Phil&Sophie

A self initiated project with the aim of simplifying philosophy for the interested laymen, as the complexity of existing materials are too intimidating for those interested to embark on their philosophical journey. Phil&Sophie aims to help the audience understand key concepts of various philosophical schools of thought, and prompt them to start questioning things around them on a deeper level. The zines are on a subscription based model, with multiple issues that explores an overarching theme each volume, with the art direction changing in each issue.

Phil&Sophie

The focus of the third issue is an examination of the Stoics’ views on the poisonous nature of complaining and the importance of rejoicing in what is. The art direction focuses on visual metaphors and a cut and paste scrapbook aesthetic that reeks of unprofessionalism. The printed copy will be filled with flaws and various printing errors, tempting consumers who expect perfect products to complain about it. However, the point will be for them to practice not complaining.

Magazine (re-used)

re-used magazine is a biannual publication that looks into the various issues and topics pertaining to the world of freeganism. Offering analysis and in depth discussions on the latest happenings relating to the freegan community, re-used magazine aims to spark conversations that will change your life. To prevent excessive consumption, there are only limited copies of the magazine, readers are encouraged to pass it on to another reader.

Magazine (re-used)

In the pilot issue, the topic is dumpster diving, arguably the best known practice of Freegans. Stories of various individuals that have something to do with the act of dumpster diving were included too. The magazine is mainly typeset in Ryman Eco, a sustainable free font which uses less ink than standard fonts. Printed on FSC-Certified recycled papers, re-used embodies the spirit of freeganism within its design and editorial decisions.

Magazine (re-used)

The art direction of the magazine is a mix between ‘recycled’ graphics and punk subculture. ‘Recycled graphics’ is an attempt to utilise old things and giving them new meanings or purpose in this new context. Example includes reusing textures or typography elements found in the surroundings. The Punk subculture is about non-conformity, anti-corporatism, with a do-it-yourself ethic, anti-consumerist, which shares much similarities with freeganism.

Consumer Dictionary

An investigation into the relationship between words, consumerism and advertisement as propaganda. In particular, how words are being manipulated to build up and sustain our consumerist society. Various visual exploration is done to the dictionary, such as blackout poetry, paired with iconic visuals to further iterate the point that words and graphics can be manipulated and serves as a reminder of the nature of our society.

‘I want to buy a new one of the most time consuming activity like ever’

‘I want to buy a new one of the most time consuming activity like ever’, is a collection of gibberish generated by the predictive text function on an individual’s mobile device. Paired with targeted ads tailored to that individual, it allows the reader to form an impression of this individual, however inaccurate it might be. Contributors were asked to start off their predictive sentence with ‘I want to buy’, and to continue the sentence until it starts to repeat itself. 2-3 targeted ads provided by the same contributor will be juxtaposed against their words.

The Plastic Problem

Plastic bags are portrayed sexually to create the image that sea creatures are getting choked without consent, consequently losing their lives. This project is catered to young adults, encouraging them to switch to a plastic alternative, Solubag, which is packaged like a condom.

The Plastic Problem

The Plastic Problem

72 Virgins: Terrorist’s Digest

This is satirical digest showcasing the dos and don’ts of terrorism. It is curated specially for someone who is a terrorist, or wants to be one. In this digest, there is a showcase of how race can be a deterrent from you achieving the title of being the most successful terrorist. I also chose to poke fun at how they brainstorm certain ways to make terrorism become “socially acceptable”.

72 Virgins: Terrorist’s Digest

72 Virgins: Terrorist’s Digest

72 Virgins: Terrorist’s Digest

Valaida Snow

Valaida Snow was an African American Trumpet player who sang and played Jazz music in the 1920s – 1930s era. This is an alphabetical record-styled diary, illustrating Valaida Snow’s struggles with racism, as well as her experience getting captured by Nazis for two years.

Valaida Snow

Valaida Snow

Booker Prize Collection

An unraveling of the plot and characters as the story is revealed stems as my main inspiration for the redesigns of these Booker Prize winners. Readers can interpret their favourite stories through these covers, using the foldable segments to change the image on the front. This lets them continue engaging with the story even after finishing the book and create a memorable experience for the reader.

Booker Prize Collection

Extraterrestrial

'Extraterrestrial' explores the relationship between human behaviour and the mobile phone. How does it affect the way we see things and how do we act in these times when a video can spread across the world with a single click? The hand-drawn animation is used to create an ominous, almost horror-like tone, to drive a stronger message.

Anomiedia

The word anomie is a term used to describe a condition where society provides little moral guidance to individuals. And when the actions of certain social media ‘influencers’ are used as guidance for impressionable teenagers, what becomes of their own actions? Anomiedia is an image series that explores the link between the reality of social media and the facades clouding the true nature of these posts.

