Hello, I'm
Mahmoud Awaleh
I am a seasoned communication and creative professional with over 15 years of experience in graphic design, marketing, and public relations. Currently serving as PR & Communications Director at Somaliland Civil Service Commission.


I am Professional User
Experience Designer
Before joining the civil service, I built a successful career in the private sector, working as a Creative Designer and Marketing Manager since 2011. I earned some of the highest salaries in Somaliland, including significant sales commissions, which reflected my marketing skills and business acumen.
I never joined the government for status or financial gain. Like many Somalilanders, I often criticized the government's weak public services and lack of effective communication. However, I challenged myself to move beyond criticism and contribute actively to my country's development.
Work Process
My systematic approach to delivering exceptional communication and design solutions that drive results and build meaningful connections.
Research
I conduct thorough research to understand your brand, audience, and market positioning for effective communication strategies.
Design
Creating visually compelling designs that align with your brand identity and communicate your message effectively.
Develop
Implementing comprehensive communication strategies and developing materials that engage your target audience.
Launch
Executing campaigns and initiatives with precision, ensuring maximum impact and measurable results.
Portfolio
Showcasing major national projects and design initiatives that have shaped Somaliland's visual identity and public communication.
Complete Design Portfolio 2021
Explore my comprehensive graphic design portfolio showcasing 15+ years of creative work, including branding projects, government communications, and visual identity designs.

Somaliland National ID Card Design
Complete design and branding for Somaliland's national identification system.

Security Blurred
Somaliland Visa Sticker Design
Comprehensive visa sticker design system featuring multiple visa types with advanced security features and professional government branding.

Somaliland Presidential Special Force (CIM) Logo
Professional logo design for Ciidanka Ilaalada Madaxtooyada JSL (CIM) - the Presidential Special Force, featuring military symbolism and national identity elements.

Somaliland Voter ID Design
Comprehensive voter identification card design for democratic processes.

Vehicle Tax Sticker Design
First-ever vehicle tax sticker design for Somaliland transportation system.

CSC Somaliland Magazine Collection
Quarterly magazine publication showcasing civil service reforms, achievements, and institutional developments throughout 2023.

Regional Sports Logos Redesign
Complete redesign of Somaliland regional sports logos and branding, creating professional identities for football clubs across the country.
Civil Service Commission Branding
Comprehensive branding and communication strategy for the Civil Service Commission.
Complete Design Solutions
From digital experiences to print publications, corporate branding to large-scale applications - showcasing comprehensive design solutions across multiple mediums and platforms.
Featured Projects

Portfolio Website Design
Modern, responsive portfolio website showcasing professional experience and achievements.

National Printing Agency Branding
Complete corporate identity design for government printing agency including logo, stationery, and signage.

Vehicle Graphics & Wraps
Large-scale vehicle branding and graphics for government and institutional vehicles.

Portfolio Website Design
Modern, responsive portfolio website showcasing professional experience and achievements.

National Printing Agency Branding
Complete corporate identity design for government printing agency including logo, stationery, and signage.

CSC Publication Design
Professional magazine layout and design for Civil Service Commission quarterly publication.

Corporate Merchandise Design
Branded merchandise design including lanyards, pens, and promotional materials.

Vehicle Graphics & Wraps
Large-scale vehicle branding and graphics for government and institutional vehicles.
Design Capabilities
Comprehensive design solutions spanning digital platforms, print media, corporate identity, and large-scale applications for government and institutional clients.
Digital Design
Websites, UI/UX, Digital Publications
Print & Publishing
Magazines, Books, Editorial Design
Corporate Branding
Logos, Identity Systems, Guidelines
Large Format
Vehicle Graphics, Signage, Environmental
Explore the full range of design projects and creative solutions
Government Publication Design
Professional design for official government documents, publications, and branding systems that communicate authority, clarity, and national identity.

Somaliland Constitution Design
Official design for the Somaliland Constitution (Dastuurka Jamhuuriyadda Somaliland) featuring national colors and elegant typography in both red and green editions.
CLIENT
Republic of Somaliland
YEAR
2001
Design Approach
Each publication is designed with careful attention to official branding guidelines, cultural context, and bilingual requirements. The designs balance authority and accessibility while maintaining consistent national identity elements.
Institutional & Corporate Branding
Professional branding and signage design for government institutions and corporate clients, creating memorable and impactful visual identities.

Civil Service Commission Building Signage
3D signage design for the Civil Service Commission headquarters featuring the official logo and bilingual text in the national colors.

Landnest General Trading Office Signage
Modern corporate identity and interior signage design for Landnest General Trading, featuring contemporary typography and brand colors.
Official Publication Design Approach
Creating effective government publications requires a careful balance of authority, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity. My design process focuses on:
- 1
National Identity Integration
Incorporating national colors, symbols, and cultural elements that resonate with citizens.
- 2
Bilingual Excellence
Designing for both Somali and English text with appropriate typography and layout considerations.
- 3
Information Hierarchy
Creating clear visual hierarchies that make complex information accessible and navigable.
- 4
Consistency & Systems
Developing comprehensive design systems that can be applied across multiple publications.

