Almost three years ago, and at the age of 19, Shadan Al-Hamdan and Latifa Al-Khaled had an idea whilst in the middle of their Civil Engineering classes at Kuwait University to create a planner. One that attributed to their personalities and aesthetical senses, a planner unlike any other stationary organizer.
When prnt. first came into the scene back in 2017, it focused on one theme, street photography. At the time, street photography was booming, and the team decided to take advantage of this passionate and creative trend to turn it into what became the 2017 organizer.
With a theme highlighting Kuwait City and Arabic calligraphy, both concepts beautifully intertwine. In addition to the placed organizational features, the planner became an instant hit.
“I was into street photography, I used to go on photo walks with several photographers whether they’re amateur or professional photographers, so I was really inspired by street photography back then and I still am now.” said Shadan. Her passion can be seen from her Instagram profile alone, where she constantly displays her love for the streets, music, art and photography.
This passion has turned her profile into visual artistry, where an entire row would include her personal photographs and the fabulous Music Monday hashtag, a weekly ritual that she holds on to ever since the hashtag emerged on social media. “I can shoot something, and be like ‘wow, that’s a good cover for a playlist.’”
The 2019 planner however, introduces a brand-new theme under the title ‘Motion,’ with the new addition of typography. Prnt. really showcases the interest of art all together, along with collaborations of regional local talents who are seeking a platform to shed light on their artworks.
For this year’s planner, prnt. collaborated with the Kuwait-based design studio, Multitude, where they asked them to interpret motion through their eyes and typography, which would correspond with the pictures that were originally picked for the 2019 planner.
Image courtesy of Shadan Al-Hamdan
The relationship between motion and typography is explored in detail, where as you attempt to organize your everyday thoughts and plans, the visuals transform from jotting down notes into an interactive experience. “We decided that we didn’t just want this to be a stationary brand, we want this to be a platform where we collaborate with different graphic designers, photographers, calligraphers to have them showcase their work through our products,” she said.
Another inspiring collaboration is the ‘Think Yellow’ campaign, which was created with OX Adventure and three graphic designers to produce a notebook collection with an aim to raise awareness for a cause. Before the trip to Sri Lanka with OX Adventure, Shadan and her partner pinned everything down towards one question: What makes you happy? “It’s a very general question, but when you ask someone and they actually think about it, you can’t just immediately answer it.”
During the trip, the volunteers were set for a visit to an all-girls orphanage, and that’s where the ‘Think Yellow’ notebooks and campaign came from, with papers and markers in hand, the volunteers asked the girls at the orphanage to draw what makes them happy.
“We didn’t see it coming, they drew the simplest of things, most of them drew us playing with them. Just giving people your time, that [act] goes a long way. Ever since we saw those drawings we were like, okay, this has to be something big, we have to go back to Kuwait, and this isn’t just going to be a notebook collection, it’s going to be a whole campaign,” said Shadan.
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After organizing a charity event, and launching the colorful and positive campaign, prnt. demonstrates what start-ups in Kuwait are capable of achieving. From a simple planner, to spreading positivity and charity values through a yellow notebook, prnt. is becoming a platform where creativity of all kinds is introduced and welcomed.
As Shadan herself said, “The planner itself pushes people to stay organized but at the same time it appreciates art as well.” The next step for prnt. is a collaborative trip with OX Adventure and Artspace Kuwait to Sri Lanka, an art-based trip that will be filled with creative activities for anyone to join.
As we’re embarking on a new year, new resolutions and no doubt, tons of plans, it’s wise to remember not to get lost in the chaos. “As contradicting and ironic as this will sound, coming from a person that promotes a planner, this is one of my favorite quotes that I came across to recently, ‘Life is what happens when you’re too busy planning it.’ Sometimes I find myself planning, and I forget to just enjoy the moment.” said Shadan. This notion also links back to prnt’s inspiration for the 2019 ‘Motion’ planner.
The balance between planning life instead of just leaving it to happen is not entirely easy. But, achieving your own sense of balance by using tools that creatively inspire you, and planning your time around that notion, will surely help. With prnt., not only are these tools made available, but they are also creatively celebrated.
Prnt. planners. Image courtesy of Shadan Al-Hamdan
Up Close and Personal Questionnaire
What do you most value in your friends?
I think what I value most in a friend is someone that’s easy going, loyal & understanding.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
To me happiness is in the little things, whether it’s getting a task done, creating a playlist, or getting lost with my camera.
What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is not doing enough or accomplishing the goals i have set for myself.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
If I had to choose one trait I deplore in myself it would be impatience.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
What I most deplore in others is dishonesty.
Which living person do you most admire?
My dad, for the way he sees the world, the way he balances his work life & family/social life, and the constant need to take care of everyone around him. My mom, for the way she deals with things on a daily, how she’s very well organized, and how she shows us all everyday what a boss lady she is.
Image courtesy of Shahdan Al-Hamdan
What is your greatest extravagance?
I think my greatest extravagance would be for sneakers always. I am not a huge fan of shopping, but when it comes to shoes, sneakers in particular, i allow myself to go crazy.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
I think I use the word “chill” a lot, and my friends and family can vouch for that.
What is it that you most dislike?
I’d have to say vegetables.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I’d most like to have the talent to mix really cool songs. I think in another life i would definitely be a DJ.
If you could have any job, what would it be?
I would definitely be my own boss. My dream job would revolve around art, design, and creating more products with talented individuals. You’ll just have to wait and see where I go, or plan to do in the future.
What would you consider your greatest achievement?
At a young age, I’d have to say my greatest achievement yet is balancing prnt. work, getting my degree in civil engineering while still trying to maintain a social life.
What is your most treasured possession?
My most treasured possession would have to be my music library, my playlists to be exact. I’d feel lost if they were to disappear.
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What is your most marked characteristic?
My most marked characteristic would be being a good listener.
Where would you most like to live?
I would love to live in New York, and I feel like at one point of my life, i will.
What are your favorite words to live by?
As of now my favorite words to live by are — “change is good.”
For more information about prnt. and Shadan, follow @prnt.kw and @mycitystreet_ on Instagram, or visit the website www.shopprnt.com for the latest planners and notebooks. First feature photo by Saud Aljuwaiyan and Shadan. Other images courtesy of Shadan.
