Hanane Kai is a design director and award-winning illustrator based in the mountains of Lebanon. With 19 years of experience, Hanane’s knack for asking the right questions to uncover what truly matters has made her work resonate with many.
In 2018, she founded Doesn't Square, a design studio focused on publication design and illustration. Built on the belief that square solutions can no longer fit in a well-rounded world, the studio has collaborated with renowned clients such as Pearson, Macmillan, Alef, and Hachette.
Her artistic voice has made a significant impact on Children’s publishing, where she has brought 25 stories to life. Four of these have been translated into 20 languages, and several have earned prestigious international accolades, such as the Bologna Children’s Book Award and the Etisalat Children’s Book Award. Her work has delved into themes such as war, poverty, and displacement, establishing her as a creator known for her thoughtful and sensitive approach to addressing complex issues.
Hanane’s journey began at Al Mohtaraf design studio, where she worked on publications focused on the Arabic language and script. Three years later, she co-founded a design studio and spent the next decade refining her skills across all stages of the creative process—from developing marketing strategies and building brands, to designing and directing photography and ensuring high-quality print production.
When not working, Hanane can be found on a quest for the perfect batata sandwich, sharing hummus with her cat, or exploring the intricacies of what makes humans human—some of which find their way to instagram.