Sakib Afridi

2009-10-08T13:53:00.000-07:00

Experience
April 2008 - Present
Merkley + Partners - Associate Creative Director
Clients: Arby's, Mercedes-Benz

2005 - 2008
TBWA - Dubai - Creative Director
Clients: Nissan, Mars Foods, MTV,
Emirates Today, Virgin Radio, Career Junction

2000 - 2005
GreenSoap Design
- Interactive/Advertising Agency - San Francisco
Partner/Creative Director
Clients: Adobe, Oprah Winfrey, Clickmarks.com,
Naseeb.com

1999 - 2000
BlackHammer
- Interactive/Design Communications
Senior Creative
Clients: Scholastic iSpy, Bombardier

1998 - 1999
Methodfive
- Interactive/Design Communications
Senior Creative
Clients: Fox.com, Altec Lansing, HGTV

Recognitions:
Cannes
The One Show
Art Directors Club
Clio Awards
New York Festivals
Dubai Lynx Awards
OBIES
The Loerie Awards
Campaign Magazine Awards

Besides Advertising.
I'm currently working on a book of illustrations called
BROKEN ENGLISH (working title). It should be complete by the
end of the year. Click on the image below to check it out.

Geographically, I've had the good fortune of living in several places
around the world: Dubai, South Africa, Sri-Lanka, Saudi Arabia,
Pakistan, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco to name
the major ones. Along the way, I managed to pick up 5 languages.

I play the guitar, although lately it's changed from playing live
gigs to lullabies and nursery rhymes.

I've dabbled in interior design, usually homes and offices, but I once
designed the interior of a restaurant in San Francisco.

At one point I studied hair and makeup at the Paul Mitchell Institute.
Yes I dropped out before graduating, and no you can't call me Zohan.

Oh and I'm a U.S. citizen.

Contact Information
Email: sakib@sakibafridi.com

Mobiles:
New York: (917) 297-6663
San Francisco: (415) 637-2542

Free Counter

INTERACTIVE: evite

2009-07-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

I worked on the design and structure of the evite creation process. From picking off a template to designing your own, the entire process needed to be simple and usable by everyone.

Although it has changed a little bit since I worked on it, the overall structure is essentially the same. You can create an evite at www.evite.com

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INTERACTIVE/DESIGN: opencanvas

2009-07-02T11:19:00.001-07:00

opencanvas is a social networking project for digital artists. It is an original
concept I have been working on. The website and desktop application are
currently in development and will be ready by fall 2009.

opencanvas is an online collaboration platform for digital art and digital artists.
An opencanvas is an evolving digital image that artists collaboratively work on.
Each artist takes the canvas to a new level by adding their art to it. Meanwhile
every stage of he canvas is displayed real-time on the ultimate display wall:
your desktop wallpaper.

Here are some screenshots of the website:

HOMEPAGE:

HOW IT WORKS:

CANVAS TIMELINE

PRINT: NISSAN ARMADA WITH DVD PLAYER

2009-06-03T04:03:00.001-07:00

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TV: ARBY'S

2009-05-29T19:38:00.000-07:00

FAJITA FLATBREAD MELTS - TOGETHER

ROASTBURGER - DIGITS

ROASTBURGER - FROZEN WARNING

ROASTBURGER - POMPADOUR

2 FOR $5 - WEDDING

TV/INTERACTIVE: MTV

2009-05-12T11:34:00.001-07:00

KISSING IN THE MIDDLE EAST - VALENTINES DAY

Kiss Education: The traditions of greeting and kissing in the Middle East are very unique and full of nuances. Each country and culture has a different way of kissing, each meaning something different. Even men greet each other by kissing. So MTV created a 'Department of Protocol and Etiquette' and took it upon itself to educate people on the variety of kisses.

What better way to launch a campaign about kissing than on valentines day.
These commercials were aired on TV and on numerous popular websites across the Middle East. Along with the commercials, an accompanying website was created:

Site contents:
- Lessons in kissing (see examples of spots below)
- An interactive kissing game
- User generated kissing content across the region

Unfortunately, due to the 'sexual' nature of the content, the U.A.E. government censor board asked MTV to take the website down...which, of course, made further news headlines!

A SELECTION OF ILLUSTRATIONS

2009-05-11T19:34:00.001-07:00

The following are a small selection of illustrations that are part of a larger book that I'm working on. The concept is based on visual puns in alphabetical order. The book will have approximately 400-500 illustrations. As for the title...I'm completely stumped.

