Mustapha Gad
Brand Designer
Mustapha Gad, also known as Apha, is a brand designer with a deep passion for visual art, photography, and storytelling. Obsessed with clean aesthetics and beautifully crafted design, I combine creativity with strategic thinking to help brands in the fashion, tourism, and sustainability spaces stand out and connect with their audience. I’m especially drawn to working with nature-friendly and eco-conscious brands, those committed to making a positive impact while looking great doing it.


Work
My work spans a variety of projects across industries like fashion, tourism, and sustainability. I share detailed case studies that walk you through the entire brand design process, from initial ideas to execution and real-world results.In the tourism sector, this includes branding for hotels, restaurants, spas, and wellness spaces, as well as for product-based businesses that serve these industries. I also collaborate with nature-friendly and eco-conscious brands that prioritize sustainability in their offerings and operations. For example, Lya Lin, a Swedish textile shop, offers elegant bed linens, tablecloths, and other linen products tailored for hotels and restaurants, combining aesthetic quality with an environmentally responsible approach.Explore more projects to discover the depth, purpose, and style of my work.

Lya Lin
Lya Lin is a textile shop from sweden that offers bed linens, tablecloths, and linen products designed to add elegance and comfort to every room of the home.My mission for this project was to develop a visual system that aligns with the brand’s vision and communicates its essence with clarity and beauty.

Meraki Health
Meraki Health UK is a wellness brand dedicated to helping individuals restore balance through holistic therapies, including floatation, contrast therapy, and health coaching. With locations in Scotland and Hertfordshire, Meraki Health blends science and mindfulness to support physical recovery, mental clarity, and long-term well-being.

ecologic sips
Ecologic SIPs is a UK-based company that designs, manufactures, and installs high-performance Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). With over 20 years of experience, they create sustainable, design-led buildings, ranging from eco homes to luxury lodges, using low-impact, energy-efficient construction methods.
Ecologic - Rebranding Case Study

Ecologic SIPs is a UK‑based specialist in designing, manufacturing, and installing Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) from their workshop in the New Forest, Dorset. For over 20 years, they’ve championed high‑quality, eco‑friendly construction, creating modular, design‑led homes like luxury beach lodges, garden annexes, and clifftop residences.Core Vision & Values
They aim to empower homebuilders and industry professionals to create design‑led, eco‑buildings using sustainably sourced materials and low‑impact methods. Guided by Care, Inspire, and Craft, they prioritise resource efficiency, airtightness, zero cold-bridging, and energy‑efficient solutions often integrating MVHR ventilation, triple glazing, and renewable PV options.In this project, my mission was to rebrand Ecologic SIPs, transitioning them from their previous market to a new audience with a different set of products and services.

Ecologic previously had a logo and visual identity that represented their original business model. But when that model changed, it no longer felt like a good fit for them.
That’s why a rebrand was necessary, they started communicating with a different type of client and entered a new market.
And this is what their old logo used to look like.

So the goal was to create a new identity that fits the new direction. And like with any project, we start with a strategy session where we define all the objectives and everything we need to work on to get the best possible result.One of the most important steps after setting the strategy is to study the environments where the branding will appear in a physical sense.
We found that the visual branding would show up across a lot of materials and textures—like wood, uniforms, equipment, stickers, and so on.Once we’re done with that phase, we move on to building a moodboard to inspire us and help guide the creative direction.

After defining the moodboard and setting a fitting art and creative direction, we moved on to the concept development phase.In construction-focused companies, it’s common practice to display their logo at the worksite so people know which company is handling the project.
That’s why the logo needed to be expressive, it should reflect the nature of the company's activity. At the same time, we had to consider other environments where the branding would appear, like digital platforms and product packaging.Of course, all of this had to respect core design principles: the logo had to be simple, unique, and not overloaded with details, so it could be easily applied across different mediums.Our main creative idea for the logo was to work with an icon that represents the essence of their work. But we also explored other directions, like abstract forms or playing with the first letter of the brand’s name.We put all these ideas into sketches and began working on the first draft.

