Symphony Of Janan: A Unique Blend of Strength and Delicacy

Expressive Illustration by Najeeb Barbour

Inspired by the seahorse's characteristics and the untamed nature of a wild horse, Najeeb Barbour has created Symphony Of Janan, a fictional design that combines strength and delicacy in a captivating way.

Barbour's inspiration for Symphony Of Janan came from the seahorse, a delicate creature that showcases a powerful sense of love through its unbreakable bond with its eternal dance partner. To capture this essence, Barbour wanted to mix it with the untamed nature of a wild horse waiting for its companion. Extensive research was conducted to find the right elements and characters with the desired emotions to develop the purpose behind the design.

What sets Symphony Of Janan apart is its unique combination of two characters, each with special attributes. The design merges the strength of a horse with the delicacy and tenderness of a seahorse. The characters are linked by an ornamented heart that holds a key lock. The key evolves from a heart shape in its core, creating a fundamental connection with the characters. Barbour used a variety of geometric shapes across the design to give a sense of flow and movement, reflecting upon the characters' expressions.

The realization of Symphony Of Janan involved a meticulous process. Barbour started with a freehand sketch to create a homogenous flow of thoughts related to the design. The visual concept was revisited multiple times to ensure consistency and perfection in every corner of the drawing. Traditional methods of depicting shapes were also incorporated. After the sketch development stage, digital techniques were applied using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

The specifications of Symphony Of Janan are W80 cm x H90 cm, 300 dpi, RGB Colors. This design can be appreciated as a standalone artwork or transformed into a 3D form for still or animated character use. It can also be physically sculptured using metallic materials for art-decor purposes, whether handmade or factory-produced. The flexibility of the design allows for various operational possibilities.

The Symphony Of Janan project began in February 2017 and was completed in September 2020 in Dubai. Barbour conducted extensive research for this design, diving deep into the ethology of animals and their behaviors. Valuable support was received from individuals who shared a love for animals, contributing to the development of an original style.

Despite the challenges faced, Barbour successfully merged the physical forms of the horse and seahorse into one design without compromising their significant attributes. The addition of supporting components was also a minor obstacle, but Barbour ensured they complemented the design in a compatible and consistent way, anchoring the message and purpose of Symphony Of Janan.

Analyzing the design, it is evident that Barbour focused on the essential attributes of both the horse and seahorse, capturing their strength and gracefulness. The geometric shapes and symbols used in the design convey flow and depth. The inclusion of the heart in the character and the key creates a bond and unity between them, symbolizing the deepest chamber of the heart where pure emotion is expressed.

Symphony Of Janan has been recognized for its excellence and innovation. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2021 in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design category. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Symphony Of Janan is respected for integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings, contributing to a better world.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Najeeb Omar
Image Credits: Najeeb Omar
Project Team Members: Najeeb Omar
Project Name: Symphony Of Janan
Project Client: Najeeb Omar


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