Anomiedia

The Epic of Gilgamesh

An adaptation of the historical 'Epic of Gilgamesh' based from the BBC podcast 'In Our Time', this version is retold from the point-of-view of the demigod Gilgamesh himself. The illustrations and typography evoke a more personal story than the original text which lets the reader relate to this larger than life character and even possibly see parallels in his situation to stories told in modern day.

The Epic of Gilgamesh

Real Plastic Love

IN YOUR FACE

IN YOUR FACE is an installation work that aims to send a message to individuals who are carelessly and thoughtlessly using plastic. It seeks to question old habits and hopefully get everyone to do their part in reducing plastic use. In order for us to fix the problem, we have to acknowledge that we are not doing enough and we have to amp up our efforts. Start saying no to excessive plastic use, especially when we shop.

DON'T ASK

Excessive plastic use is a global problem that has plagued the modern world for a few decades now. While media coverage on this issue is at an all time high, changing mindsets still proves to be a challenge, especially when certain societies are so deep-set in their ways. To create ONE identity and to bring all organisations to work together to create a nation-wide campaign to tackle plastic problems in Singapore. To bring about a collective realisation among Singaporeans on the severity of our plastic use. It is our responsibility to take charge of plastic matters. We have to keep reminding ourselves to ‘DON’T ASK’ for plastic bags.

ODD GENESIS

In year 2219, A man-made Virus was released to the atmosphere through heavy industrialisations. M.O.B virus confined exclusively or largely to biomes, however, posed the formidable problem of finding a susceptible human infection and cause death. For-Profit company ODD GENESIS has monopoly over food sources. Ferro Subsistence cure, provides all seven nutrients on a daily basis to help build our bodies and maintain health.

CHAIRNNEL

Reveals some very good insights into what a chair can represent - how it can be a metaphor for aspects of being human or for states of the human condition. To highlight our basic need to give and receive compassion in all its various forms and to create a centerpiece which communicates the idea of compassion and evoke a response and reflection of our basic aspects as a human being.

Stand Out Magazine

Drag queens; not just men with makeup and dressed in women’s clothing, and more than meets the eye. Beyond just performance, it is an art form. In this issue, take a peek into the transformation process of our local drag queens and be drawn into the artistry of it all.

Stand Out Magazine

Gen X, Y and Z in Singapore

This is a not so typical alphabet book about Generation X, Y and Z in Singapore. From queuing for the latest bubble tea for over an hour, complaining about little things and taking as many samples as you can carry, because they’re freebies. You ask what else seems absurd when you think about these situations. Having said that, this behaviour is sometimes what make us a true blue Singaporean.

OBTD (Obsessive Bubble Tea Disorder )

Bubble tea here. Bubble tea there. Bubble tea everywhere. This obsession locally, is getting out of hand. The resulting disorder, OBTD (Obsessive Bubble Tea Disorder) is showing up. A 10-day BBT Detox programme aims to soothe the withdrawal symptoms of this condition, and eventually cure it. The kit consists of all the essentials you need to cope with it

OBTD (Obsessive Bubble Tea Disorder)

OBTD (Obsessive Bubble Tea Disorder)

OBTD (Obsessive Bubble Tea Disorder)

Sexual Crime

Sexual crimes are rising, with 56 cases reported in Singapore's local universities in the last 3 years. Even though disciplinary action has been taken and security measures heightened, tech-enabled sexual violence has tripled since 2016. These series of posters are targeted at student perpetrators as well as victims, telling them that they can be reprimanded or molested anytime and anywhere; A single message that covers both sides of the spectrum.

Adaptation Magazine Issue 1: Post-apocalyptic Literature

An adaptation is a feature that is common in a population because it provides some improved function. Adaptation Magazine strives to create an archival and organic approach to information, mixing unique storytelling and user interaction to convey complex themes. This issue serves to introduce the masses to Post-apocalyptic Literature and its various cultural and social influences. The cover utilizes a perforation to tear as like post-apocalyptic literature authors, the reader would need to destroy in order to create and thus, opening the book.

Adaptation Magazine Issue 1: Post-apocalyptic Literature

An adaptation is a feature that is common in a population because it provides some improved function. Adaptation Magazine strives to create an archival and organic approach to information, mixing unique storytelling and user interaction to convey complex themes. This issue serves to introduce the masses to Post-apocalyptic Literature and its various cultural and social influences. The cover utilizes a perforation to tear as like post-apocalyptic literature authors, the reader would need to destroy in order to create and thus, opening the book.

Adaptation Magazine Issue 1: Post-apocalyptic Literature

An adaptation is a feature that is common in a population because it provides some improved function. Adaptation Magazine strives to create an archival and organic approach to information, mixing unique storytelling and user interaction to convey complex themes. This issue serves to introduce the masses to Post-apocalyptic Literature and its various cultural and social influences. The cover utilizes a perforation to tear as like post-apocalyptic literature authors, the reader would need to destroy in order to create and thus, opening the book.

