From Dentist to Designer - Discovering Graphic Design at 46
Is it ever too late to learn graphic design? Many people believe creativity is something you either discover early in life or miss forever. But Anas Lataiwish story proves otherwise. Today I’m excited to share the story of Anas and how, at age 46, he discovered his passion for creativity and design.
After spending more than 16 years working as a dentist, Anas unexpectedly discovered a love for design during the COVID lockdown. What began as a small favour helping his brother quickly turned into something much bigger.
Today, design has become one of the most exciting and fulfilling parts of his life.
We asked Anas a few questions about his journey into design, creativity, and learning later in life.
Check out Anas’s full portfolio!
“For the first time in my life, work didn’t feel like a chore. I wasn’t fixing things, I was creating them.” Anas
Ad Campaign created during Design Sprint 2026
Check out Anas’s full portfolio.
Q1) As a child, did you see yourself as a creative person?
Not really. I didn’t grow up thinking of myself as an artistic person.
I don’t have a collection of childhood drawings that hinted at a future in design. My passion was always sports, especially football. I played for my school team and later at university in Benghazi, where our amateur street football team even won championships.
So I would say I discovered this creative side of myself much later in life, which makes this journey even more exciting.
Q2) You work as a dentist. How do you manage your time to continue developing your design skills?
I don’t follow a strict timetable.
Currently, I work two mornings a week at the dental department of Aljala Hospital. Over time, I reduced my clinical work as I began generating income through design projects, particularly logo design and Arabic calligraphy for wedding invitations.
Because of this balance, time isn’t a huge issue. I also use AI tools to help speed up parts of my workflow so I can focus more on creative ideas.
I’m married and have two boys, and my wife has been incredibly supportive of this creative journey.
Q3) You took part in a few of our open design contests. What was that experience like?
I have, and I was actually placed second in the Quito packaging contest.
I was proud of the result, but it also reminded me how much more I want to learn. When I see the work of other students in the community, it keeps me humble and motivated.
There are many incredibly talented designers in the community whose work inspires me to keep improving.
“Martin helped me understand the why behind design decisions, not just the technical steps.” Anas
Q4) How has Martin’s feedback helped you grow as a designer?
Martin has a way of noticing small details that make a massive difference. His feedback helped me understand the why behind design decisions, not just the technical steps.
That kind of insight changes how you approach design problems.
Coffee Cat Branding
Check out Anas’s full portfolio.
Q5) How motivating has it been to be part of the Yes I'm a Designer community?
The community has been very important in my journey.
Even though everyone comes from different backgrounds, there is always a shared willingness to help each other improve. Both Martin and Shumi have given me feedback when I needed direction, especially when I was drifting away from the brief.
That guidance has helped me stay focused and continue improving.
Q6) You’ve also started using AI in your creative process. How do you see its role in design?
I see AI as a collaborator rather than a replacement.
It helps me brainstorm ideas and speed up parts of the workflow. That allows me to focus more on creativity and concept development. At the same time, I understand that AI can be a sensitive topic for many artists, so I try to approach it carefully and responsibly.
Map Design
Check out Anas’s full portfolio.
Q7) Looking ahead, what are your goals with design?
Right now, my main goal is to continue improving my skills and mastering the craft of design.
I strongly believe in the idea that great progress comes from the collective effort of people striving for mastery together.
For me, design is a journey of learning, exploration, and growth and I’m excited to see where it leads.
What’s Next for Anas
Anas’s story is a reminder that creativity doesn’t have an expiry date, sometimes it simply takes the right moment, the right mentor, and the courage to start.
Anas’s journey into design is still unfolding, and we’re excited to continue supporting him along the way.
As part of our Pro Membership, students receive access to 1-to-1 portfolio and career assessments designed to help them move forward with clarity and confidence. We’ll be scheduling a session with Anas soon to review his work, discuss his creative direction, and help tailor his CV and portfolio so they align with his long-term design goals.
Sometimes a fresh perspective and structured feedback can make all the difference when developing your skills. We’re looking forward to seeing how Anas continues to grow as a designer and we’ll be cheering him on every step of the way.
Starting your design journey later in life?
Explore Pro Membership and join a community of designers learning and growing together, including Anas.
