Rania Malek is a creative producer and interdisciplinary artist whose work spans the worlds of fashion, art, and event production. Based in Morocco, Rania’s multicultural perspective, shaped by her upbringing across Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco, enriches her collaborations with global brands and creatives. With a strong foundation in visual arts and graphic design, she combines her skills in photography, video production, and art direction to craft visually compelling and culturally resonant projects.
Beyond her role as a producer, Rania is known for her client-centered approach and her ability to build genuine connections, drawing on her positivity and adaptability to create meaningful creative partnerships. Her work, grounded in both traditional and contemporary influences, emphasizes authenticity, beauty, and storytelling as tools for connection and transformation. Driven by a commitment to honoring heritage and bridging cultural divides, Rania’s legacy aims to inspire curiosity, empathy, and resilience in all those she works with.
T. You live and work across culturally rich and diverse cities: Marrakesh, Casablanca, Tehran, and Jeddah. How have these environments shaped your artistic vision, and what unique qualities does each city bring out to your work?
R. I bring a multicultural perspective shaped by my upbringing in countries such as Iran and Saudi Arabia. Living in countries that are often overlooked has deeply nurtured my curiosity and shaped my core values, particularly tolerance and openness. I believe that what we retain and cultivate most is our understanding of the world around us. We become a blend of the people we meet and the knowledge we gain along the way.
I’ve had the privilege of coexisting with individuals from vastly different cultural backgrounds, and whether facing language barriers or cultural differences, I learned to adapt to any environment I stepped into. In this journey, I also learned to connect with people in the most beautiful way—by immersing myself in their world and gaining a closer look at their way of living and thinking. This perspective has given profound purpose to my artistic approach, making my work deeply meaningful.
Exposure to diverse creative methods and ways of life has equipped me with invaluable tools that I apply in my career today. In many ways, these experiences have become keys to new opportunities, allowing me to connect meaningfully with others and open doors to new creative possibilities.
T. Art and culture are deeply interwoven in the places you call home. How do you navigate the balance between honouring traditional influences and bringing fresh, contemporary perspectives to your projects?
R. I believe it is our duty to honor our past, our traditions, and the sources of our purpose—at least for me. I often use this example: when you admire an artist without knowing their story, your admiration deepens once you learn who they are and what they represent. The same principle applies to understanding our heritage and the gifts our backgrounds provide. This knowledge can help resolve any identity struggles we may face as children of expatriates. For me, my heritage is inextricably linked to my artistic approach and professional career.
Conversely, it is equally important to look ahead and build upon the heritage that our children will carry into their own journeys. To build is to accumulate: we take what has shaped us and add what we wish to create for future generations. Our contemporary experiences are a vital part of our present reality. Thus, both the past and the present coexist and collaborate harmoniously in my life.
T. The modelling and art worlds often come with external judgements. How do you define beauty and art on your own terms, and what message do you aim to convey through your work?
R. Thank you for this thoughtful question. For me, beauty is fundamentally rooted in reality. I always say: beauty is reality and reality is relatable It’s the authenticity of experiences, the stories people live, and the truths that resonate within them. Reality speaks to people in profound ways, echoing in their minds and becoming beautiful through their eyes. I believe beauty has increasingly become an external concept, often limited to surface appearances, which has made us forget its deeper, intrinsic nature. To me, beauty has always been about perception—something much more personal and layered than what we see on the surface.
To admire something is to find beauty in it. To relate to the truth of a story or the purpose behind a project is an act of beautifying because it connects us to what’s real and meaningful. What I aim to do, through my work, is to help people reconnect with this deeper sense of beauty. I want to remind people of its genuine connections, in the stories around us, and in the rawness of our experiences.
It’s crucial to nourish our perspectives, to train our eyes to see beyond what’s simply attractive or polished, and to break through the layers of superficiality. If everyone took a moment to look with a deeper eye, they would begin to see beauty everywhere—detaching it from the narrow, physical definitions we’ve been given and seeing it instead as an expression of lived moments. In doing so, we can reclaim the power of beauty as something rooted, personal, transformative, and timeless.