Adaptation Magazine Issue 1: Post-apocalyptic Literature

An adaptation is a feature that is common in a population because it provides some improved function. Adaptation Magazine strives to create an archival and organic approach to information, mixing unique storytelling and user interaction to convey complex themes. This issue serves to introduce the masses to Post-apocalyptic Literature and its various cultural and social influences. The cover utilizes a perforation to tear as like post-apocalyptic literature authors, the reader would need to destroy in order to create and thus, opening the book.

Adaptation Magazine Issue 1: Post-apocalyptic Literature

An adaptation is a feature that is common in a population because it provides some improved function. Adaptation Magazine strives to create an archival and organic approach to information, mixing unique storytelling and user interaction to convey complex themes. This issue serves to introduce the masses to Post-apocalyptic Literature and its various cultural and social influences. The cover utilizes a perforation to tear as like post-apocalyptic literature authors, the reader would need to destroy in order to create and thus, opening the book.

Adaptation Magazine Issue 1: Post-apocalyptic Literature

An adaptation is a feature that is common in a population because it provides some improved function. Adaptation Magazine strives to create an archival and organic approach to information, mixing unique storytelling and user interaction to convey complex themes. This issue serves to introduce the masses to Post-apocalyptic Literature and its various cultural and social influences. The cover utilizes a perforation to tear as like post-apocalyptic literature authors, the reader would need to destroy in order to create and thus, opening the book.

A Tale of Memories

An explorative journey through the creation of memories. An immersive interpretation of the bittersweet pursuit of remembrance and capturing longing feelings.

A Tale of Memories

An explorative journey through the creation of memories. An immersive interpretation of the bittersweet pursuit of remembrance and capturing longing feelings.

A Tale of Memories

An explorative journey through the creation of memories. An immersive interpretation of the bittersweet pursuit of remembrance and capturing longing feelings.

A Tale of Memories

An explorative journey through the creation of memories. An immersive interpretation of the bittersweet pursuit of remembrance and capturing longing feelings.

#endthecommitment

#endthecommitment is an initiative to end the toxic commitment we have with single-use plastic bags and opt for greener alternatives while doing our daily shopping.

The Bees are Coming (Back)

The Bees are Coming (Back) is a travel scrapbook of my experience in Glasgow and these are a few selected spreads from it that I really enjoy. This was also my first attempt at creating a travel log and I assure you it looks a lot better in real life.

Thank You and Goodbye

Thank You and Goodbye can be seen as the unofficial Part Two of The Bees are Coming (Back). This travel log documents my experiences in London, Paris, Brussels, Cologne and other parts of Germany. Once again, I assure you it looks a lot better in real life.

Re-imagining Typography in Academic Writing

This project investigates if typography could aid the reader in understanding academic writings better. Textures are created in the paragraph when exaggerations are made to signify a keyword, grasping the reader's attention. The layout and presentation of the article is also reformulated, in hopes to invoke a new experience in the rather mundane task of reading.

Re-imagining Typography in Academic Writing

Re-imagining Typography in Academic Writing

Makan Typeface

In the current Singapore society, social class is one of the most prevalent fault line. This issue is even more jarring now with the pandemic, as many lost their jobs while others stay peering over their ivory tower. This type hopes to unite Singaporeans in our common love for our food culture and shared food spaces. In remembering our commonalities, differences will pale in comparison.

Makan Typeface

Makan Typeface

four thirty nine Magazine

"Let me know how fleeting my life is..." We've heard of this mantra: live fast, die young. It highlights the superficiality and reckless nature of our world. However, this time we have can be so easily ended as well. This magazine aims to be a paradigm shift in perspective for the contemplation of time; a reminder that life is precious and what we do with it can has an impact. Live meaningfully, die fulfilled.

four thirty nine Magazine

four thirty nine Magazine

It's Not Okay

In Singapore, about 700 million kg of plastic waste is discarded every year. Less than 10% of the plastic usage were being recycled (WWF). Plastic was the largest category of waste disposed of in Singapore last year — 763,400 tons. Reality perception — “When truth is blurred by lies and misinformation, perception becomes reality and all is lost.” What people perceive is usually what they believe, and this is based on what they hear, see and think. The government in Singapore has yet to take serious action in reducing the Plastic usage in Singapore. However, I believe that the consumption of bubble tea is one of the culprit that contributes to this issue. Yet, Singaporeans fail to see / experience the fact that the usage of plastic is a factor to the environment. I’ve created a series of illustration that could be potential posters, as a reminder / awareness to Singaporeans that there is always an alternative. By bringing their personal mugs or bags could help to save lives.

It's Not Okay

It's Not Okay

Place-Non-Place

Introduction This exploratory painting represents the contrast in culture between Singapore and Glasgow in which I have experienced through this study exchange. This painting was inspired by a Scottish poem (Auld Lang Syne) written by Robert Burns.

