Peter Gould: A Digital Master

Peter Gould, an Australian graphic designer and digital artist, embraced Islam in 2002. His travels and studies throughout the Muslim world have inspired a unique cultural fusion that is reactive to a world of misunderstanding.

Peter’s acclaimed work has reached many international audiences through art exhibitions, presentations, publications and graphic design projects. He runs a commercial design studio serving clients internationally including Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), Sami Yusuf and Zaytuna College. Peter has also developed a contemporary Islamic clothing range, children’s books and regularly consults for design projects across the globe.

He leads a design studio developing branding, identity, marketing material and websites for a broad range of clients worldwide.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself educationally as well as professionally?

I was born in Sydney, Australia and have spent most of my 29 years living here. I guess I’ve always had a creative streak and a passion for the visual arts. I was particularly drawn to the possibilities of digital expression which led me to studies in graphic design at university. While studying I started freelancing for clients like Sony & Vodafone and founded a full-time design studio in 2002.

Around that time I explored Islam and began travelling to the Muslim world. I was deeply inspired by old cities like Granada, Fes & Damascus. Those experiences enriched my soul and opened up a world of creative possibilities for me, Alhumdulillah.

What drew you to the field of art?

While travelling and studying in the Middle East I fell in love with the beautiful design elements and artistic traditions that had developed over the centuries. I took many photographs and tried to absorb details – the majestic calligraphy, tiling, arches, domes, vibrant colors – truly stunning and inspirational. I felt compelled to incorporate them into my own work somehow and fuse them with my own artwork and graphic design projects.

What is it about the Islamic art field that inspires you?

The spectrum of Islamic art is so vast that there is room for every culture and people to express their faith and identity. For example I love how the Chinese tradition of Islamic calligraphy and mosque design is so distinct from Turkish or Andalusian (southern Spanish) styles. I guess I’m figuring out the Australian style!

What has been your greatest challenge as an artist?

I’ve detected that younger generations in Muslim communities are thirsty for quality contemporary design and artwork, but artists and creative people are not always encouraged and supported in the same way other professions are. To that end I co-founded Creativity & the Spiritual Path, a series of events showcasing Muslim artistic talent. So far we’ve had events in San Francisco, Toronto and Sydney with wonderful outcomes. I hope initiatives like this will help Muslim artists gain the confidence and respect they once knew in the Islamic faith.

You’ve had exhibits all around the world. Where is your favorite place to show your work?

It is such a blessing to have other people benefit and enjoy the work. One of my favorite exhibitions was here in Sydney. It was a very public thoroughfare during the month of Ramadan. Many thousands of people were given a beautiful window into Islamic cities and inspired artwork, perhaps a refreshing change in perspective from what they would otherwise hear & read.

You’ve just launched Artizaan. What is the mission behind it and what motivated you to start the line?

I felt there was a pressing need to develop a quality clothing brand featuring beautiful Islamic-inspired artwork fusing Eastern & Western graphic styles. The range was designed to represent people like me and not what CK, Levi or Gap imagined for us. Alhumdulilah the project came to life when I teamed up with Artizara in LA and my friend master calligrapher Haji Noor Deen. The reception has been amazing so far.

You’ve worked with famous Muslim personalities all over the world. What have been your favorite projects?

An album cover for Sami Yusuf, website for Zaytuna College and interface design for Yusuf Islam. It’s an honor to work for inspiring people who have introduced tangible positive change into the world!

Where do you get your inspiration from?
People, places & books – ultimately just channels from the All Merciful!