In the beginning of 2007, I was involved in a group of stakeholders who came together to establish Minnesota Dawah Institute, also known as Masjid Dawah. Our responsibilities were diverse, ranging from preparing the newly acquired building for worshippers to developing sustainable programs for young people, and deciding on a name for the center.
Following several informal meetings and discussions, we settled on the name Minnesota Dawah Institute (MDI). At this moment, the concept of a basic logo sparked in my mind. All the time I had spent tinkering with Microsoft Office and Publisher to create flyers suddenly seemed like more than just a task; it felt like a potential career path.
With a sketch pad in hand, I sketched several ideas before finalizing the design. I developed a basic logo combining the letters 'M' and 'D', intersected by a vector of a minaret symbolizing the letter 'I'. I opted for a green color to symbolize growth and gold to represent the golden days of youth, a crucial period for shaping one's identity.
Both the youth team, board members, and the Imam expressed their admiration for it, prompting us to initiate the incorporation of the logo in various branding materials like business cards and letterheads.
My initial encounter with creating visual content was so enjoyable that it inspired me to continue exploring and facing challenges in producing more content for MDI. This led me to enroll in the graphic design program at Minneapolis College, where I earned my Associate's degree.
Reflecting on my initial logo design experience, I realize its significant influence on my subsequent projects, particularly in terms of branding. Some of the color palettes I have used over the years somewhat mirror the MDI brand. It is often said that people connect various feelings and emotions with a brand's logo and color scheme. I am convinced that the memorable experience at Masjid Dawah has left a lasting impression on me. This influence persists, as whenever I engage in design work, my subconscious mind recalls the MDI brand.
I am forever grateful for being part of an organization that opened many doors for me, and for awakening my design potential. The experiences and lessons learned at MDI have shaped me into the creative professional I am today, and I will always be grateful for the role this organization has played in my development.
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