Place-Non-Place

Concept - Chaos is a definition of what the world is today, and being a part of this world, we are often blinded by the hiccup that is placed right in front of us. How often can we acknowledge that we are conscious of our actions all the time, namely our experiences, the things we purchase and consume? In this project of Place – Non-Place, it’s a creation of my experience in Glasgow, the visual comprises of parts taken from the poem of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and the words were assembled in an unsystematic order. I have come to realise that, chaos itself, might not actually be what we think it is. Being in a state of chaos is a feeling that one may feel perpetually under certain circumstances. It is not an unfamiliar feeling yet we still let ourselves immerse into that state. As I was sitting by the ledge in Glasgow, I’ve came to an understanding that, the unknown always appears to be LOUDER compared to my ordinary, that might be where the feeling of chaos is found.

Place-Non-Place

The Ways of Seeing

This project was created with a combination of Spark AR (Augmented Reality) and Cinema 4D. The concept is a reaction to how society has advanced into something so absurd with the use of the mechanical eye. Everything that can be seen on the internet in this day and age, might not be the actual truth. In fact, a captured moment by an individual could easily be manipulated. Hence, I’ve chosen the use of Augmented Reality and a metaphorical theme (alienation) to explain the message of what we see from our phones, does not always represent reality.

The Ways of Seeing

Mona Lisa

Mona Lisa, a publication that speaks of the imperfections of the world that can’t always be seen with the naked eye. Mona Lisa embraces the imperfections using art and literature from the history and the present times to disclose a positive spirit for its readers. In the first issue of Mona Lisa, it has discussed the different viewpoints and ideas about the nature of love by Plato (The Symposium).

Pareidolia

A psychological phenomenon involving a stimulus (an image or a sound) where in the mind perceives a familiar pattern where none exists called Pareidolia that allows human to perceive faces in places where they do not exist. These images have been taken around Chinatown, Singapore and it forms a similar style and colour to create a typeface.

Surreal

Surreal, a world which is 300 years ahead of time. A world filled with colors and shapes. No language is needed in the future. It will come by in a form of imagery. An imagery of shapes and colors. “ It’s the visual manifestation of thoughts. ” Communication are based on the projected thoughts of symbols, shapes and colors. Thoughts are being projected as a visual form, allowing them communicate with each other through visual language.

World

This mystical world brings wonders of joy to me. The place is also known as a happy place. No language was needed but instead, they use visuals to transmit their thoughts. It is a visual communication. They live in a world full of imagery.

Tranquillity

Tranquillity, a state of being calm. It is one of the six key values in the Surreal World.

Lanj Magazine

The name Lanj sparks a curiosity through a question or discussion. Lanj comes from the word “lanjiao” in Hokkien, which means cock. It portrays about the perception on how people perceive things differently. Some may agree while some may not. In this edition, we discussed the topics on stalkers. We are all stalkers behind our phones. Some may call it watching, some may say that they are just curious, but they fail to understand that it’s the same traits as a normal stalker. Lanj. or not?

Lanj spreads

So now let me ask. Are you a stalker? No? Then answer this. Do you go out with someone without knowing who they were? Have you asked for someone’s name then search them up on FB? Have you ever double tap on someone’s Instagram that was posted 52 weeks ago? Have you ever known about someone even before talking? to them before? Then, you are a stalker too yourself...

Mask Off Fest

Mask Off Fest 2020 is a festival that aims to build a community, to gather people and bring people with common interest together. It is organized by The Offbeats. Offbeats is a subculture that aims to build a community and a relationship which is sustainable in the future through a purpose and giving one a sense of belonging in the community.

Festival Collaterals

Taste is subjective and not everyone will be pleased. However, a festival fits the current era. It’s a platform for people to come as one and create a new set of memories together. Festival is a platform that successfully captures Generation Z’s attention. Thus, this creates an opportunity for one to have a sense of identity and gain experience they never had before.

Drop The Label

“Human relation is not some social media ideology of communication.” It’s the understanding of the human idea. To give compassion and tolerance towards each other. Human forget themselves when they have status. What if we take that status out? Can we be pure human? Take the label out of them. Drop the label. When it comes to face. Drop the label. When it comes to race. Unite the difference.

Best-Test

Best - Test. An Analog printing using letterpress and mono prints techniques which is then being digitalize for its ultimate results.

Mono-ed

Exploring handcrafted mono prints. Analog printing techniques is something that I have always been passionate about. Here, I explored various techniques to achieve a glitch effects. I am amazed on the glitch and swirl shapes. Its raw looking textures gave me a of sense satisfaction toward both analog and digital printing. It’s something that could not be achieved solely base on digital.

