How did you first get into the field of graphic design? 

“I started my art account posting drawings and sketches in November of 2020. I was doodling a lot during my school holidays and I just wanted a place to keep all my work and show it off. I then started experimenting on (ross-platform image editor) Gimp with digital collages and most of my work was quite haphazard and maximalist. I was delving in and out of it infrequently despite all the free time I had during the onset of Covid-19. I then started doing more typography manipulation and played around with colours for my early graphic design works. They were mostly posters of song lyrics –  nothing too creative concept-wise since I was still just starting out. When I posted more frequently and kept a consistent style, I grew a wider audience through hashtags and following like-minded creatives. It is an understatement to say that the graphic design community – more specifically the Southeast Asian graphic design community – is one that I am extremely grateful to be a part of. Their graciousness, kindness and sympathy ensured that I am appreciated in the Instagram art scene and drove my motivation to create more and more.”

Did you have formal training in graphic design?

“I’d say I’ve been designing since 2020, but I was doing a lot more traditional art for years prior to that. I think that’s where my eye for design came from. Up until polytechnic, I was never formally taught anything graphic design related – most of my skills either came from watching YouTube tutorials or just myself experimenting around with different software programmes. I’m now learning a lot more about design in polytechnic, but I’d say that my hobby in designing before enrolling undoubtedly gave me an upper hand in most of the modules that I took. I also took Art for my O-Levels which definitely sparked an interest in drawing and painting after I graduated from secondary school. Although I was still deep into graphic design after finishing secondary school, I was still diving back into my gouache palette and sketchbooks. Even now I still doodle here and there in my free time.”

How would you describe the aesthetic in your work?

“I wouldn’t say I have a set or uniform style with my works, so I’d say my ‘aesthetic’ could be described as experimental. I get bored easily when it comes to my own work. I like playing around with different styles and trying out what suits me. I change it up a lot, I’d say. Allowing myself to have a taste of many different styles is sort of a way for me to figure out where my strength lies. I’m still figuring it out so I wouldn’t want to rush any aspect of it especially since it’s part of the creative process. However, one thing I’ve been really into doing at the moment is custom typography. With the end of 36 Days of Type, an Instagram-wide challenge that I took part in, I was really intrigued by gestural, abstract and textural typography (above). I explored Blender, a 3D software, in April of 2023. I have been on it playing around with its interface every week since then. I was intrigued by its effortless ability to create texture and form with lighting and materials. The majority of my works now consist of some element made in Blender, be it plasticine-textured typography or pixelated Brutalist shapes.”

A graphic designer or work that resonates with you? 

“Definitely Alexander Khabbazi (@kbardesign on Instagram). I’m just a sucker for personalised, niche and expressive art. His illustrations are indescribably genius and I reference him endlessly in my school projects. Recently, he experimented with printing on textiles and scarves and it inspired me to stretch my design skills and apply it outside of the screen on my laptop. I just have the need to constantly be creating more and more new things and Alexander is definitely one that inspires me to step outside my comfort zone.”

What are some misconceptions about graphic design you normally encounter?

“That graphic design is easy. Throughout my experience, it made me realise a designer needs a solid understanding of basic design principles and marketing. Prior to enrolling in polytechnic, I wasn’t doing any work for clients and I didn’t have any knowledge of branding or marketing. Now, I’m learning more in-depth about design principles and colour theory and doing more real-world briefs for school assignments and projects. I’d say I’m still getting used to it since I’m someone who likes to have as much creative liberty as possible when designing but I can definitely see the immense progress I’ve made over the years. Another misunderstanding about the field is that it’s all about using digital software. Although most of my work is finished and polished on apps like Photoshop and Illustrator, a large bulk of the ideation and development starts with a pencil and paper – maybe even paints and watercolours. Most of my works start out as rough sketches. I think this applies to most creative professions. We’re all more familiar with the pencil in our hands to visualise our ideas.”

How would you define graphic design?

“In a nutshell, a graphic designer is like being a storyteller, using a mix of artistic skills and technical know-how and having a keen eye for detail to create designs that leave a lasting impression. I’d say graphic design is like a visual playground where creativity and problem-solving collide. It’s the art of using images, colours, and typography to communicate messages and ideas. It’s about understanding the power of visual communication. It’s about choosing the right imagery and typography to evoke specific emotions or deliver a specific message. It’s a blend of artistry, technical skills, and strategic thinking. In a world filled with information overload, graphic design helps cut through the noise. It captures attention, communicates ideas effectively and leaves a lasting impression. It’s an exciting field that constantly challenges me to push my creativity and find innovative ways to visually connect with people.”

What would you say are your proudest achievements to date with your practice?

“Learning Blender and expanding into 3D design. The unexpected ease of learning Blender through YouTube tutorials has not only accelerated my progress but also instilled a sense of confidence and motivation to explore further. It has made the once intimidating prospect of mastering a 3D software more accessible and achievable. Through my exploration of Blender, I was able to expand my existing skills further into the art of modelling, texturing and animating three-dimensional objects, a skill set that has greatly enhanced the quality and visual appeal of my designs. This newfound proficiency has empowered me to craft intricate product renderings, construct visually striking typography, and breathe life into my designs since then.”

In an age where AI and social media channels rule, has graphic design’s role changed?

“On one hand, AI has introduced automation and design assistance tools that can generate basic designs and templates. While AI can save time and provide inspiration, it has also led to an abundance of generic and formulaic designs. As an emerging designer who values uniqueness and originality, I am concerned that AI’s presence in the industry may overshadow the creativity and artistic touch that defines the work of individual designers such as myself. At the same time, social media platforms have become instrumental in sharing and consuming visual content. While they provide opportunities to showcase our work and engage with a wider audience, they also create a demand for quick, attention-grabbing designs. Now that I have an audience, I feel more pressured to consistently be posting and making content to keep up the momentum. This pressure to create visually appealing content that fits within the constraints of social media and the algorithm can sometimes hinder the exploration of more innovative and unconventional design approaches.”

What are some recent trends in graphic design you’ve been seeing and adoring?

“Definitely custom typography. These past few months I’ve seen genius designers and creatives make typefaces out of honey, ketchup, legos, anything you can find in a common household. I’m just a sucker for unique and personalised work. Everyone has their own design profile and style and it is so important to take time to experiment and explore. Experimentation is the core of all of my artistic creations. Some of the typography I’ve made for school projects have been made from clay, plasticine and glass. I’ve also been really into maximalism. I aspire to create such works with layers and layers of details and have recently been trying to step out of my comfort zone to emulate my own personal design style. Claire Boon (@phrawgcraft on Instagram) is a Singaporean-based designer who is an absolute master at the style. I met her in person this year at the Singapore Art Book Fair and to say she was humble was an understatement. I’m extremely grateful for her constant support for my work since I’ve admired her work for quite some time now.”

How would you describe the current state of Singapore’s graphic design scene?

“The graphic design scene in Singapore is incredibly dynamic. One of the great things about it is the strong emphasis on creativity and innovation. I’ve met and bought art from so many incredible emerging Singaporean creatives at local art fairs and am always in awe of their creativity and humility. Designers in Singapore that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting are constantly striving to push boundaries and experiment with different styles, techniques, and mediums, to create visually striking and impactful work. Singapore’s diverse society provides a rich tapestry of cultural influences, which designers draw upon to create unique and diverse aesthetics. This infusion of different perspectives adds depth and richness to the design scene.”

A version of this article first appeared in the July 23 Graphic Design Edition of FEMALE