So after we created the first sketches, we selected the icon that stood out the most and that the whole team agreed on.
Then we moved on to the next step, which was testing that chosen icon with different fonts. We also explored various thickness options to find the right balance between shape and typography, making sure the final combination felt just right.

After we locked in the right icon with the right font, the next step was to choose a color palette and test everything through mockups.
In the end, we selected the option that looked the best, one that everyone agreed on as the strongest and most fitting direction. That option became the new visual image of the brand.As for the mockups, it was essential to test the selected designs across all the environments we identified in the initial phase.
We needed to explore as many realistic mockup scenarios as possible before moving to the final presentation, ensuring that the design worked well in every context and gave us a clear, accurate picture of how it would perform in the real world.
Here are a few examples we explored.






Once we were confident that the logo and visual identity would perform well across all the environments we worked on, we were ready to move into the final phase, seeing everything come to life in the real world.
Thankfully, everyone was happy with the result and proud of the new identity.And after years of working with this new visual identity, these were the real-world outcomes.














Sustainability First
The Ecologic project was truly a pleasure to work on, not just because it was a branding job, but because it was built on values that matter.
The people behind it genuinely care about nature and the planet, and that’s something worth respecting and supporting.It’s hard not to admire brands that stand for something bigger than just profit, brands driven by purpose and vision.You can see how Ecologic’s transformation came to life in the real world.
Meraki Health - Brand Design Case Study

Meraki Health UK is a modern wellness studio based in Aberdeen, UK, offering science-backed recovery and relaxation experiences through private floatation therapy, Finnish-style sauna, cold plunge, and contrast therapy. Their mission is to help individuals reset their mind and body in a calm, restorative environment just minutes from the city centre.As a premium health and wellness brand, Meraki Health stands out for its commitment to evidence-based therapies, minimalist design, and client-centered experience. Their approach combines ancient healing methods with modern science to support physical recovery, stress resilience, and long-term well-being.My main mission in this project was to create a visual system that reflects the brand’s vision and values—
which can be summed up in the following keywords:
premium – health and wellness – healing – therapy – minimalist – client-centered experience.Every design choice was guided by these core principles to ensure the visual identity feels aligned with what the brand stands for.

As always, the workflow starts with a strategy call where we define all the goals and analyze all the inputs we have, like the brand’s objectives and vision, the environment where the branding will live,
and what art direction would best suit the visual system.From there, we build a moodboard that gives us a clear sense of the right feel and vibe before moving into execution.
Most importantly, it also helps us identify the core challenge, so that our design isn’t just visually appealing, but also acts as a strategic solution to that challenge.

Once we’ve defined the goals and clearly identified the challenge, we move on to the sketching phase where we explore our ideas and evaluate which direction works best.The initial idea we discussed with the client was to create a monogram logo using the brand’s initials.
However, we also asked ourselves: why not explore an alternative direction, like an abstract icon that visually expresses wellness and relaxation?The font paired with the logo needed to reflect the keywords and brand attributes we had previously defined, with the full logo conveying a strong premium feel, enhanced by a calming, wellness-oriented vibe.

After laying out all the ideas and exploring the different possibilities, we finally chose one direction to move forward with as the first draft.We then tested it through mockups to see how it performs in real-world contexts and to evaluate whether it truly feels right and aligns with the brand’s goals and emotional tone.

When we reviewed the first draft, we felt that the typography leaned a bit too much toward the conceptual side. That’s why we decided to bring more balance by choosing a typeface that’s less conceptual and more functional, something that could also work better in real-life environments like store signage.After that, we started working on the color scheme, aiming to reflect the brand’s vision and convey the right emotional tone through carefully chosen colors.

In the end, we decided to work with two color palettes: a primary and a secondary one.The primary palette is used for digital applications like the website, designed to give off a premium feel and to express Innovation.
The secondary palette is meant for print and on-site branding materials, carefully chosen to evoke a sense of relaxation and wellness within the physical space.


And of course, before moving on to the real-world execution phase, we always create a few mockups to test the direction.This helps us evaluate whether the outcome actually feels right and aligns with the intended experience—
or if adjustments are needed before final implementation.




