The world is witnessing a boom in the number of artists in the fields of design and photography. This is a result of providing innovative courses in these domains by universities worldwide to keep pace with the market needs and the young people interestedness.

As matter of fact, any person now can develop a skill by learning from a free universal education system called the internet. Therefore, talent is not enough to get noticed, and be labeled a "great artist" is not something only based on your skill. It is an industry. To become a well known artist, you need to build a solid base of connections within your domain. Also, the society plays a key role in raising or burying a talent. In Kuwait, for example, the amateurs try to introduce their talents by offering their services free of charge which adversely affect those who attempt to use their talent as a source of income.

With this in mind, Two Kuwaitis came up with the idea of a book titled "Select".

"A few years ago, while we were both working in the creative industry, we noticed there is a massive increase in people's awareness about art and design and how it's important to relate this field to their own businesses. Entrepreneurial projects were on the rise, and so was the demand for photographers and designers. The idea behind Select came out of an initial market need we felt early on in our careers: to filter through the masses and create a directory of local talents as a means to connect with them. Select is a coffee table book and directory that celebrates the local manifestation of creativity in its various forms: from architecture to photography, furniture design to applied arts," explains co-Founder Khaled Al-Bannay.

There are three editions so far in the Select book series. The Photography issue showcased photographers that specialize in art, commercial and documentary. The second issue gathered a selection of architects and interior designers. In the third edition, "The Design Practices Issue", exposes the work of a number of established and emerging graphic designers in Kuwait.

Directory of designers

"We have selected designers who are notable for work that creates resonance in society, for practices that develop the discourse of design, challenge established (mis) conceptions, and who offer services that run the gamut from identity design to designed objects, from publication and production to finding innovative channels of marketing and distribution, contemporary designers are redefining their role in society, and reexamining their potentials in our entrepreneurial economy," Bannay said.

Noura Al-Rashid and Noura Al-Najjar, both hold masters degrees in fine arts in graphic design. Their common interest resulted in a collaboration under the umbrella of Stark Studio.

"Select is a great platform for fulfilling an ongoing quest to benefit and develop the design field in Kuwait," they noted. "Many people are working to do just that. So, we wanted to contribute to the effort. Knowing they were working on the third issue of Select, we approached the founders and suggested we work together, as they are known for working with a specialized committee on the subjects they address."

Anwar Ghader, another graphic designer who used to work for an advertising agency before he started on his own said that he was glad with the entire experience.

"They emailed me to ask if I was interested in participating in this issue. I think the book will reach people around the Gulf and that would be good exposure to all who participated," Ghader exclaimed. He mentioned that he is invited with the team to represent the book in ArtDubai.

Select Founders have been in the creative and business industries for more than five years. They have started to understand the market needs although aren't specialized in the art and design fields but passionate about them. They do believe it's all about a right management.

Each issue has been taken seven to 10 months of work. Al-Bannay concluded: "After every publication we do ask and follow up with the featured talents especially the newcomers if they have benefited from Select or not. I can tell you most of them said yes. We are thankful that the audience/clients believe and trust Select content, and the people who are featured in it. Especially when you go through the book and flip the pages. You will see established as well as newcomers. Both categories do have the talent and the good standards as we always try to present a balanced content."

By Athoob Al-Shuaibi