T. What skills do you think are crucial for a creative producer?
R. Crucial skills for a creative producer go beyond creativity and technical expertise, they also involve a profound connection to the human aspect of the role. An effective creative producer must be able to understand and empathize with people, recognizing the importance of each individual’s perspective, from high-level brand managers and corporate decision-makers to local artisans and small business owners. Building genuine connections with a wide range of collaborators enriches the creative process and allows the art director to authentically represent diverse ideas and cultures.
Building relationships across different areas allows a creative producer to connect global trends with local perspectives, making the work richer and more meaningful. This approach adds depth and helps create projects that feel personal and relatable to audiences. Balancing these people skills with a strong creative vision is key to producing work that truly resonates.
T. Can you tell us about a moment or project that was especially meaningful to you, either because of the creative process, the impact it had, or the lessons it taught you?
R. The most meaningful project I have ever worked on—and perhaps always will—was a collaboration with WhatsApp. It all began when my dear friend Mous initially recommended me as the casting director for a campaign in Morocco. As we moved into the final stages of pre-production, he suggested involving my grandfather in the casting process. Initially, I was unsure if my grandfather would be interested, but knowing the deep admiration I have for my family and the role they play in my life, I couldn’t help but wonder: what if I ended up capturing a profoundly personal campaign with my grandfather, a man who has inspired me every single day?
So, I drove to Casablanca, where he resides, and filmed a casting video for the WhatsApp team. The rest, as they say, is history. Soon, I found myself on set with my grandfather, posing for a campaign shot by one of my closest friends. The day was filled with emotions, and when the photos were finally released, the experience took on an even greater significance. His photos and story traveled globally, featured in galleries around the world. My grandfather was overwhelmed by the impact; he could hardly believe the recognition he received, and that’s part of what I cherish about him—his humility and disbelief at his own influence.
Through this project, Mous gave me something incredibly precious—a memory that holds unparalleled value in my life and career. This collaboration stands as a singular, irreplaceable experience, one that will always hold a special place in my heart.
T. What kind of legacy do you hope to leave through your art and collaborations?
R. The legacy I aspire to leave is one rooted in authenticity, curiosity, and humility, both in professional endeavors and personal life. I aim to inspire others to engage with the world deeply, looking beyond the surface to find beauty in diverse perspectives and cultures. My goal is to create a body of work that bridges cultural and generational divides, fostering a sense of empathy and connection.
A key part of my legacy is also to keep family stories alive. By working to preserve and archive family memories, I hope to honor the richness of my heritage and give future generations a sense of belonging and identity. Through these stories, I want to pass down the values of curiosity, humility, and respect—qualities that deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Ultimately, I want my work to empower others to approach life with an open heart and mind, finding inspiration in the legacy of those who came before us.
T. Do you have any mantra or quote that guides you in your work and daily life?
R. Yes, I actually have two favorite phrases, both from the Quran. One of them is “Inna ma’a al-‘usr yusra,” meaning “With hardship comes ease.” This verse has profoundly impacted my life, offering me a deep sense of security and reassurance. It has taught me to keep perspective, reminding me that pain and hardship are never permanent, even when they feel all-consuming. Embracing this has allowed me to release worry and stress, nurturing a greater trust in the power of Allah & the power of our good deeds.
The second phrase is closely aligned with the first: “Aasa an takrahoo shay’an wa huwa khayrun lakum,” which means, “It is possible to dislike something, though it may ultimately be beneficial to you.” This insight was a major revelation for me, comforting me with the idea that even if I am dedicated to something, it may not happen if it isn’t meant to—because God sees and knows what we cannot. This understanding has freed me from preoccupation, nervousness, and the obsession we sometimes experience in this career & daily life. It has allowed me to fully trust that what is truly meant for me will find its way to me, bringing a sense of peace and liberation.
Instagram: malek.rania