And after we tested everything, the client was really happy with the results we achieved and felt fully ready to enter the market and start operating in the real world.Thankfully, everything went smoothly, and the brand has been on the right track after a couple of months of real-life execution.


happy customers, happy us :D
The best thing of all is when the client’s customers themselves are happy and genuinely enjoying the experience.Design isn’t just about looking good—it’s about enhancing the entire experience.
Because at the end of the day, the one thing we truly aim for is a cohesive, smooth, and thoughtful experience that leaves people satisfied and emotionally connected to the brand.And I'm genuinely proud that my work plays a part in helping clients deliver that kind of impact.You can see the rest of the brand in action and how it’s working in the real world.
Lya Lin - Brand Design Case Study

Lya Lin is a textile shop from sweden that offers bed linens, tablecloths, and linen products designed to add elegance and comfort to every room of the home.
My mission for this project was to develop a visual system that aligns with the brand’s vision and communicates its essence with clarity and beauty.At the beginning of any project, we always start with a consulting and discovery session to define the brand's goals and understand the client's needs and the outcomes they want to achieve.
After that, we set the milestones and the rest of the workflow.I like to keep the workflow smooth and the process simple so that the customer experience is as good as possible for the client.



After the first strategy session, we understood the brand’s goals and started a study on the environment in which the brand’s visual system especially the logo would exist.
This step is crucial so we can develop a system that’s responsive and compatible with all kinds of applications, whether digital or on physical objects.
We also defined the art direction for the logo. The client’s idea was to create a logo that includes an icon so it could work well in small spaces.
We also put together a small moodboard to give us the right feel and vibe for the desired outcome.
This was the first draft. The direction we followed was an icon-based logo that can be separated, with each element working in the space that suits it best. For example, in small spaces, the icon alone can be used, and when there’s more space, the full logo with the typography and icon can be used together.
We aimed to use colors that feel elegant and reflect the brand’s values.
From the logo, we also derived shapes and patterns that can help the brand become more expressive and dynamic.

Even though the first draft looked clean and elegant, the client later felt that the visual branding’s aesthetic might overshadow the beauty of the products themselves.
Her main goal was to create a product-oriented brand, with the focus more on the product than on the branding.So the direction we decided to explore was a quieter visual identity, everything minimalist.
The logo would be purely typographic, allowing people to feel the elegance in a subtle way, reflecting the values the client wants to communicate through her products.


After we finalized the direction—which was to go with a typographic logo—the next challenge was to find a typeface that combines elegance, calmness, and also reflects a sense of craftsmanship, since all of Lya Lin’s products are handmade.That’s why, when we explored various typefaces that convey those feelings (like serif fonts) we couldn’t find anything that truly captured what we were aiming for.
So we decided to create our own custom typeface, blending elements of a smooth sans-serif with added serifs that form the foundation of that classic, refined look.

This mix gave us the exact result we were looking for: a logo that’s elegant and quiet, yet also reflects the effort and craftsmanship behind the products.
This is what we showcased in the mockups.


The client was very happy with the results—especially when we reached the implementation phase in the real world, which is the most critical stage. It’s the moment when you really see whether the ideas will work in practice or whether they were just a nice vision on paper.Thankfully, after a couple of months, we saw that we had truly achieved the result we were aiming for. The quiet branding direction worked beautifully and gave a clean, subtle touch to Lya Lin’s products.It made the brand feel elegant and calm, creating a refined contrast that allowed the products to shine in any space they were placed in.This was the final result brought to life.








results speak for themselves
Brand design doesn’t always have to be loud or in your face to be considered good branding. Sometimes, even simple elements, like a custom-made basic font can create a powerful impact effortlessly.That’s why the most important part of branding is finding the right solutions and ideas that align with our goals, vision, and the emotions we want to convey through our products.
The Lya Lin project is a perfect example of this philosophy. As they say, less is more, and in this case, it truly was.You can see the rest of the brand in action and how it’s working in the real world.
Branding Packages & services
Whether you're aiming to launch quickly or build a high-impact brand with long-term value, we offer two distinct packages tailored to your goals.If you’re a business owner looking to enter the market as efficiently and confidently as possible, the Go-To-Market Package gives you all the essential tools to start strong without delays.If you’re ready to craft a brand with depth, clarity, and long-term impact, the In-Depth Perfection Package is designed to guide you through a fully developed branding process, from strategy to storytelling and content execution.Each package is built with purpose, strategic, design-driven, and rooted in what makes your business unique.

