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Chantal Jahchan
Independent Graphic Designer and Illustrator
Professional Background
Chantal Jahchan is a vibrant and innovative Lebanese-American graphic designer whose career has flourished in the dynamic environment of Brooklyn, New York. With a specialization in brand identity and print design, she has built a reputation for her keen eye for detail and her ability to craft visual narratives that resonate with audiences. Currently, she is collaborating with the esteemed designer Matt Willey at Pentagram, a leading design agency known for its influential work across various design disciplines.
Chantal's professional journey is marked by her early beginnings as an intern at Pentagram, where she had the unique opportunity to work with the acclaimed designer David Bierut. This experience laid a solid foundation for her career, allowing her to gain invaluable insights into the design industry. Following her internship, she quickly advanced to become a designer on Team Opara, and later as a Senior Designer on Team Willey, where she played a crucial role in developing cutting-edge design solutions for a diverse clientele.
In addition to her role at Pentagram, Chantal has also ventured into freelance work, providing her expertise as a designer and illustrator to various projects. Her career showcases a blend of creativity and professionalism, earning her accolades and recognition within the design community. One of her notable milestones was being invited as a keynote speaker at the 2019 Typographics conference, where she discussed the future of Arabic type design in Lebanon's vernacular typography, emphasizing her passion for cultural representation in design.
Education and Achievements
Chantal embarked on her academic journey by pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Communication Design with a minor in Writing at Washington University in St. Louis. This comprehensive education equipped her with both the design skills and the narrative ability to create compelling visual stories. The intersection of communication and design has played a critical role in shaping her approach to branding and print design, ensuring her work is not only visually appealing but also contextually rich.
Her participation as a keynote speaker at the Typographics conference stands out as a testament to her expertise and thought leadership in the field. It highlights her commitment to advancing the discourse on type design, particularly in relation to Arabic typography, a niche she is exceptionally passionate about. Chantal’s ability to not only design but also educate others emphasizes her significant contribution to the design community.
Achievements
Chantal Jahchan's career is filled with noteworthy achievements that demonstrate her talent and dedication. She has successfully transitioned from a budding designer to a respected member of the design community, having worked with some of the industry's leading figures. Her current role at Pentagram, under the mentorship of Matt Willey, further exemplifies her professional growth and the high regard in which she is held.
Through her various roles—ranging from intern to senior designer—Chantal has honed her skills and developed a distinctive design style that merges cultural elements with modern aesthetic sensibilities. As a freelance designer, she has broadened her experience, working on diverse projects that challenge her creativity and expand her portfolio.
Chantal's work in Arabic type design, coupled with her academic background, makes her a pioneer in this field, influencing how Arabic typography is perceived and utilized in contemporary design. Her initiatives to speak at notable conferences like Typographics have not only amplified her voice but also contributed to the visibility and importance of cultural representation in graphic design.
