Meet Mohamed Danawi

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mohamed Danawi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mohamed , appreciate you sitting with us today. Maybe we can start with a topic that we care deeply about because it’s something we’ve found really sets folks apart and can make all the difference in whether someone reaches their goals. Self discipline seems to have an outsized impact on how someone’s life plays out and so we’d love to hear about how you developed yours?

I’ve always had to fend for myself. Growing up in Lebanon, a war zone in a country marked by instability, I learned early on how to adapt and survive. My parents traveled often for work, leaving me in the care of extended family. During those times, I had to improvise, make decisions on my own, and figure things out without anyone to rely on.
When I went to college, I was a minority—the only Muslim in a predominantly Christian institution. None of my peers from my hometown had chosen the arts as a career path, so I found myself once again outside my comfort zone, in a completely different environment.
At 19, I moved to France for my studies, and later to Canada. Each move was a new challenge: new culture, no social support, and the need to constantly reinvent myself. I learned resilience, self-discipline, and determination.
And then came the Deep South in the U.S. for work. Again, everything was new—new culture, new people, new expectations. Every time I shifted from one culture to another, often being the only one like me in the room, it forced me to grow. The constant change, the need to adapt, and the challenge of being away from my childhood roots have shaped me into who I am today. Through it all, I developed thick skin, adaptability, and a deep sense of discipline.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a professor of Illustration as Visual Communication, a role I’ve had the privilege of holding for 27 years, since 1997.
In 2013, I founded Illozoo, a global agency that now represents a dynamic network of illustrators, designers, and motion media creatives. With the support of our international agents and extensive network, we’ve successfully delivered nearly 5,000 projects across a wide range of industries, including advertising campaigns, branding, entertainment design, publishing, web content, and more.
Illozoo operates out of 12 offices worldwide, with a talented team of 210 artists. Our agency has created visual solutions for some of the most recognizable names in the world, including Apple, Amazon, Xbox, Toyota, Disney, Warner Bros., Dubai Expo, the US Open, Indeed, Star Wars, Lufthansa, Pepsi, Samsung, Paramount+, Tiffany & Co., Marvel, Sony Pictures, Google, Nike, Facebook, San Pellegrino, Bangkok Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Nescafe, American Express, Airbnb, and many others.
We’ve been honored to be named “One of the 10 Best Agencies in NYC” by Creative Boom.
Our agency website is www.illozoo.com

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

• Tenacity: Perseverance is key. Keep pushing forward, no matter the setbacks. Consistently put in the work, and don’t stop until your goal is achieved. It may take time, but with relentless determination, success will come.

• Focus: Dedicate your energy to one goal at a time. Avoid spreading yourself too thin. Visualize yourself accomplishing that goal every day, and allow the energy around you to align with that vision. Block out distractions and trust your intuition—your inner guidance will always point you in the right direction.

• Surround Yourself with Supportive People: Choose your inner circle wisely. Surround yourself with those who genuinely want to see you succeed. Sadly, not everyone will have your best interests at heart, so be selective. Your family, especially your parents, should be your first line of support, but make sure you build a network of people who lift you up and encourage your growth.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

They listened—really listened. They gave me the space to express my thoughts and dreams, always believing in me and offering their full support. Whenever I faced challenges or made mistakes, they didn’t judge; instead, they gently guided me, helping me learn from those experiences. Through it all, they’ve been a constant source of encouragement, always by my side.

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Mohamed Danawi

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