Multidisciplinary Design & 3D Artist
3D DESIGNERS + ARTISTS HAVE THE FREEDOM TO EXPLORE AND CONTINUALLY EXPAND THE SCOPE OF WORK THEY DO.
Beautiful 3D form designed by Najla’a. Photography provided by Najla’a Abdallah, a Multidisciplinary designer & artist based in the United Arab Emirates.
Najla’a Abdallah, Multidisciplinary Designer & Artist in the United Arab Emirates
A little about Najla’a Abdallah, an Australian—Jordanian furniture, product designer, and multidisciplinary 3d artist & designer living in the United Arab Emirates
Professionally trained industrial designer and 3d artist, Najla’a graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Product and Furniture Design from Curtin University in Australia, and later moved on to working as an in house industrial designer at a leading design consultancy, Twelve Degrees in Amman, Jordan, where she designed and helped develop several award-winning projects.
After kickstarting her career as a designer, Najla’a began experimenting with digital art, developing a style that reflects her interest in nature, food, and art. She is now running her own design practice based in UAE focusing on 3D art & illustrations, as well as product design (furniture, homeware, and packaging design).
Pursuing a career as a freelance Multidisciplinary Designer & Artist based in UAE, and working everywhere.
I am a freelance multidisciplinary designer and 3D artist. I mainly specialize in product and furniture design, I collaborate with local manufacturers to produce and sell my own product designs. I am currently working on slowly expanding my scope of work by taking on more diverse client projects that focus also on graphic design, illustration, and art. I truly believe that if you have the right skill set and a clear understanding of design principles, trends, etc. there is no reason to limit yourself to only one discipline.
“And that’s where the beauty of freelancing lies, I am not bound by a specific job title or description. I have the complete freedom to bounce from one creative skillset to another. In short, it never gets boring.”
Featuring Najla’a’s design process in creating the Aleia Chair. Photography provided by Najla’a Abdallah, a Multidisciplinary designer & artist based in the United Arab Emirates.
Despite the great experience I previously had working at a design consultancy and making great connections, I really disliked working for someone else. I knew freelancing wasn’t going to be an easy route, but I took it anyway. I don’t ever regret making that decision.
Freelancing is great for those who feel like they’ll never reach their full potential unless they are given full freedom to explore and run wild with their creativity. I have more control over the type of projects or clients I want to work with, meaning I get to work on a wide range of projects that go beyond just industrial design.
Yes, I can get stuck with a really boring project sometimes, but for the most part I am working on exciting projects that I am really passionate about.
Featuring Najla’a’s design process, featuring sketch ideation. Photography provided by Najla’a Abdallah, a Multidisciplinary designer & artist based in the United Arab Emirates.
“The amount of flexibility I have as a freelance designer is both refreshing and challenging all at once.”
Featuring Najla’a’s final design of the beautiful Aleia Chair. Photography provided by Najla’a Abdallah, a Multidisciplinary designer & artist based in the United Arab Emirates.
REFLECTING ON TIME DURING THE PANDEMIC.
One of the few good things to come from last year's quarantine was getting to explore new creative fields and skills. With plenty of free time to learn, I found myself enamored with 3D art.
It was exciting being able to use my design skills in a completely different way, combining critical problem solving skills with an otherwise very playful and abstract way of thinking/creating. It has definitely opened up more doors for me, as my work now appeals to a wider range of audience.
Despite all the freedom that comes with freelancing, it definitely has its own challenges.
Furniture design by najla’a—2018. The Aleia Chair Featured. beautifully handcrafted.
“Aleia is a contemporary take on the classic rocking chair. Its large open form is both inviting and intriguing, and its fluffy cloud-like cushion screams comfy! Its elegant, light wooden structure beautifully contrasts with its quirky and playful functionality. Aleia’s minimal form and relaxing rocking and spinning motions are bound to create conversation and stand out in any setting.”
Featuring Najla’a’s Aleia Chair. Photography provided by Najla’a Abdallah, a Multidisciplinary designer & artist based in the United Arab Emirates.
Featuring Najla’a’s final design of the beautiful Aleia Chair. Photography provided by Najla’a Abdallah, a Multidisciplinary designer & artist based in the United Arab Emirates.
“I am the manager, the designer/artist, accountant and every other role I find myself having to take on to get the job done. ”
Featuring Najla’a’s Life Around the Corner, 3D Art—2021. Photography provided by Najla’a Abdallah, a Multidisciplinary designer & artist based in the United Arab Emirates.
Another sample of Najla’s 3d Art & creative voice
Life Around the Corner, 3D Art by Najla’a—2021.
Inspired by the tragic events of 2020, this is a fresh and lively collection igniting hope for a better tomorrow, one just around the corner.
Closing thoughts for those of you wanting to pursue a career as a freelance artist, designer, and creative.
Freelancing can be quite unstable in terms of income, some months are great, others not so much and it's a lot of work. With so much to do, I tend to add the simplest of tasks to my to-do list like “drink more water!” so I don’t forget. pursue
Although my work schedule is far more flexible than a 9 to 5, I do after all have deadlines that need to be met. I am my own boss and I have to make sure I stay atop of things, or it can get really messy really quickly.
It's a very empowering job. You are in control at all times, even if things get a little out of hand you learn to bounce back up pretty quickly. Also, hearing others applaud me for taking on such a challenging career path is always a great confidence boost and validation for all the hard work I put into it.
THANK YOU, Najla’a, FOR GIVING US A GLIMPSE INTO YOUR CAREER & WORK AS AN INSPIRING WOMAN IN DESIGN.
Interested in learning more about different types of ID jobs? Head back to our blog and click on another category.