Threshold

Threshold focuses on Westernization in Japan and it’s impact which lasts even ‘till today. Since this is the first issue, the main article is about life in post-WWII Japan. After Japan’s surrender to the United States and its allies at the end of World War II, the Western influence took a great turn on Japanese culture, incorporated even during the rebuilding of the nuclear-levelled nation. Now, Japan is notably among the most Westernized countries in Asia. However, in contrast, despite many advances in industrial efficiency, Japan has managed to sustain a culture of strict social hierarchy and limited individualization. With heavy western influence, particularly that of the USA, Japanese life in almost all areas have evolved to what they feel suit them personally. Therein lies the root of many subcultures particularly in art, popular culture and music movements with the Japanese nation. These subcultures are heavily western-inspired yet show a significant difference on how they are practice in the Western world.

Revival of Thieves Market

With the rapid industrialization of Singapore, iconic places with historical backgrounds tend to be neglected in this pursuit of rapid economic growth, efficiency and a certain enforced uniformity. Sungai Road Thieves Market is one such district, and that district has been around since the 1930s. Thieves Market was put to a halt due the development of the MRT’s Downtown Line. The said peddlers have since migrated from their space in Sungai Road to having their own stalls at Chinatown Market Place. They brought back what was lost.

Camjutits

Camjutitis, as known as Cerebrano Socijustitis, is a disorder when an individual has difficulty regulating their emotions and it becomes a danger to themselves or other people. It is both relatively common and very serious in today’s society. An individual who is suffering from this disease has extremist viewpoint of overblown political correctness, often without a clear base of knowledge on the issue but instead relying on personal opinion. Camjutitis is a 3-stages disease that becomes more deadly to an individual’s mental health if it not treated at the initial stage.

The Hard Truth

Constant complaining. It is attention-seeking. Avoiding possible solutions. With these in place, it rewires the brain to promote negativity in the brain. In the long run, it becomes a habit. The Hard Truth is meant for the whiners out there. The publication gives a perspective of the person who listens to those complaints. Social issue is something that we cannot see. Thus, the visuals used in this publication turn the unseen into something tangible.

It's Killing Us Slowly

The vast majority of us have known that plastic has always been a problem. A plastic bag takes about 500 years to fully degrade. However, it breaks into smaller pieces, which is called micro-plastic. An average, a human consumes about 74000 particles of micro-plastic. It enters out bloodstream and possibly contains cancerous compounds. It’s Killing Us Slowly is a campaign that shares the danger of micro-plastics. Now, I raise this question. If animals can die from consuming plastic, how are we so special?

Beyond Korban

Hari Raya Haji is not widely celebrated in Singapore especially Muslim youths. This is due to the lack of awareness of the significance behind the celebration. Beyond Korban is an online campaign aim at creating awareness about the meaning of sacrifice and the five different values that encompass it (courage, family, community, empathy, faith) in a relatable manner, serving as a reminder to celebrate it.

Beyond Korban

The Beyond Korban campaign starts with a series of Instagram challenge filters that use AI-based on the 5 values for users to participate and share with their friends. This is a mock-up of how the challenge filters will function. For each value, a randomizer will generate the challenge for the user.

Beyond Korban

Let’s Talk About It Bro

Let’s Talk About It Bro is an illustration book that challenges the norm by creating an opportunity to acknowledge that men have a vulnerable side to them and that they can be open to talking to each other about male body insecurities. It is a still a taboo topic however in our society however it is faced by a large population of men.

Let’s Talk About It Bro

Body positivity campaigns are mainly seen among women in the advertising and media industry however not widely celebrated among men. It is not only about being fat and not have muscles, but the illustration in this book also explores the different body issues that are faced by men. The illustrations are meant to be exaggerative to show the end some people take to “handle” these issues.

Let's Talk About It Bro

Malay Heritage Centre Wayfinding Design

Located within Arab Street in Singapore, Malay Heritage Centre acts as a museum, event space and meeting point for the local and tourist to visit and learn about the rich history and culture. Playing such an important role, this tourist attraction needs to have a good wayfinding system to aid visitors and enhancing their experience. However, the current wayfinding system seems dated, lacked clarity, hierarchy and unique identity.

Malay Heritage Centre Wayfinding Design

With wayfinding design principles in mind, my design is inspired by the surrounding architecture that is originally made of timber and the fact that the placed used to be an Istana, a Malay palace. I used the motifs from a royal fabric called songket and kept the overall design clean and easy for the user.

Killiney Rebranding

The new design features a more minimalistic and modern ziplock packaging, made of kraft material. The raw and unpolished line drawing against the kraft packaging creates a world where old meets new, when traditions meet modernity.

Killiney Rebranding

The back of the packaging features a summarised history of Killiney for easy reading, and the recipe for each respective dish. A QR code will be provided on every packaging that links to a video tutorial which will help guide customers who are new to cooking or unfamiliar with the recipe. Millennials who have settled down and are unfamiliar with cooking are the main audience for this QR code feature.