INTERACTIVE: MERCEDES-BENZ SLS

2009-05-11T13:59:00.001-07:00

SLS AMG ANNOUNCEMENT (MOBILE INTERACTIVE)

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In 2010, Mercedes-Benz is coming out with the most technologically advanced supercar ever built; the SLS AMG Gull-Wing. The design of this vehicle is based on the famous 300SL Gull-Wing, which has been sadly out of production since 1963.

The communication to announce the birth of this new vehicle should complement the level of design and technology of the SLS. Hence, the Gull-Wing egg sculpture.

This minimalist modern sculpture will be placed in popular locations such as Grand Central Station and the MOMA, as well as motor shows around the world.

Using QR Code technology (barcodes that can be read by mobile phones), we embed a QR Code in the sculpture. When a viewer scans this code, he/she is led to a website that reveals the SLS AMG Gull-Wing, due in 2010.

INTERACTIVE: MERCEDES-BENZ CL63 AMG

2009-05-10T18:21:00.003-07:00

CL63 AMG WEB BANNER

451 horsepower is a lot. To exhibit the sheer power and speed of the C63 AMG on the web, a simple web banner is created that promises to show what 451 horsepower feels like.

When the banner is clicked, the back-end system (tied in with google) does a search across the web to find content that was most recently updated. The page springs into blurry motion and lands on the most recently updated page on the internet. In this case, it is a video on youtube.

Upon landing on this freshly created page, a message hovers over the screen telling the viewer that he/she is the first to view this content. It is then signed off with a message: “With 451 horsepower, always be the first to arrive.”

CL63 AMG

2009-05-10T16:29:00.001-07:00

451 horsepower is a lot. To exhibit the sheer power and speed of the C63 AMG on the web, a simple web banner is created that promises to show what 451 horsepower feels like.

Upon clicking on the banner, the back-end system (tied in with google) does a search across the web to find content that was most recently updated. The page springs into blurry motion and lands on the most recently updated page on the internet. In this case, it is a video on youtube.

Upon landing on this freshly created page, a message hovers over the screen telling the viewer that he/she is the first to view this content. It is then signed off with a message: “With 451 horsepower, always be the first to arrive.”

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SLS AMG BILLBOARD (CONCEPT)

2009-05-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

In 2010, Mercedes-Benz is launching its flagship supercar, the SLS AMG. Known for its racing heritage and technology, Mercedes-Benz has based the SLS after one of the most desired vehicles of all-time: The Mercedes 1952 300SL Gull-Wing, a car so advanced for its time, it is still held up as the icon of performance and design. Gull-Wing production stopped in 1963 and has been in extreme demand ever since.

The 2010 SLS AMG is truly the evolution of the classic supercar. Being one of the most technologically advanced cars in existence, why not use some of the most advanced means of communication to announce its most anticipated arrival: QR Codes via mobile phones.

Billboards, posters, sculptures, web banners and print ads showing the classic Gull-Wing would be released. Along-side it, would be a solitary QR Code. People would use their mobile phones to scan this QR Code and will be immediately led to a website that reveals the new 2010 SLS Gull-Wing.

Fajita Flatbread Melts

2009-05-08T08:21:00.000-07:00

Roastburger - Digits

2009-05-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

PRINT: WONDERBRA

2009-05-08T05:18:00.001-07:00

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PRINT: MERCEDES-BENZ

2009-05-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

INTRODUCING THE EXTENDED TEST DRIVE

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2009-01-20T13:58:00.000-08:00

A short introduction
Hi, my name is Sakib Afridi. After 3 wonderful years in Dubai and working
at TBWA, I'm back in New York CIty.

As of April 15th, 2008, I've been with Merkley + Partners as an Associate Creative Director.
My clients include Mercedes-Benz and Arbys.

Meanwhile, please feel free to browse through my work and let me know what
you think. I hope you enjoy viewing it as much as I did making it.

