Hi, I’m Mahmoud Kanso, a Creative Art Director and multidisciplinary designer with 14 years of experience in art direction, branding, motion graphics, and visual storytelling. I enjoy building in-house teams, shaping brand systems, and delivering impactful work across tech, education, media, and culture. I thrive in collaborative environments, translating complex ideas into compelling campaigns. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and AI-assisted tools, I’m fluent in English and Arabic and focused on delivering clear, engaging brand storytelling from concept to execution.

Mahmoud Kanso

PRO

Hi, I’m Mahmoud Kanso, a Creative Art Director and multidisciplinary designer with 14 years of experience in art direction, branding, motion graphics, and visual storytelling. I enjoy building in-house teams, shaping brand systems, and delivering impactful work across tech, education, media, and culture. I thrive in collaborative environments, translating complex ideas into compelling campaigns. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and AI-assisted tools, I’m fluent in English and Arabic and focused on delivering clear, engaging brand storytelling from concept to execution.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Mahmoud Kanso, a Creative Art Director and multidisciplinary designer with 14 years of experience in art direction, branding, motion graphics, and visual storytelling. I enjoy building in-house teams, shaping brand systems, and delivering impactful work across tech, education, media, and culture.

I thrive in collaborative environments, translating complex ideas into compelling campaigns. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and AI-assisted tools, I’m fluent in English and Arabic and focused on delivering clear, engaging brand storytelling from concept to execution.

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Language

English
Fluent
Arabic
Fluent

Work Experience

Creative Art Director at nybl
June 1, 2021 - Present
Developed branding strategies and led a multi-disciplinary team in marketing, motion graphics, photography, and UX/UI. Reduced outsourcing by 95% and ensured brand consistency across campaigns.
Graphic Designer / Animator at Pattern
October 1, 2020 - December 1, 2020
Designed ads, campaigns, UX, and UI in English and Arabic; collaborated with marketing to understand client needs and build relationships with vendors and partners.
Graphic Design Instructor / Senior Designer at Lebanese International University
September 1, 2016 - May 1, 2021
Taught graphic design and animation courses across multiple campuses; led students to participate in international festivals and achieved top rankings; led design development for event posters and brochures, boosting student interaction.
Lead Designer / Workshop Tutor at Bilarabic Design Festival
April 1, 2016 - May 1, 2016
Developed and launched an innovative method for Arabic calligraphy animation; established an animation workshop with 30+ participants.
Senior Graphic Designer at Sky Media Production
January 1, 2012 - October 1, 2017
Developed motion graphics for TV programs and documentaries; streamlined the production workflow to rely on in-house production; maintained brand guidelines across broadcast packages and campaigns.
Graphic Designer at Pattern
October 1, 2020 - December 1, 2020
Designed ads, campaigns, UX, and UI in both English and Arabic; improved vendor trust by 80% through close collaboration with marketing to understand client needs.
Lead Designer at Bilarabic Design Festival
April 1, 2016 - May 1, 2017
Implemented and launched an innovative method for Arabic calligraphy animation; published in print and an e-book; established an animation workshop with over 30 participants to explore Arabesque in motion.
Senior Graphic and Motion Designer at To Sky Media Production
January 1, 2012 - October 1, 2017
Executed motion graphics for TV programs and documentaries; streamlined production workflow, enabling in-house production reliance; collaborated with editors, videographers, and creative directors on brand materials, openers, infographics, and promos.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design at Lebanese International University
October 1, 2007 - January 1, 2012
Professional Diploma in UX/UI at American University of Beirut
February 1, 2025 - March 1, 2026
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design at Lebanese International University
October 1, 2007 - January 1, 2012
Professional Diploma in UX/UI at American University of Beirut
February 1, 2025 - March 1, 2026

Qualifications

Certificate of Appreciation for supporting the exhibit 'Tolerance'
November 1, 2019 - April 6, 2026
HubSpot Marketing Hub Software Certified
May 1, 2024 - April 6, 2026
Master class on motif design
May 1, 2019 - April 6, 2026
Certificate of Appreciation for supporting the exhibit 'Bilarabic2'
May 1, 2017 - April 6, 2026
Certificate of Appreciation for supporting the exhibit 'Bilarabic1'
May 1, 2016 - April 6, 2026
Vizrt Artist, Viz Trio and Viz World Training
June 1, 2012 - April 6, 2026
Diction, Performance, Television Appearances and Body Language Training
June 1, 2024 - April 6, 2026
Radio Appearances and Method of Preparing and Implementing programs Training
July 1, 2024 - April 6, 2026
Training Diploma in Television Presenting
August 1, 2024 - April 6, 2026
Certificate of Appreciation for VISCOM Graduation Jury contributions
August 1, 2024 - April 6, 2026
Certificate of Appreciation for VISCOM Graduation Jury contributions
April 1, 2024 - April 6, 2026
Certificate of Appreciation for VISCOM Graduation Jury contributions
August 1, 2023 - April 6, 2026
Certificate of Appreciation for VISCOM Graduation Jury contributions
April 1, 2025 - April 6, 2026
Certificate of Appreciation for VISCOM Graduation Jury contributions
August 1, 2025 - April 6, 2026
HubSpot Marketing Hub Software Certified
January 11, 2030 - April 16, 2026
Vizrt Artist, Viz Trio and Viz World Training
January 11, 2030 - April 16, 2026
Certificate of Appreciation for Supporting the Exhibit “Tolerance”
January 11, 2030 - April 16, 2026
Certificate of Appreciation for Supporting the Exhibit “Bilarabic2”
January 11, 2030 - April 16, 2026
Certificate of Appreciation for Supporting the Exhibit “Bilarabic1”
January 11, 2030 - April 16, 2026
8 Certificates of Appreciation for contributing to VISCOM Graduation Jury
January 11, 2030 - April 16, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Other