Killiney Rebranding

An app for Killiney would help build a closer relationship between the brand and every customer.It serves as a touchpoint for Killiney to personalise each experience for every customer. It can also create a more seamless and fuss-free experience when ordering food through the app.

Rewiring Brown Nosers Everywhere

Brown-nosing. A common sight in working culture. The term originated from early 20th century, from an association of subservience with having one’s nose in the anus of a more powerful person. Creating a virus to deter brown-nosers from the flattery phenomenonwould benefit the workplace, employees and eventually, the world. But what would actually deter brown-nosers from what they do best? A series of uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms would suffice to help brown-nosers kick the habit. Drawing inspiration from its roots, I decided to invent a virus based off a literal translation of the term’s origin . Xianophoic Suayalitis Virus, or Xia Suay, is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system - mainly nose, throat and lungs, causing fecal matter to form on the inner walls of the windpipe and mouth. For most, it resolves on its own, provided the patients, for a period of 5 working days, avoid any form of brown nosing however, it comes with an increased tendency to insult work superiors. The treatment for the virus is Brown’s Kit for Brown Nosers. A specially formulated office wellness kit used to treat the Xia Suay Virus, found in brown nosers. The kit consists of a set of antibiotics, medicated tissues, dental care set, aromatherapy and notepads specially designed to help brown nosers fight the nasty symptoms of the virus.

blur magazine

The supernatural world has always intrigued millions around the world. The unknown and the possibility of a co-existing dimension on Earth have been a part of humanity’s story since the beginning. The history of the supernatural can be linked back to ancient Greece. Earlier accounts of the supernatural appeared in Mesopotamian records. Life after death and supernatural beings has always been a controversial topic which left many todebate on the possibility of it. Some say it’s a myth, while others believe in its existence. But one thing is for sure, is that these tales of the paranormal and supernatural reveal a truth about humanity. Ghosts and spirits are no strangers to Asia. In Asia, the culture of the living dead is ingrained in our society. From the Chinese folklore to the spine-chilling entities of Japan, these tales resonate and roots the belief in our community. We grew up listening to stories about the afterlife on Earth, some even experiencing them firsthand. blur provides a different perspective on these paranormal beings and their tales that strike fear and terror in us.


Project 1: The Plastic Problem - WE ARE AT WAR

The Plastic Problem - WE ARE AT WAR I had to frame a new narrative to approach this as the overuse of plastic is still prevalent, despite many efforts to help reduce the use of it. My target audience were the Singaporean men as they are the ones who seem the most indifferent about any type of situation. Singaporeans tend to like marketed messages that were more locally relatable and also things that had more comedic value. The use of social media is the go-to for social cause these days. Keeping the video under one-minute to fit the restrictions of Instagram and still be able to post on Facebook. Drawing similarities to that of a Singaporean Man(Target audience) who has completed National Service but fighting a different enemy- plastic. Continuing the connection with the Singaporean context of post #OperationReadyDate #ORDLO on social media and changing it to fit my narrative. Caption: It is a battle against convenience. They know our weaknesses, They know our strengths. We know they are bad for us, But they know we need them. We need to fight back, We need to protect our land. Help us fight against the use of plastic bags and spread the cause. #OperationReusableBag #ORBLO #ShoppingBagOrder #SBO . . "Got my new tote bag, gonna use it tomorrow #ORBLO"

Project 2: Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide - Dimensions

I used this project to push the orthodox boundaries of image-making relevant to Architecture and space photography. I wanted to combine the photography of the image on different canvas to create a new and different image, as there are a lot of ways we can see how “add subtract, multiply, divide” can be translated into photography and image making. I found that origami also expressed certain aspects of what the buildings and architecture represented; a structured and geometrical medium. It demands precision, intricate construction and attention to detail. I experimented with different forms and shapes with origami from polyhedral shapes like diamonds, prisms, pyramids and cubes to tessellated design, where we also see much of what inspired modern architecture. In my experimentation, I used base origami patterns and experimented with different ratios and forms.

Project 2: Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide - Dimensions

Experimentation with printed images. The printed images on the origami created different intersecting lines and divisions that relate back to the brief. This still felt rather stagnant and dead as i wanted to disrupt the symbolism of the structured and rigid idea of what the architecture and origami is. I decided to experiment with projecting onto an origami installation instead. The projection consists of video and stills onto the installation. The moving images over the origami created a more organic and lively feel compared to the structured and rigidity of the elements individually. The elements of the installation were also interactive, such as the kaleidocycles and tessellated objects. This allows the viewer to distort and disrupt the image in different ways and by doing so, creating a new image in the process.

Project 3: Self-initiated - Aiwa

While doing my project, I chanced upon this old lady still using and listening to her 20 year old Aiwa radio. It gave me the inspiration to do the video advertisement with Henry Heng. The video production was directed towards going onto social media, as marketing and digital appliances purchases are mainly done online.

