“As a designer from multiple minority backgrounds, it’s important to raise issues and awareness that need to be shared and acted on,” says Iqra Mudassir. Despite having only just graduated from Birmingham City University, she’s already developed a clear interest in design for good. “Knowing that I can make a positive impact through my design skills is a big accomplishment. It also allows me the space to learn, research and get into topics that I wouldn’t have thought of.”

Mudassir’s experience of BCU’s Graphic Communications course was overwhelmingly positive. “It’s very much a close-knit community with peers, students and tutors creating a supportive network, which makes the learning experience fun and enjoyable while reaching the best of our potential. I think the main thing I’ve learnt at university is enjoying the process and experimentation as well as stepping outside my comfort zone and being comfortable in being uncomfortable,” she says.

While the multi-disciplinary designer’s strong point of view already shines through in her work, for now she’s happy to continue experimenting before settling on her style. So far, she’s been most drawn to motion graphics but has also played around with art direction while creating her own magazine. A collaboration with student photographer Cheyenne Hall, Noor is a publication that spotlights talented Muslim women working in the creative industries, such as designer Sana Iqbal.

“It raises the issue of the lack of diversity and representation in the industry, as well as highlighting some remarkable Muslim women who are currently working in the field while being proud of their Islamic identity. They show us that we, as Muslim women, can flourish and thrive in this field,” says Mudassir.

Created in collaboration with fellow BCU alumni Yumna Zahid, 786 Projects is arguably her most ambitious project yet, taking the form of a collective to champion Muslim female creatives. “This started as a self-initiated project at the university as we felt Muslim women are underrepresented in the design industry that is mainly dominated by white males,” she explains.

“We sometimes question whether we would fit in the workplace even if we share a common passion for creativity and innovation. So, 786 Projects aims to deliver exhibitions, interviews and opportunities to shine a light towards this group of people, for the industry to realise we are also designers with talent.”

The collective recently put on its first IRL exhibition, Bismillah, which translates to ‘In the name of God’. It’s a phrase recited by Muslims at the beginning of any task, reminding them to accept that every success or failure is a blessing of God. “The objective was to share something fun and unique to the Muslim lifestyle, showcasing things that are not commonly portrayed in society, something that people can relate to, have a laugh and feel inspired by,” says the designer.

Organising the exhibition was a huge learning curve for Mudassir, but she relished the opportunity to do the branding and art direction for Bismillah, pitch the brief to the 16 creatives involved, and curate the space and merch on show. She says the response to the show was overwhelmingly positive. “It was great to see a lot of different creatives attending, not just Muslims but also the local design community coming in to see the brilliant work.”

Launching something as ambitious as 786 Projects has also enabled the designer to take on board a “cheesy” but “perfect” piece of advice that she received during her degree: don’t cut down your own tree. “It’s easy to lose yourself by going through a rabbit hole of self-sabotage, comparing yourself and doubting your abilities. You may even feel like you won’t be a fit in the industry,” she says.

“This is certainly not true! Use rejection as a redirection, use it to motivate and push yourself to do even better and go above and beyond. Never underestimate your talent and hard work, never doubt yourself and most importantly never stop creating.”

The designer’s recent experiences have also given her the confidence to aim high when it comes to her future career prospects. “My ultimate ambition is to create a positive impact on the world and people with my design skills as well as advocating for diversity, making the industry more welcoming and inclusive to everyone no matter what they identify as,” she says.

“I would like to build myself way up and hope to create my studio/agency one day once I’ve gained the experience to help and become an inspiration to younger designers and like-minded people!”

@im.graphiks