Master of International Communication Management from The Hague University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands
Bachelor of Graphic Design from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon

Lara Balaa is an editorial designer, writer, and lecturer. Her practice revolves around editorial design and multilingual reading experiences; her writing is focused on Arabic print and visual culture; and her teaching encompasses typography, design research, design studio, and design history. Lara is the author of the monograph Emile Menhem: Invigorating Arab Journalism Through Graphic Design (Khatt Books, 2019). She is the co-founder of Maajoun Design Studio (2010–2018), which served a portfolio of local and regional clients in the publishing, cultural, and non-profit sectors. She has taught at several universities in Lebanon and in New Jersey. She is currently a PhD Candidate at the School of Communication and Information at Rutgers University in New Jersey where she studies Arabic calligraphy in contemporary design culture in Beirut.

Research Interests

Arabic Print and Visual Culture, Design Culture.

Select Publications

Emile Menhem: Invigorating Arab Journalism Through Graphic Design (Khatt Books, 2019)