Salam & welcome to MOTIF!
My name is Afnan Aldaoud, and I’m a graphic designer by training, holding a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and a master’s in Future Design. Through my studies, I developed a fascination with paper engineering and folding, which opened up a world of intricate possibilities with patterns and print.
My journey took a pivotal turn in 2009 when I visited Marrakech and found myself captivated by the beauty of Islamic architecture and its rich, intricate art. This inspiration led me to deepen my understanding of traditional Islamic art, where I learned the foundational techniques of creating these patterns from scratch.
In 2020, during the global shift brought by COVID, I founded my small business, dedicated to creating meaningful artifacts for homes and gifts. Each piece combines my knowledge, passion, and creativity for Islamic patterns, offering a fresh blend of tradition and modernity for people seeking unique gifts and home accessories. My core vision for this venture is to revive and preserve traditional arts, bringing heritage into contemporary spaces and fostering appreciation and understanding of Islamic art.