Morcos Key is a Brooklyn-based design studio collaborating with arts and cultural institutions, nonprofits and commercial enterprises in North America and the Middle East. Wael Morcos and Jon Key translate their clients’ stories into visual systems that demonstrate how thoughtful conversation and formal expression make for impactful design.
In 2015, Morcos’ burgeoning talent and early achievements earned him a spot on PRINT’s New Visual Artist shortlist—our longstanding showcase of the top industry talent under 30 (and now, as of 2024, over 30, too!). His interest in social justice and his love of type was apparent in the magazine, which featured his posters steeped in playful, electric letterforms influenced and inspired by a global vision, with a focus on storytelling.
Left to right: “Beirut” posters, in which the topographic lines spell the name of the city in Arabic; “Einstein’s Dreams” poster advocating the protection of civil liberties; “Alexandria” poster, constructed by linking Alexandria and Beirut through pop songs.
When asked about his style in 2015, Morcos noted that his philosophy was focused on context, content and form—but that he was still figuring everything out.
It will probably take some time. Arabic typography and close attention to form are recurrent themes. I also gravitate towards designing visual systems.
Wael Morcos, 2015
Morcos’ cover design for PRINT New Visual Artists 2015.
At the time, he was working as a senior designer at Base Design, and he soon found himself honing his style as a freelance senior design for Apple, a senior designer at IBM and, in February 2018, founder and partner of Morcos Key, where the team’s award-winning and socially impactful projects continue to merge type, editorial design and storytelling for queer, POC and other diasporic communities.
Almost a decade after his selection as a PRINT New Visual Artist, we asked Morcos how that early recognition impacted his career and life.
I was eager to see how my skills and design voice measured up against the incredible talent in the city and [was] seeking validation from my peers. In addition to serving as personal validation, I was able to include it in my application for an O-visa, which is merit-based.
Wael Morcos, 2024
If you’re eager to see how your work stacks up in the creative community, now’s the time to enter PRINT New Visual Artists 2024. Entries are open until Aug. 20!