Nour Omar

Photo Courtesy Of Nour Omar

WHERE WERE YOUR BORN AND RAISED AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
I was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt and still live there now.

WHAT’S THE BEST THINGS ABOUT YOUR CITY?
It’s the city that never sleeps! It's vibrant and lively and whirls with uncontrollable energy. It's also a metropolis that brings ancient civilization to modern life.

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY DOING AS A KID?
I enjoyed drawing and painting and making arts and crafts. I even wrote stories and created my own children's books. Creating anything with my hands was my absolute pleasure; and still is.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A DESIGNER AND WHEN DID YOU START YOUR LABEL?
I was looking for a way to create a new and unique product that would combine the art and the fashion world. Creating accessible and wearable art was something new and untapped. So I started by hand painting converse shoes with famous paintings by Van Gogh, Picasso etc. and it took off from there. I decided to become a designer when I created my first collection of hand painted bags and beach bags, adorned with modern and contemporary art; and that's when Marsumä Designs was born.

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND TRAINING?
I have a Bachelor in Fine Arts. And have studied and trained in the arts for most of my life.

WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS FROM CONCEPT TO CREATION?
Firstly, I need to find inspiration; I find inspiration in nature, in people, in books. And from there I come up with a general concept for my piece. I then take to my canvas and brushes and somehow it all comes together.

HOW DO YOU ALIGN YOUR ARTISTIC AMBITION WITH FUNCTIONALITY?
Artistic ambition is of course not always functional. I try to be practical and stay grounded, however the creative process does not always allow you to do so.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PREFERRED MATERIAL TO WORK WITH?
My go to material is always my canvas, paint and brushes.

HOW DOES YOUR AESTHETIC TRANSLATE IN OTHER AREAS OF YOUR LIFE AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I'm always trying to learn new techniques and new art forms. I find myself always trying out new handmade projects in my free time. I love creating DIY projects.

HOW DO YOU SPEND A DAY OFF?
I spend my days off with my husband and daughter. Spending quality family time together is always my priority.

HOW DO YOU STAY IN SHAPE AND WHAT IS YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE?
Juggling my career and motherly duties, it’s hard to make time for myself. I would say having some beauty sleep is the most important thing. I do enjoy yoga and Pilates classes when I can muster up the time.

HOW DO YOU STAY CENTERED?
I stay centered by keeping my priorities in check. I do my best to keep a good balance between work and play. And I always put my family first.