Interviewer: Mahmoud Mansi

Editor: Yara Mohamed

Freelancing gives me a better way to be more productive. It gives me space to accept or reject some work that does not match my rules: ethically, most of the time…

Maie Etman

1- HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: As a freelancer, you possess many talents like interior designing, drawing, writing, and directing. Do you think it is better to focus on one thing to brand yourself with or balance between all?

Maie Etman: I see that I can perform better and think in a clearer way when I divide my attention between art mediums; I actually get more creative when I do so. As for my audience and the marketplace, I would say they prefer me to concentrate on one or two things at a time, but I know well enough that with our energy we can do much more, at the same time our lives are too short to just wait and focus on one thing. I really pray that I can accomplish as many achievements as I can while I am still young.

2- HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: Have you ever worked as an employee before? Can you tell us about this experience and your comments regarding it?

Maie Etman: In fact, I did. Working as an employee has its advantages and disadvantages. As an employee, you gain experience from the surroundings and a salary, whether this company has the same work rate or not, but its disadvantage is that it lowers your creativity as you work underneath an umbrella with strict regulations that may not be that comfortable, yet you have to stick to them, as you represent the company and not yourself.

3- HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: Why did you choose to become a freelancer?

Maie Etman: Freelancing gives me a better way to be more productive, as I work according to my free hours every day, take some rest, and work calmly in my own world. It also gives me space to accept or reject some work that does not match my rules: ethically, most of the time.

Maie Etman in he Book-signing Event ~ ALEF Bookstores

4- HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: Do you believe that someday all jobs could be exchanged for freelancing?

Maie Etman: Well, not all of them, but a huge number, I would say. Maybe because newer generations have changed their own thinking, have more freedom, and are well educated through universities and the Internet and so on. So, most of them try to come up with something new that carries his/her name in the marketplace.

5- HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: What are the most common problems you face with clients?

Maie Etman: Umm, well, that brought very funny memories to me right now. Well, I would say that not all of them are aware that the designer needs a text free of mistakes, so they would not have to start their work all over again. As in Adobe programs, if a comma needs to be replaced, it would be done manually and not automatically as with Windows Office. You can imagine if there are some changes in photos, fonts, or paragraphs…etc., how this would be done?

Also, some clients ask you to design an ordinary design, far from creativity. Although that is easier for a designer, it is so disappointing to them.

Last but not least, some clients find the designs – either in graphic or interior designing – a luxury you do not have to get paid for, as it is not a medical consult, for instance, and ask for some ideas for free.

6- HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: If you are the HR of an organization and you are recruiting a designer, what will be the tests and questions you would ask in the interview?

Maie Etman:

  1. Design something inspiring.
  2. How many colors would he/she use in a painting and what are they? (Color psychology test).
  3. Teamwork-related test.
  4. Questions in marketing, as we advertise to attract the marketplace’s attention.
  5. A portfolio of his/her work.
  6. What types of design does he/she prefer and see trendy nowadays?

7- HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: What is your constructive criticism or opinion regarding the work of designers in Egypt?

Maie Etman: They are great, but need a good opportunity, or to be able to create one to shine. Most of them do not know how to market themselves.

8- HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: Which is the most social media tool that helped you spread your work? Why?

Maie Etman: Firstly, Behance, which is a website for designers or any artist. Secondly, Facebook and YouTube, as I have uploaded my work on them.

9- HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: Egypt has been through several political phases. Did this impact your work as an artist and as a freelancer too in anyway?

Maie Etman: People are focused on essentials which makes our work a bit of a luxury to pay for.

10- HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: A very special nickname that people refer to you is “Ant”. What is the philosophy that you find in ants that makes you a better worker?

Maie Etman: Well, I love this nickname of the many I got, but this one is special as I was first called this by my brother, for being a small, fast, hard worker. And I do see that ants work very hard as they carry 10 times their weight and work perfectly in groups. In fact, I love that.

11- HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: How did civil work help you in developing your personality? What is the most project that had an effect on you and why?

Maie Etman: Definitely! I am now happier, more confident, and have gained a lot of experience through people. I am what I am because I have been through many events, and was exposed to many cultures, minds and souls; also, I practiced more, created various designs, and had the chance to speak or perform publicly and inspire people, which is the most amazing gift you can get; when you have a positive impact on others.

12- HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: What are your suggestions to enhance a creative work environment for employees in organizations?

Maie Etman:

1- Positive feedback/criticism, praise, and applause are healthy for any creative person.

2- Give him/her some space to shine and he/she will.

3- Trust his/her opinions and choices.

4- Team brainstorming in meetings to get new ideas.

5- Breaks; i.e., no work at a specific time each day.

6- Designing offices in a colorful, creative way.

HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: Maie, thank you so much for this inspiring and rich interview, and for all that you are doing to the world 🙂