I’m a seasoned design professional with over two decades of experience shaping brand identities, print, videos and digital design across hospitality, publishing and luxury lifestyle sectors. I lead creative teams as an art director, delivering cohesive visual language and scalable design systems. I thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy mentoring junior designers while pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.

Zubair Latief

I’m a seasoned design professional with over two decades of experience shaping brand identities, print, videos and digital design across hospitality, publishing and luxury lifestyle sectors. I lead creative teams as an art director, delivering cohesive visual language and scalable design systems. I thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy mentoring junior designers while pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.

Available to hire

I’m a seasoned design professional with over two decades of experience shaping brand identities, print, videos and digital design across hospitality, publishing and luxury lifestyle sectors. I lead creative teams as an art director, delivering cohesive visual language and scalable design systems. I thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy mentoring junior designers while pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.

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Language

English
Fluent
Arabic
Intermediate
Afrikaans
Advanced

Work Experience

Designer at COYA
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2022
Created visual branding, marketing collateral and campaigns for a multi-city hospitality group across DXB, AUH, Paris, London, Mykonos and Doha.
Designer at Emirates NBD
January 1, 2019 - Present
Delivered design assets and brand communications for corporate banking initiatives.
Freelance Art Director at ITP Publishing, Infinity, Pulp Advertising
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2018
Art direction across print and digital projects, coordinating with editors and creatives in Dubai.
Art Director at Engageme Consulting
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2016
Led design strategy, brand systems and client presentations.
Art Editor at ITP Publishing
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2014
Oversaw magazine art direction, layout and typography; collaborated with editors and photographers.
Art Director at Bona Magazine / Caxton Publishers
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2012
Directed visual identity and magazine layout; managed art team.
Acting Art Director at Media24
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2010
Assisted in art direction for publications; contributed to concept, styling and layout.
Layout Artist at Medianova
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2009
Created magazine and print layouts; prepared files for production.
Layout Artist at John Brown Publishing
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Magazine and editorial layout artist for Cape Town titles.
Junior Layout Artist at Media24
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2007
Assisted senior designers in producing editorial layouts and typography.
Design Lecturer at College of Cape Town
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2005
Delivered design courses in graphic design, drawing, printmaking and history of art.
Art Director at Bona Magazine (Caxton Publishers)
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2012
Led design and production for Bona Magazine, overseeing layout, typography and brand consistency.
Freelance Art Director at ITP Publishing / Infinity / Pulp Advertising
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2018
Provided freelance art direction for publishing and advertising clients in Dubai; led concept development, art direction and production.

Education

After Effects - Advanced at Cybermode
January 1, 2020 - March 17, 2026
Graphic Design (Diploma / Certificate in Graphic Design) at College of Cape Town
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2005
Graphic Design (Diploma) at College of Cape Town
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2005
After Effects - Advanced at Cybermode
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2020

Qualifications

After Effects - Advanced
January 1, 2020 - March 17, 2026
Graphic Design (Diploma / Certificate in Graphic Design)
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2005
After Effects - Advanced
January 1, 2020 - March 17, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Travel & Hospitality, Education, Other