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Ahmed Al Tattan had designs of setting up his own company and needed a cash injection to make his dreams come true.
And, thanks to an initiative aimed an aiding Bahraini entrepreneurs, he has created a niche for himself in the highly competitive world of graphic artistry.
The 28-year-old father of two, from A'ali, says he is introducing the latest trend in the design field merging modern European styles combined with historic Arabic calligraphy.
The graphic designer launched Abu Dhabi Advertising and Promotion six months ago and Ahmed says it is the fruit of years of learning, struggling and hard work.
"I do web pages, branding, annual reports, business cards, banners, posters, advertisements, profiles, books ... you name it, anything that requires graphic designing and I will do it," he said.
"I have opened my company in Jid Ali and my customers are mainly from outside the country. But, I am really hoping that companies here in Bahrain will put a little more faith and trust in newcomers who have got all the talent and skills to compete with big names in the market.
"In my school days drawing and Arabic calligraphy were my favourite subjects. My art teacher noticed my interest and he encouraged me to take part in school exhibitions." Even in his college days, Ahmed made sure that he kept himself updated with the latest trends and techniques in the world of art and designing.
He explained: "When programs such as Photoimpact and Photoshop became available I learned everything about them.
"In 2002, I got my first job in a local newspaper as a page designer and back then I was the youngest employee in the department ... I was only 20 years old.
"Because I worked shifts in the newspaper I had plenty of spare time in the morning. So I worked as a part-time graphic designer in printing companies doing posters for them."
His career took him to another newspaper and within a year he joined De-Studio Advertising Agency which belonged to Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa who, Ahmed describes as one of the most creative brains in the industry.
"I benefited from the experience by learning how advertising companies operate and I am very grateful to Shaikh Mohammed for giving me the opportunity."
Ahmed then decided to set his course for independence. "I wanted to open my own business but to reach my goal I needed to save more money and learn more about the market so I started working as a freelance graphic designer for companies inside and outside Bahrain," he said.
Ahmed's project was supported by a micro-finance project. "I started with a BD50 loan and now my loan has reached BD550 which I have to pay off in a year," he said. "I used the money to buy some of the equipment needed to set up my company."
Micro-finance was formed by the United Nations Development Project, The Social Development Ministry and Ahli United Bank.
The project, entitled 'Provisions of Sustainable Micro-Finance Credit and Services to Needy Citizens of Bahrain', aims at providing small, short-term loans to low-income individuals, especially women. This project is the second of its kind, following the success of Micro-start.
"Micro-finance not only helped me financially, but also promoted my work through their exhibitions," said Ahmed.
Ahmed can be contacted on 39444591. For further information about the micro-finance project call Awal Women's Society on 17678974 or visit any branch of Al Eslah Society.
