Two ambigrams done weeks ago, inspired by the courageous men who put their lives in the line of fire. Just so ours are not. Respect. Godspeed.

(On hindsight, the 'bombsquad' ambigram has a certain 'Daniel Dostal' look. Can't pin it down, though..)

NAC September 2008: Danial Dostal's Greek Myths & Legends

Salam (peace) to all.

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Firstly, we apologize for the delay in posting these, the reason we'll reveal later.

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For new visitors, welcome to just one of the many blogs dedicated on the art of ambigrams. Many other wonderful sites on ambigrams could be seen in the links in the side bar under Ambigram Mates, many artists of whom we have had the honour of working closely with.

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In this instalment of Nagfa Ambigram Challenge (NAC), we have the distinguishingly creative Danial Dostal of Poland as our Guest Challenger, who had proposed its theme. More information: here.

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We present you Danial's overview of the entries and his choice for the winning contributor.

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"Firstly, I would like to thank all contributors for their wonderful works. Before we will get to know the winner, I would like to present my ambigram. I prepared only one piece. Initially, I had planned for a few more ambigrams, but I concentrated on a different project, of which I will only reveal after the presentation of all submitted ambigrams.

Minotaur by Danial Dostal (Poland)

Choosing the winner was very difficult. After much thought, I've decided to honour the work of Robert Maitland. In my opinion it is a fresh concept, very original and innovative approach to ambigrams. My congratulations to the future Guest Challenger.

'Labyrinth-Minotaur' by Robert Maitland (Canada)

Not far behind is the wonderful 'labyrinth' of Krzysztof Śliwa. The simplicity and the legibility of this piece is delightful.

'Labyrinth' by Krzystof Sliwa (Poland)

As ever Nasty Basty’s ambigrams turned out near-perfection.

'Labyrinth' by NastyBasty (Germany)

'Minotaur' by NastyBasty (Germany)

'Ariadne-Theseus' by NastyBasty (Germany)

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I like the simple and modern Awangpurba’s minotaur.

'Minotaur' by AwangPurba (Malaysia)

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Different approaches in the manipulation of letters in the word 'labyrinth' is enlightening.

'Labyrinth' by Emma Howard (Australia)

'labyrinth' by Ian Harrison (Australia)

'labyrinth' by Txescu (Catalunia)

'Labyrinth' by Nemielyn (Philippines)

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Other hand drawn works by Nemielyn have fascinating dark moods.

'Daedalus' by Nemielyn (Philippines)

'Theseus' by Nemielyn (Philippines)

'Minotaur' by Nemielyn (Philippines)

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In Aidash’s piece, a style of applied letters appealed to me.

'Into the Labyrinth' by AiDash (Philippines)

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From a diversity of Charles Madrid's works, Daedalus most appealed to me.

'Daedalus' by Charles Madrid (Philippines)

'into the Labyrinth' by Charles Madrid (Philippines)

'Minotaur' by Charles Madrid (Philippines)
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The simple 'Dedalo' ambigram prepared by Anuar is interesting.

'dedalo' by Anuar (Mexico)

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Nagfa prepared interesting symbiotogram in the distinctive simple style.

'labyrinth-minataur' by nagfa (Singapore)

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Solutions applied by Ruel gave a great impression.

'labyrinth' by Ruel Masacayan (Philippines)

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I like the simplicity of the gothic phrase prepared by Elwin.

'Into the Labyrinth' by Elwin Gill (USA)

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Malcolm’s ambigram is a bit illegible but it does look impressive.

'Into the Labyrinth' by Malcolm King (New Zealand)

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From Cy Reb’s works, I would choose the interestingly written word 'maze'.

'maze' by Cy Reb, Jr. (USA)

'Minotaur-Labyrinth' by Cy Reb, Jr. (USA)

'Theseus-Ariadne' by Cy Reb, Jr. (USA)

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Nikita prepared two Greek goddesses for us - Athena is excellent.

'Athena' by Nikita (USA)

'Aphrodite' by Nikita (USA)

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Azahary’s mirror 'Poseidon' is excellent.

'Poseidon God of the Sea' by Azahary (Singapore)

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Now for the 'different project' I mentioned earlier. I announced that I would prepare ambigrams for three or four of the best designers. I changed my mind and decided to honour everyone who had devoted their time for the participation in this NAC. The ambigrams are diversed, some worked well more than others but I had devoted all my knowledge and abilities to everyone.

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Vector versions of designers' ambigrams in AI format will be sent to all contributors through Nagfa.

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One more time, I congratulate Robert Maitland. Thanks to all contributors and first of all for Nagfa."

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We extend our grateful and heartful thanks to all who had once again made this outing a successful one. Thank you to Danial Dostal who had not only evaluated the designs, but also dedicated his time to design personalised ambigrams to all contributors. We know we are all honoured and touched by this gesture. And of course, not forgetting a hearty congratulation to Robert Maitland whose unorthodox approach and concept deservingly win him the title of Guest Challenger for a future NAC. We'll be contacting him via email.

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Just a reminder, the next instalment of NAC would be a theme by previous winner: Alessandro of Italy for this: here.

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We owe everyone an explanation; the reason for not posting this earlier was due to the birth of our (nagfa's: Naguib & Fadilah) first baby - a girl(!) - Nayla Najwa. :)

nagfa ambigram challenge (NAC) September 2008

After a considerable long delay, we resume the nagfa ambigram challenge (NAC). This NAC was proposed by our esteemed Guest Challenger, the artist chosen for his design here. Without further ado, we present Daniel Dostal from Poland.

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"My name is Daniel Dostal and I'm from Poland. My adventure with ambigrams started from the reading of Dan Brown's "Angels and Demons". This passion was a natural consequence of my interests in drawing, calligraphy and typography. Academically, I am a historian major, but today I’m working as a visual artist.
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I would like to thank Nasty Basty for rewarding my work, and Nagfa for their efforts in integrating our small ambigram community.
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My proposition for this NAC is the theme: “Into the Labyrinth”
Ancient Greek myths about Minotaur, Daedalus – constructor of the labyrinth - and about the love of Ariadne and Theseus were my inspiration for this theme. But not only these myths. This motif appears in the excellent Dead Can Dance album "Into the Labyrinth" and in the fascinating novel of Kate Mosse “Labyrinth” (for all Dan Brown’s fans) I think that this theme is universal and giving a big chance to display our skills. I would like to see all types of ambigrams and wordplays. I’m waiting for your designs. I wish good luck in your work! *After this edition of NAC, for three or four authors of the most excellent designs I would like to prepare ambigrams of their names or nicks.
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Greetings!
Daniel"

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Please submit designs to:

nagfa_ambigram@hotmail.com

hopefully before 15th of October (for allowance for us to compile them before November). Please also include the chosen word for the design, your name (pseudonym allowed), country of origin, and website/blog (if any). *Designers are allowed to send in more than one design/entry...

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All the best,
Salam,

Nagfa: Naguib & Fadilah

Singapore

A nagfa take on this: here.