CSC Publication Design System
Comprehensive design system for Civil Service Commission publications with consistent branding elements.
CSC Somaliland Magazine Collection
As PR & Communications Director at the Somaliland Civil Service Commission, I lead the development and publication of our quarterly magazine, showcasing government initiatives, reforms, and achievements throughout 2023.
CSC Quarterly Magazine Series
Access the complete 2023 collection of CSC Somaliland Magazines, featuring comprehensive coverage of civil service reforms, policy implementations, training programs, and institutional achievements. Each issue is published in both English and Somali.

Q1 2023

Q3 2023

Q2 2023

Q4 2023

56 Pages
English & Somali
CSC Somaliland Magazine - Q1 2023
Featuring CSI & GIMPA Trainings, National Awards 2022, HRMIS benefits, and Health & Safety at the Workplace.
Key Highlights:

54 Pages
English & Somali
CSC Somaliland Magazine - Q2 2023
Covering Upgraded Government Employee ID Cards, Ministry of Health Staff Examination, and Pay & Grading Policy Validation.
Key Highlights:

52 Pages
English & Somali
CSC Somaliland Magazine - Q3 2023
Special edition on Pension Policy & Bill approval, World Bank mission, and civil service strengthening initiatives.
Key Highlights:

56 Pages
English & Somali
CSC Somaliland Magazine - Q4 2023
Featuring PMIS launch, President's meeting with Director Generals, and Archives Department transformation.
Key Highlights:
Editorial Highlights from 2023
Major Achievements Covered
- Implementation of HRMIS (Human Resource Management Information System)
- Launch of PMIS (Pension Management Information System)
- Approval of Pension Policy & Bill by Cabinet
- Pay & Grading Policy validation and implementation
Design Excellence
- Professional photography and layout design
- Consistent CSC brand identity
- Bilingual publication (English & Somali)
- High-quality government event coverage
View all quarterly issues with detailed coverage and professional photography
Do you have Project Idea?
Let's discuss your project!
Ready to transform your communication strategy and create impactful designs? Let's collaborate on meaningful projects that make a difference for your organization and community.
Blog
Insights and thoughts on communication strategy, design, public service, and the intersection of creativity and civic responsibility.

Exploring Creative Possibilities with Google Gemini
Discover how I'm using Google Gemini to enhance creative workflows and explore new design possibilities in my professional projects.

Exploring AI-Powered Design: My Experience with Google Gemini
In this post, I share my insights on using Google Gemini for creative design work and how AI tools are transforming the design landscape in government communications.
The Future of Government Communication in the Digital Age
Exploring how modern communication strategies can bridge the gap between government institutions and citizens through digital innovation and strategic engagement.

My Complete Design Portfolio 2021 - A Journey Through 15 Years
Take a comprehensive look at my design evolution, featuring major projects, brand identities, and creative solutions developed over 15 years of professional experience.
Building Trust Through Visual Identity Design
How strategic design choices can enhance public trust and improve institutional credibility.
From Private Sector to Public Service: A Journey
Lessons learned from transitioning from high-paying private sector roles to meaningful public service.
What I do?
I combine creative vision with strategic communication to build meaningful connections between organizations and their audiences. My expertise spans traditional and digital media, with a focus on government communication and public service excellence.
User Experience (UX)
Designing intuitive experiences that make government services more accessible and user-friendly for citizens.
User Interface (UI)
Creating clean, modern interfaces that enhance digital communication and improve user engagement.
Web Development
Building responsive, accessible websites and digital platforms that serve diverse audiences effectively.

Strategic Communications
Comprehensive communication strategies that build trust and engagement between institutions and stakeholders.
Brand Development
Creating compelling visual identities and brand systems that reflect organizational values and mission.
Public Relations
Managing public perception and building positive relationships with media, stakeholders, and communities.
Digital Marketing
Leveraging digital platforms and social media to amplify messages and reach target audiences effectively.
Content Creation
Developing engaging content across multiple formats including copywriting, photography, and multimedia.
Campaign Management
Planning and executing integrated campaigns that deliver measurable results and drive organizational goals.
Happy Clients
Trusted by leading government institutions and organizations across Somaliland to deliver exceptional communication and design solutions.
Testimonial
What colleagues and partners say about working with me on transformative communication and design projects.
"Mahmoud's strategic communication expertise has transformed how we engage with the public. His creative approach and professional execution have significantly improved our institutional image."
"The voter ID design project was executed flawlessly. Mahmoud's attention to detail and understanding of our requirements resulted in a design that serves our democratic processes perfectly."
"Working with Mahmoud on the vehicle tax sticker design was exceptional. He delivered innovative solutions that met all our technical and aesthetic requirements while staying within budget."
Let's discuss your Project
Ready to transform your communication strategy? Get in touch to discuss how we can work together on meaningful projects.
Get in Touch
I'm always interested in discussing new opportunities, creative projects, and ways to contribute to meaningful communication initiatives.