Experience
April 2008 - Present
Merkley + Partners - Associate Creative Director
Clients: Mercedes Benz, Arbys

2005 - 2008
TBWA - Dubai - Associate Creative Director
Clients: Nissan (Creative Director) , Masterfoods, MTV,
Emirates Today, Virgin Radio, Career Junction

2000 - 2005
GreenSoap Design
- Interactive/Design Communications - San Francisco
Partner/Creative Director
Clients: Adobe, Oprah Winfrey, Clickmarks.com,
Naseeb.com

Awards/Recognitions
Cannes: 1 Finalist
The One Show: 1 Merit
Art Directors Club: 1 Merit

Clios: 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Shortlists
New York Festivals: 1 Gold, 2 Silvers
Dubai Lynx Awards: 1 Gold, 2 Silvers, 7 Bronzes
OBIES: 1 Finalist
The Loerie Awards: 1 Bronze, 2 Finalists
Campaign Magazine Awards: 2 Bronzes, 2 Finalists

Other things about me.
I'm currently working on a book of illustrations.
I play the guitar. I've lived in several places throughout
my life: Dubai, South Africa, Sri-Lanka, Saudi Arabia,
Pakistan, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco
to name the major ones. Hence I speak 5 languages.

Note: I'm a U.S. citizen.

(Read More)

Contact Information
Email: sakib@sakibafridi.com

Mobiles:
New York: (917) 297-6663
San Francisco: (415) 637-2542
Dubai: (+97150) 508-4968

Free Counter

Illustrations

2009-01-17T14:14:00.001-08:00

PRINT: TABASCO

2008-12-15T15:48:00.001-08:00

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ARMADA FEATURES- TV

2008-10-09T05:03:00.000-07:00

This spot was aired in Saudi Arabia. The target audience was purely Saudis with large families. The title reads: The 2008 Nissan Armada, now with DVD Player.

Translation: The 2008 Nissan Armada.
Now with Rear View Camera as standard.

Arby's 2 for $5 Deal

2008-10-08T20:49:00.000-07:00

Wedding:

Arby's Roastburger

2008-10-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

Arby's Roastburger - Frozen Warning:

Arby's Roastburger - Pompadour:

PRINT: ADIDAS

2008-10-08T09:27:00.001-07:00

LIMITED EDITIONS

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PRINT: MTV ARABIA

2008-01-23T12:28:00.000-08:00

COMING SOON

This poster was released a few weeks before the launch of MTV Arabia.

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PRINT: TRILL BIRDFOOD

2008-01-20T13:58:00.001-08:00

For strong and healthy birds.

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Accolades:
- Bronze: Lynx Awards
- Bronze: Campaign Awards
- Finalist: The New York Festival
- Finalist: The Loerie Awards

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PRINT: PRILL

2008-01-20T13:57:00.001-08:00

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More in this campaign coming soon...

Stuff

2008-01-20T12:08:00.001-08:00

More details about me soon.

TV: NISSAN NAVARA

2008-01-20T11:47:00.000-08:00

THE PROPOSAL

The audience for this vehicle are men in Saudi Arabia, where the pickup truck is a thing of pride. Combining the insight of pride with a very typical scenario in Saudi Arabia, the family proposal of marriage, we came up with the 'engagement' spot.

Arranged marriage is very common in Saudi Arabia. Discussions and decisions happen strictly among the elder men of the family (including blind uncles). The father of the girl holds a position of power and can be demanding what he wishes. The commercial is set in such a scenario and given a a very Arab soap-opera feel.

Such an ad had never been aired in Saudi Arabia (because it also has sexual undertones in the suitors responses when referring to engine size etc). The commercial has caused come interesting feedback in the market and has been talked about on the radio and blogs across the region.

TV: NISSAN ARMADA- FEATURES CAMPAIGN

2008-01-20T11:44:00.000-08:00

THE DVD PLAYER:

This spot was aired in Saudi Arabia. The target audience was purely Saudis with large families. The title reads: The 2008 Nissan Armada, now with DVD Player.

THE REAR VIEW CAMERA:

Translation: The 2008 Nissan Armada.
Now with Rear View Camera as standard.

AMBIENT: NISSAN PATHFINDER

2008-01-20T11:43:00.000-08:00

NOW WITH REAR-VIEW CAMERA.

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OUTDOOR: NISSAN PATHFINDER

2008-01-20T11:39:00.000-08:00

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AMBIENT: EMIRATES TODAY

2008-01-20T03:04:00.001-08:00

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Accolade: Bronze - Campaign Awards, Middle East.

INTERACTIVE: NISSAN

2008-01-20T00:29:00.001-08:00

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE POSITION?

The Brief:
The Nissan Pathfinder interior has 7 seats and 64 different seating positions. It's one of the most flexible cars around. Highlight this in a way where users can experience the flexibility themselves.

The Idea:
To demonstrate the flexibility of the Pathfinder, we created a microsite:

It led to a site: PATHFINDER VS. RUBBERBOY, where the world's most flexible man, Rubberboy, challenges the Pathfinder to a flexibility duel.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SITE.

