Whether she’s designing the next social media post or creating assets for the website, Zainab’s work is always full of energy and heart.
Learn about how she got into design, what a typical day looks like for her, and what she’s currently loving—hint: it’s fantasy novels and K-dramas.
How long have you been with Ourboro?
I’ve been with Ourboro since January 2024—so just over a year now!
What does your day-to-day look like as a graphic designer?
No two days are the same at Ourboro, and that makes my job even more exciting! I’m often juggling tasks like animations, video editing, and layout design.
I usually start my day with a quick glance at my to-do list, organizing tasks by priority and deadline. I regularly collaborate with the marketing team to produce content for various social media platforms and brainstorm new, creative ways to spread the word about Ourboro.
I also work closely with Azra, our lead designer, on both digital and print projects. We check in daily to make sure everything we produce is on-brand and visually cohesive.
On quieter days, I focus on housekeeping tasks like auditing design templates, organizing files and folders, and researching design trends. Sometimes, I even get to be part of the fun content filming we do at the office.
Overall, my day involves a lot of researching, brainstorming, and problem-solving—always with a creative twist!
How did you get started in this field?
Fun fact: I never thought graphic design would be a career option for me. Honestly, I didn’t even know design was a whole industry until my dad signed me up for a Photoshop class in Grade 9. He thought it would be a useful skill to learn—and that’s when I discovered the amazing world of graphic design.
I loved everything about it—from brainstorming to creative thinking to solving real-world problems through design. But since I was originally planning to pursue medicine after Grade 10, I had to put that interest on hold.
Two years later, when an opportunity to move to Canada came up, I saw it as a chance to reignite my passion for design—and I decided to turn it into a career!
What led you to Ourboro?
Originally, a friend from college sent me an internship posting from Ourboro, and I applied. I didn’t end up getting the role, but I was really impressed by what the company was doing. So, I stayed connected by signing up for their newsletter and following them on social media.
A few months later, I found Azra, Ourboro’s Lead Designer, on LinkedIn and reached out to ask if I could pick her brain about her career and her work at Ourboro. To my surprise, she replied, and we had a chance to meet. Fast forward six or seven months, and she reached out to me with an opportunity—and here I am!
Where can we find you when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me curled up in bed reading novels or watching K-dramas with my cousin.
What book are you currently obsessed with?
Right now, I’m obsessed with The Lightlark Saga by Alex Aster. It’s a fantasy thriller about an island that appears once every 100 years, where the rulers of six realms fight to break their deadly curses. I’ve already read Lightlark and Nightbane (books 1 and 2), and I’m desperately waiting to get my hands on Skyshade, the third book in the series!
What’s something people often find surprising about you?
People are usually surprised when I tell them I don’t like amusement parks! I get motion sickness, so I can’t enjoy the rides. Huge roller coasters and giant swings? Definitely not for me!
If you were an inventor, what would you invent to help the real estate market?
To be honest, the real estate market can feel overwhelming. There’s so much information out there—it’s easy to feel lost when thinking about buying a home.
If I could invent something, it would be a tool or app that gathers all the relevant information in one place. Imagine how much easier decision-making would be if you were only shown information that’s tailored to your specific situation.
I’d love to create an app that factors in your budget, lifestyle preferences, family needs, and more to recommend the best deals—and connects you to the right people who can help you navigate the process.
Where is your favourite place to spend time in the GTA?
I’m definitely more of an indoor person, so I’d say my favourite place is home. There’s nothing better than relaxing in my comfy PJs and watching a cozy rom-com from my to-watch list.