Mr Nobody

Mr Nobody is a short film follows a lonely phantom who lives in a deserted city. Consumed by loneliness and desire to connect he spends his days collecting ‘friends’. His quiet days soon changed when an unfamiliar sound resonates through the city.

Mr Nobody Still

A screen capture from the film, when Mr. Nobody was distracted while looking for a ‘friend’.

Mr Nobody Environment Paintings

The environment in the film was painted in watercolour. Using grey tones express how the Phantoms view life, devoid of anything, dreary.

Mr Nobody Development

These are some development sketches for the film.The phantom’s walk pattern is not expressive, hearkening back to how his character view his life; a lack of excitement, mundane and repetitive.

Mr Nobody Storyboard

Storyboards for the film.

The Cost of Love

The Cost of Love is a spin on an old story by Oscar Wilde. It speaks of the woes of love and the idea that everyone has a different perception of love, shining a light inside us and causing us to ask if we truly know what love is.

The Cost of Love Key Image

One of the key images of the story, it symbolizes how sacrifice can lead to another’s happiness, but is it worth it?

The Cost of Love Storyboard

The final storyboard for the storybook.

Booker Book Jacket

“What these three stories have a common?” was the challenge this brief presented. Underlying in all three narratives is a recurring theme that ties these narratives together; Deterioration. Each story tells a different tale about the deterioration of a certain aspect; Sense of Self, Memory and Acceptance

Booker Book Jacket Original Paintings

The original artwork for each cover.

Blue Alert

Climate change holds true as one of the important issues of our generation but why aren’t Singaporeans doing much about it? I discovered that Singapore could be in a state of denial towards climate change as we are neither directly affected nor witnessing the catastrophes first hand. By incorporating climate change with something familiar that hints at an emergency, Blue Alert brings climate change to its audience through virtual reality while educating them about the severity of their actions through a scenario-driven card game.

Blue Alert

Blue Alert is an educational card game based on things that Singaporean enjoys (Blue card) but prompts you to destroy it (Alert card) due to our behaviour and climate change - talking about reverse psychology. This in hopes to influence the players lifestyle and decision making when it comes to climate issues - which we are late to act upon.

Blue Alert

Blue Alert

Blue Alert

Check out this project and many more through my online portfolio. Thanks for viewing.

House of Gentlemen

Tasked with melding the legacy of an author of highbrow status with a regular street shop, the House of Gentlemen sees renowned Scottish novelist, Sir Walter Scott’s legacy reintepreted in a socially conscious nail bar for men. A sartorial take on traditional and contemporary standards of chivalry (an occurring theme in many of Scott’s works), House of Gentlemen lets men get their nails primed to help the ladies with the door whilst contributing to society.

Nawwwledge

Take a logical no-nonsense subject and give it some mind-boggling, non- linear thought. Nawwwledge does so by relating intelligent yet often dull topics to situations and deliberations of millennial life. For this issue, the rules of cricket is used as a metaphor for life experienced by millennials. It is a sublimely educational and highly relatable read.

Your fate in my hands

Motivated by my long-standing struggle with procrastination, I went on a quest to uncover the source of this conundrum and the cure to end it all. This poem book is the result of an introspective research process, expressing what goes on through the mind of a procrastinator and how I cope with it. It is meant to evoke a sense of familiarity and solidarity in its readers and to show them that they aren’t alone in this fight.

Your fate in my hands

The poem book can be read as a two-page spread and/or unfurled into an accordion piece.

HUMPUMP

HUMPUMP is a branding/social campaign that promotes safe sex to protect children from being products of unintended pregnancy. A sex-friendly initiative that provides free condoms for anyone who wants it and invites them to have fun safely. Targeted at young adults who actively participates in the hookup culture, the dispensers are located inside bars and clubs where these demographics often frequent. Inspired by the designs of safety signs around us, it employs a straight forward message with a touch of millennial humor to reach its audiences.

The Ego

The Ego is an illustrated publication that attempts to prompt its audience to acknowledge the need to reconcile with oneself for conscious growth. A healthy personality, based on Freud’s psychoanalytic theory of personality, results from a balance in the dynamic interaction of three elements — id, ego, superego.

SPARK

This is a magazine design project. SPARK focuses on topics about personal development. In this edition, it discusses about how and why we fall in love, in hopes to being more familiar with this great mystery.

Grow

Grow is an A1 poster based on my experience during my Overseas Immersion Programme to Scotland. All of a sudden in a foreign land, I became fully responsible and in control of all my thoughts and actions. Having the power to act, speak, and think without externally imposed restraints. This unforeseen liberation felt conflicting. Why was I feeling burdened for being me? This labyrinth that I struggled to get out of sparked Grow, a maze designed as a visual reminder to prompt these thoughts I had on independence. (Text messages used were authentic conversations.)

