BIC East Africa Illustrated Lighter Sleeves 2022
The task assigned to me for this first time project by Bic in East Africa features the infusion of Kenyan art, colors and culture. Kenya Lingo is a unique hybrid of popular sayings that have origin in cultural influences, current events, meme references and pop media narratives. The project includes 8 unique illustrated phrases.
Me I Love Kenya
This is a simple phrase showing love for Kenya. The design is inspired by Kenya runners who represent and excel at athletics for the love of the sports, the country and the love of their Kenyan fans. They are a true symbol of country pride.
Hakuna Matata
Universally well-known Swahili phrase that means ‘No Worries’. The illustration draws inspiration from the distinctly unique culture of the Kenyan Masaai and their friendly yet strong personalities.
Bora Uhai
Means ‘as long as we’re healthy’. A phrase often used in conversation to refer to being grateful for life. The Matatau (Public Bus) Culture in Kenya is iconic for its urban relevance with graffitied art and phrases that are as much symbols of Kenyan culture as they are mediums of expression.
Katambe!
Similar to the above phrase and used to initiate a party or a night out. The word also insinuates the action of igniting something hence the reference to 'hot music' and 'fire boomboxes'.
Alaa!
The phrase is used as a response to ‘shocking statement’ and used by Kenyans to poke fun at each other/ mock shock. The illustration here interprets an over dramatization of the phrase.
Kwani ni kesho?
A viral phrase which literally translates to “is it tomorrow?”. It means there’s no time to waste; you must seize the day. Illustration is inspired by those spontaneous road trips that create the best of memories with new and old friends, something almost every Kenyan has experienced and enjoyed.
Cheza Kama Wewe
Translates to ‘play like yourself’ and was popularized by young Gengeton musicians. It can mean ‘do what you’ve got to do’ or ‘make it count’. This is for the buddies who also use the phrase to take a jab at each other or hype each other up to do something exciting.
Mi ni Ule Msee
Translates to ‘I’m that guy’, in the sense of self praise or encouragement despite circumstances. A young Kenyan 'legend' went out in the morning and returned late with gathered firewood as a penance for staying out playing all day. Something all Kenyans have in common with the 'legend aka that guy', is that we all did this as kids.
Layouts
Mockups