The Go-To-Market
A solid foundation to launch with clarity and confidence.Basic Brand Strategy
We define your brand’s core, audience, positioning, and key messaging. This ensures every design decision supports your business goals.Brand Design
A visual identity system including logo, color palette, typography, and essential assets—crafted to reflect your brand’s personality and resonate with your audience.Brand Book
A concise brand guideline that explains how to use your logo, colors, fonts, and visuals consistently across platforms.DIY Documentation
Actionable documents and curated resources to help you confidently manage and apply your brand across touchpoints such as social media, packaging, or digital platforms.Price: 3500 MAD TTC
The In-Depth Perfection
A comprehensive solution for brands that seek strategy-driven distinction.In-Depth Strategy
We dive deep into your market, competitors, trends, and values to define a clear, unique, and sustainable brand strategy that stands the test of time.Naming
We craft a distinctive, meaningful, and legally sound brand name aligned with your positioning and future growth.Brand Identity
Beyond visuals, this covers your tone of voice, personality traits, and communication style—ensuring your brand feels coherent in every interaction.Brand Design
A full identity system including primary and secondary logos, color systems, font pairing, iconography, graphic language, and key branded materials.Brand Art Direction
We guide the visual expression of your brand across photography, video, packaging, and digital presence—ensuring a cohesive and elevated brand experienceContent Strategy
We define your brand’s narrative pillars and messaging map to guide what content you create and how it connects with your ideal audience.Editorial Planning + 1 Month of Content Design
A full editorial calendar tailored to your audience and brand voice, plus one month of designed content ready for deployment across your key platforms.Price: 12 000 MAD TTC
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About
There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing my love for clean, minimal aesthetics help a brand owner connect with their audience, build lasting loyalty, and shape a strong, positive perception. These are the true foundations of successful branding.As a brand designer with a passion for visual art, storytelling, creativity, and strategy, my mission is to blend these elements into a powerful process, guiding entrepreneurs from the initial spark of an idea to a complete brand system, including strategy and final visuals. It’s a journey that’s not only strategic but also inspiring and enjoyable, resulting in brands that people love and admire.I'm based in Morocco and work with brands both locally and internationally. While I’ve worked across various industries, I now specialize in fashion, tourism, and sustainability-focused businesses, particularly nature-friendly brands. Sustainability is not just a trend; it’s a mindset and a responsibility. Collaborating with brands that care about their environmental impact aligns with my values and allows me to contribute to meaningful change through design.Fashion is a personal passion, and tourism is a strategic focus, especially with Morocco set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. This event presents a massive opportunity for local brands to connect with a global audience. Morocco is already one of the top travel destinations in the world, and that momentum is only growing.My minimalist style and clean aesthetic are a perfect fit for these industries. So if you’re a brand owner looking to elevate your business with thoughtful, compelling design, you're in the right place.Let’s talk.

Contact
Have a project in mind? Let’s connect.
I’m always open to collaborating on exciting ideas. Share a bit about what you're working on and I’ll get back to you soon.
Branding Your Airbnb Vacation Rental: A Hidden Key to Long-Term Success

Branding Your Airbnb Vacation Rental: A Hidden Key to Long-Term Success

When we talk about branding, most people immediately think of products, companies, or traditional businesses. But what if I told you that even a vacation rental on Airbnb could and should have a brand?Many hosts overlook the power of branding in the short-term rental business. They focus on photos, location, and pricing, while those are important, they’re not enough to create a truly memorable and profitable guest experience. If you're renting out an apartment, a studio, or a vacation home, branding can be the differentiating factor that turns your listing into a thriving business.In this article, we’ll explore why branding matters for your Airbnb property, how to do it effectively, and what benefits you can expect when you treat your rental like a real brand.

