Eight products by African designers selected by Africa by Design

Table Of Content

• African Design: Materials, Motifs and Techniques Inspired by Tradition
• CPDI Africa Global Studio - An African Pedagogy
• Design2022 AFRICA-DESIGN Workshop: Exploring Modalities of Mutual Learning for Global Sustainable Development
• COP 28 Spotlight: How can Interior Design Shape a Carbon-Neutral Future?
• News Obituaries
• IncarNations. African art as a philosophy:

Africa Design Days / Awards represents an exceptional positioning opportunity for the Kingdom of Morocco whose geographical position allows it to become a geostrategic hub of design, recognized by WDO. This concept is a vision for Africa that goes beyond the promotion of the continent’s creative talent. Ivorian American fashion designer Loza Maleohmbo establised her namesake label  in New York City in 2009 and now operates from Cote D’Ivoire. Raised in Côte d'Ivoire and Maryland, she holds a degree in animation and has trained with fashion designers Jill Stuart, Yigal Azrouël and Cynthia Rowley. Loza Maleohmbo bridges Ivorian traditions with modern fashion as she continues to experiment the energies between Ivorian tribal aesthetics and New York's urban fashion.

African Design: Materials, Motifs and Techniques Inspired by Tradition

Each logo isn’t just a brand mark; it’s a narrative piece, conveying stories of heritage, community, resilience, or innovation. This narrative aspect makes the logos more than just a visual symbol; they become a piece of storytelling that connects the brand to its roots and its audience. For example, red might represent blood and strong emotions, green could symbolize growth and prosperity, and yellow might denote energy and joy. In African logo design, the use of these colors is both an aesthetic choice and a way to convey deeper meanings. These vivid colors also ensure that the logos are eye-catching and memorable.

CPDI Africa Global Studio - An African Pedagogy

Their experience in Kenya has deeply influenced their design philosophy, emphasizing local materials and practicality. Studio Propolis specializes in wood and metal craftsmanship, prioritizing prototyping and production to refine their designs. The use of locally sourced natural materials has always been a major feature of African design. Along with the difficult socio-economic conditions still prevalent in much of the continent, it has taught African designers how to work in a way that is making the rest of the world take notice.

Design2022 AFRICA-DESIGN Workshop: Exploring Modalities of Mutual Learning for Global Sustainable Development

In this article, we’re diving into some of the most creative and inspiring logo designs that capture the essence of Africa's diverse heritage. These designs aren't just visually stunning; they're a masterclass in storytelling, each weaving a unique narrative that resonates deeply with its audience. With key hubs in Southern Africa, East Africa, and West Africa, designers and artisans weave eco-friendly functional and decorative baskets using available and sustainable natural fibers like sisal grass in Eswatini and raffia in Ghana. Some examples of leading designers include Zenzulu basket designs which are handmade and fairly traded, ensuring sustainable incomes for more than 350 artisans in South Africa.

COP 28 Spotlight: How can Interior Design Shape a Carbon-Neutral Future?

While your target audience comes from one area, what you present is for them, meaning logo design must also refer to them. So for those of you who are now working in the African field, in terms of making designs, you must also consider colors that have to do with African culture. Furthermore, African logo design will also be able to differentiate you and your competitors according to each customer.

Introducing Africa's first interior design podcast: My Stylish Life (MSL) - Woman and Home Magazine

Introducing Africa's first interior design podcast: My Stylish Life (MSL).

Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 13:28:30 GMT [source]

Designing such logos is not just about aesthetics; it’s a journey into the heart of Africa, where each symbol, color, and pattern tells a story of a rich, diverse, and vibrant culture. For brands looking to connect with their roots or communicate a message of African heritage, these logo designs offer a powerful and authentic way to do so. The chair has been highly regarded as a perfect mixture of material, ergonomics, and local aesthetic in an elegant, somewhat sculptural furniture piece. Ini Archibong, an American born artist and designer of Nigerian heritage, has designed furniture for Bernhard Design, Sé, and Knoll.

IncarNations. African art as a philosophy:

Her studio specializes in homeware and products inspired by traditional Ghanaian Adinkra symbols, which hold both decorative and symbolic significance. Her creative journey began during her textile design master’s at Chelsea College of Art & Design, where she aimed to infuse her designs with the spirituality of her African heritage. African carvings and sculptures that survive to this day show that the use of natural materials like stone, clay, and wood prevailed in the continent’s early history. After the end of colonialism, art and design became great vehicles for African countries to reinforce and promote their independence. Traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage became a source of inspiration for African designers. Frances Van Hasselt, founder of mohair design studio Frances VH, also takes traditional craft and techniques, and interprets them in a modern way.

But for now, I’m trying to spend more time on design rather than advertising. I’ve been invested in finishing my African-inspired alphabet series, which I have featured on my Instagram page”. Nigerian designer Folawiyo built her global reputation on her modern transformations of Ankara, a traditional West African dress cloth. African art has, specially incorporated into spaces of contrast, have created visually striking spaces evoking senses of stimulus experiencing such spaces. African style and design over the years have influenced the world be it through its fashion imprints or its art style used by all tribes in the deep rooted cultural community.

From the bold use of traditional African motifs to the innovative integration of modern design elements, each logo is a testament to the creative spirit that Africa is known for. Get ready to be inspired by a world where design meets heritage, and where each logo is a window into the heart of Africa. It’s their ability to connect on a personal level, pulling in elements from African art, folklore, and nature. This isn't just about creating a visual appeal; it's about crafting an identity that is both relatable and empowering. The best African logo designs are those that resonate with both local and global audiences, showcasing the vibrant spirit of Africa in every curve and color. Chrissa Amuah, a London-born designer with roots in Ghana, Togo, and Benin, founded AMWA Designs in 2014.

Laduma Ngxokolo created the brand to explore knitwear design solutions that would be suitable for the amakrwala (Xhosa initiates) traditional dress. Using South African mohair and wool, the aesthetic is informed by traditional Xhosa beadwork patterns and colours. The south of Africa, around Zimbabwe developed the famously known as Ndebele quilt blocks, by Ndebele people. Most of the patterns were geometric and symbolised Ndebele culture very well. Color is a powerful tool in African design, often used to convey messages and emotions. In African logo design, choose colors that are not only visually striking but also meaningful.

An early pioneer of African contemporary design is Mali’s Cheick Diallo, whose furniture was included in the seminal ‘Africa Remix’ exhibition at the Hayward Gallery and the Centre Pompidou, among other venues, in 2004. His work is in the collection of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and was exhibited by Bamako Art Gallery at the fair AKAA (Also Known As Africa) in Paris in November. “He plays with the codes of the material and distorts objects in atypical ways to create new, unique forms, engendering an ambivalence between aesthetics and usage,” says Fakhoury, who discovered Somian’s work a decade ago. One of the pieces used in the film is the height-adjustable Boraatii stool, which can also serve as a table. Rather than being based on a pre-existing seating design, this stool is inspired by headrests used in the Oromia region of Ethiopia to protect elaborate hairstyles at night.