Meanwhile, here are some screenshots of the site:

Click image to view the site

Pedigree - Pluto

2008-01-19T13:24:00.000-08:00

In August 2006, the International Astronomical Union decided to strip Pluto of its status as a planet. We took this opportunity to create a reactive ad for Pedigree.

Using the brand’s playful personality and a slight twist on the tagline “we’re for dogs”, the ad was released within days of the breaking news.

The ad received immediate acclaim throughout the media. It was also syndicated to other TBWA agencies around the world.

Click image to enlarge

Wilson

2008-01-19T13:19:00.001-08:00

TV: SHARPIE MARKERS

2008-01-19T13:15:00.000-08:00

Kiss

Smile

Becky

This is something I did through The Academy of Art. It ended up picking up a gold student clio.

TV: PUMA - GRANDPA

2008-01-19T13:11:00.001-08:00

This is something I did through The Academy of Art. It ended up picking up a silver student clio.

TV: BENTELHALAL - ONLINE MATRIMONIALS

2008-01-19T13:05:00.000-08:00

WOMAN

MAN

Accolades:
Silver - New York Festivals
Silver - Lynx Awards.

MTV: Kissing in the Middle East

2008-01-19T12:58:00.000-08:00

Kiss Education: The traditions of greeting and kissing in the Middle East are very unique and full of nuances. Each country and culture has a different way of kissing, each meaning something different. Even men greet each other by kissing. So MTV created a 'Department of Protocol and Etiquette' and took it upon itself to educate people on the variety of kisses.

These commercials first aired on Valentine's Day.
Along with the commercials, an accompanying website was created:

Site contents:
- Lessons in kissing (see examples below)
- Interactive kissing game
- User generated kiss content

Unfortunately, due to the 'sexual' nature of the content, the U.A.E. censor board ordered MTV to take the website down.

Title: The 'Saudi long-time-no-see' kiss

Title: The 'Saudi big no-no' kiss

Title: The 'Lebanese hi-Keefak-Ceva, don't ruin my make-up' kiss

DESIGN: CHRIS FISHER

2008-01-19T12:55:00.001-08:00

MICROPHONE BUSINESS CARD

Brief: Chris Fisher is one of the most-listened-to radio jockeys on Dubai’s airwaves and is currently with Dubai 92FM and Dubai Eye 103.8FM. Since there are new players like Virgin Radio entering the market, he felt it was time to establish himself as an individual entity when approached, rather than flash the standard corporate card he was given. The brief was simple: design a business card that would stand out from the clutter in someone’s wallet.

Solution: It’s easy to do a gimmicky card that would grab attention but the challenge was to make an impression without shouting out. We used the universal device used by all RJs - the microphone. The card speaks for itself.

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PRINT: PEDIGREE

2008-01-19T12:14:00.000-08:00

DREAMS CAMPAIGN:

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PLUTO

In August 2006, the International Astronomical Union decided to strip Pluto of its status as a planet. Using the brand’s playful personality and a slight twist on the tagline “we’re for dogs”, the ad was released within days of the breaking news. The ad received immediate acclaim throughout the media. It was also syndicated to other TBWA agencies around the world.

Click image to enlarge

DIRECT/EVENT/PR: TRILLION FOR LEBANON

2008-01-19T12:04:00.000-08:00

TEARS IN LEBANON

BRIEF: Raise funds to rehabilitate survivors of the Lebanon crisi through a direct mailer.

SOLUTION: Avoiding overexposed pictures of injured children, a guidebook ‘Treasures of Lebanon’ was mailed. But instead of beautiful pictures inside, the reader finds pages made of tissue paper.

RESULTS: 300 copies were mailed and the charity dinner was a success. The amount raised was $224,600

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PRINT: CAREER JUNCTION

2008-01-18T10:49:00.000-08:00

PUT YOUR SKILLS TO BETTER USE.

Each ad within this campaign was published in separate industry-specific publications: art, legal and business respectively.

Title: Artist (Click image to enlarge)

Title: Lawyer (Click image to enlarge)

Title: Analyst (Click image to enlarge)

PRINT: NISSAN PATHFINDER

2008-01-12T10:16:00.000-08:00

THE FEATURES CAMPAIGN

The Brief: The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder comes with several new features.
Communicate all of them in one campaign.

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COMING SOON: TV and Outdoor execution for this campaign.