Laura Bakalka is an accomplished Saudi Art Director at a confidential government organization in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Her extensive career spans across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. With a strong foundation in visual communication, Laura has held prominent roles, some of which include Creative Lead at The Quality of Life Initiative - UN-Habitat, Art Director at Acquaint Communications in Riyadh and Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at The American University in Dubai.
During her tenure in Dubai, Laura managed the entire Graphic Design department, overseeing both internal and external documentation, reporting directly to the chairman of Visual Communication. She successfully managed and coordinated teams across both physical and online environments, showcasing her strong leadership and organizational abilities. Her capacity to direct collaborative efforts, delegate responsibilities, and manage projects across various mediums further demonstrates her capability in leading diverse teams.
Laura holds an M.A. degree with Distinction in Advertising, Branding, and Communication from The University of West London, UK, and a B.A. in Graphic Design with Honours from Dar Al Hekma University in Jeddah, KSA. She began her career as a freelancer in 2014, progressing to key positions such as Graphic Designer at PG Integrated in Jeddah and Media Marketing Assistant at W5 Productions during her MA studies.
Passionate about mentorship, Laura has significantly contributed to the growth of emerging talents through teaching Graphic Design courses and mentoring students internationally. She is also recognized for promoting creative competitions in the region.
Laura has been a distinguished speaker at renowned conferences, including the Brand Design Conference at the University of West London and the Global Brand Conference at Northumbria University in Newcastle. Her research focuses on the nuances of personal branding processes and their psychological aspects, highlighting her dedication to advancing the design field. She has also led impactful artistic projects, receiving accolades such as the IHC award for her involvement in The International Humanitarian City event on behalf of The American University in Dubai.
Laura Bakalka's career reflects her unwavering commitment to creativity, education, and leadership, positioning her as a key figure in the global design community.