Why Brand an Airbnb Vacation Rental?1. To Deliver a Memorable and Consistent Guest Experience
Branding isn’t just about logos or colors, it’s about the feeling you create. When a guest stays at your place, they’re not just sleeping in a bed, they’re experiencing your space. A well-branded rental offers a consistent, thoughtful, and immersive experience that makes guests want to come back or recommend it to others.Whether it’s the design of your welcome booklet, the scent in the apartment, the tone of communication, or the small branded touches like custom towels or stickers, these details create emotional value.2. To Stand Out on Airbnb and Similar Platforms
With thousands of listings competing for attention, standing out visually and conceptually is crucial. A brand identity complete with a name, a defined aesthetic, and a clear positioning can increase your visibility and click-through rate dramatically. Guests don’t just scroll past you they remember you.Fact: Airbnb's own research shows that superhosts and highly reviewed listings often have one thing in common: a unique and well-maintained atmosphere that feels more like a boutique hotel than a random rental.3. To Scale into a Cohesive Hospitality Brand
If you dream of expanding from one unit to multiple apartments or even opening a chain of boutique rentals, branding is your foundation. A unified identity makes it easier to replicate the same high-quality experience across different locations while maintaining customer trust and loyalty.Think of it this way: if someone loved your branded rental in Marrakesh, they’re more likely to book your similarly branded apartment in Tangier because they know what to expect.4. To Build Social Proof and Online Presence
A branded rental is easier to promote on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or even through user-generated content. When your space has a distinct identity, guests are more likely to take photos, share their experiences, and tag your brand turning them into micro-influencers for your business.How to Build a Brand for Your Airbnb
Branding your Airbnb property involves applying the same strategic process used by successful product and service-based businesses. Here’s a step-by-step guide:1. Choose a Unique and Memorable Name
Instead of listing your property as “Modern Apartment in City Center,” create a name that reflects your concept and vibe. Think: The Olive Loft, Casa Medina, or Dar Lumière. A good name builds identity and emotional connection.2. Define Your Brand Identity
Ask yourself:- What experience am I offering?- Who is my ideal guest?- What emotions should people associate with my space?- How do I want them to feel before, during, and after their stay?- This will help you define your voice, tone, and brand personality.3. Create a Visual Identity
This includes:- A logo- A color palette- A consistent typography style- Templates for guest guides, welcome notes, and social postsThese visuals should be reflected everywhere: in your listing photos, physical items in the apartment, and your social media presence.4. Brand Your Space Physically
Go beyond design. Print your logo on:- Towels and linens- Wall art or frames- Wi-Fi signs- Policy/instruction sheets- Coffee mugs or coasters- Welcome cardsAll these little details make the space feel curated.5. Curate the Guest Journey
From the booking confirmation email to the checkout message, your communication should follow a tone and structure that reflects your brand whether it’s minimalist and calm, luxurious and elegant, or playful and fun.Don’t forget to provide a guest experience kit that aligns with your brand. A Spotify playlist? A scent diffuser? A branded tote bag? These touches make a lasting impression.Examples of Branded Airbnb Concepts
- The Boho Nest (Bali): A consistent bohemian-chic aesthetic across multiple units, featured in influencers’ content.- Tiny Urban Escapes (USA): Branded tiny houses with luxury eco-friendly touches, building a following beyond Airbnb.- Riad Jardin Secret (Marrakech): Not just a stay, but a lifestyle brand that incorporates hospitality, design, and culture.Who Benefits Most from Airbnb Branding?
- Hosts targeting international tourists, especially in culturally rich destinations like Morocco.- Hosts aiming to scale to multiple properties or build a long-term hospitality brand.- Hosts wanting to differentiate in competitive markets.- Hosts who value guest satisfaction and 5-star reviews.Final Thoughts
Branding your Airbnb is not a luxury it’s a smart investment. It elevates your guest experience, builds customer loyalty, strengthens your market presence, and positions you for long-term growth.Whether you're hosting tourists in Marrakech or managing short-term stays in Casablanca, branding turns your apartment into a story worth telling. Don’t miss the opportunity to turn your rental into a real brand.Need help branding your Airbnb property?
We offer full-service branding packages specifically tailored for vacation rentals. Let’s build an experience your guests will never forget. Contact me now ➝
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