I’m Layla!
I’m a graphic designer and illustrator with a passion for art, user experience, and storytelling.
I grew up in Kuwait and later moved to North Carolina for high school, which gave me a unique perspective as an Arab-American. My multicultural background fuels my love for diversity, social justice, and building stronger, more inclusive communities. These values deeply inform the work I do today.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado Boulder, inspired by my experiences growing up with two autistic brothers. The inspired me to explore a deeper understanding of mental health and neurodiversity. After graduation, I realized I wanted to combine my background in psychology with my passion for visual design and art. This led me to earn a Master of Fine Arts in Visual Communication Design from the Rochester Institute of Technology.
My work focuses on creating thoughtful, engaging designs that connect with audiences in meaningful ways. My master’s thesis was especially close to my heart—it explored the history of women’s health, a subject I became personally invested in after my own diagnosis with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome during my bachelor’s and heart valve disease during my master’s. These challenges opened my eyes to the deep-rooted issues in women’s healthcare and the lack of progress in addressing them.
For my thesis, I created a motion graphics piece through with a series of illustrations to tell the story of Hysteria, showing how its legacy still influences women's health today. This project allowed me to connect with women about our healthcare, rights, and challenges, inspiring me to continue using my skills in service of women’s health, justice, and diversity.
My Resume