Ordinary Extraordinary

An abstract brief that requires a break from the reserved perspective of everyday life. The art of photography has been a huge influence in the cornerstone to the ways of seeing. Society has followed suite and you can see evidence of this all-over social media. With that in mind, this project aims to push boundaries and experiment with a play on pareidolia. In order to achieve that shift in paradigm, ordinary everyday objects were used as focus to be seen differently through the lens of the camera.

Ordinary Extraordinary

An abstract brief that requires a break from the reserved perspective of everyday life. The art of photography has been a huge influence in the cornerstone to the ways of seeing. Society has followed suite and you can see evidence of this all-over social media. With that in mind, this project aims to push boundaries and experiment with a play on pareidolia. In order to achieve that shift in paradigm, ordinary everyday objects were used as focus to be seen differently through the lens of the camera.

Ordinary Extraordinary

An abstract brief that requires a break from the reserved perspective of everyday life. The art of photography has been a huge influence in the cornerstone to the ways of seeing. Society has followed suite and you can see evidence of this all-over social media. With that in mind, this project aims to push boundaries and experiment with a play on pareidolia. In order to achieve that shift in paradigm, ordinary everyday objects were used as focus to be seen differently through the lens of the camera.

Ordinary Extraordinary

An abstract brief that requires a break from the reserved perspective of everyday life. The art of photography has been a huge influence in the cornerstone to the ways of seeing. Society has followed suite and you can see evidence of this all-over social media. With that in mind, this project aims to push boundaries and experiment with a play on pareidolia. In order to achieve that shift in paradigm, ordinary everyday objects were used as focus to be seen differently through the lens of the camera.

Plasticism

Colours

Outdoor Fashion

Ordinary Extraordinary

Ordinary Extraordinary is a project where I take several daily / mundane objects and perceive them differently. The theme of my project revolves around Singaporeean childhood snacks.

Good Grief

Good Grief is a mobile app that explores an alternative way of facing one’s mortality by learning the impermanence of life and that death is not an isolated event. The app examines ways a digital tool would redefine current practices and attitude towards commemoration and legacy. Through pre-planning exercises, it empowers one to live fully by coming to terms with what they have at an early start and guides one at the later stages, making a good grief for all.

Good Grief

The 3 main categories of the app are the planning, memories making and grieving phases. This feature let one start a living will and pre-pay a funeral over time.

Good Grief

The app landing page prompt viewers to download.

Good Grief

The posters are copy focused with an indirect expression of death. Dark humour is used to normalise and direct the viewers, particularly the young adults to be less serious about it by relating the app features to the context of millennials’ behaviours. These aim to invite them to start a culture of openness on a taboo topic and eventually spread the word to their older loved ones.

Good Grief

This project went through multiple iterations that started with a concept of providing a modern intuitive funeral service found lacking in the deathcare sector into a wholesome guiding tool. The visual style evolved from a dull palette into a balanced muted organic tone with animated euphemism images put together, allowing one to see two sides of the same coin, similar to the idea of death comes with life.

The Subversive Smile

The Subversive Smile explores the hidden smiles consumed in the capitalist world as the spectacle evolved. By decontextualising (divide) familiar images to form new visual metaphors (addition), it disrupts (minus) and reveals (plus) what we've overlooked. Using subtle visual manipulation and irony, it challenges viewers to rethink their consumption habits and question if we’ve been endlessly pulled into desires dictated by false images of happiness.

The Subversive Smile

We are attracted to the allure of smiles that romanticise instant gratification and fast consumption.

The Subversive Smile

(L) As the spectacle evolved with the rise of technology, social influencers on social media endlessly pull us into desires and images of false happiness. (R) The dark side of a happy meal’s allure that leads to obesity.

The Subversive Smile

The hidden side that consumers do not see behind fast fashion of exploited sweat shop workers. “Have a nice day” is the slogan of capitalism that reveals the irony.

The Subversive Smile

Politicians are known to conceal the truth with a smile. Using juxtaposition and subtle manipulation, it shows the hero turning into a villain.

Human

Maybe we should see life with an open mind of what can be, instead of through the narrow lens of what should be. Part 1: ‘Human’ is a reflection of my biggest takeaway studying abroad for the first time. I realised how we humans subject ourselves to preconceived notions and perspectives instead of cherishing the freedom of what could be and are often disappointed if not achieved. With this poster as the base design, I continue by physically adding things on, to create an interactive experience for my audience. "A human is only a human because we have an image of it”

Human

Part 2: Attached are needles to create a string play board to encourage audiences in creating their own image of a human. With every unique interaction, I am hoping to break boundaries of what should be and reinforce the concept of what could be.

Perception of Peace

Living in a fast-paced city-state, it comes as second nature to find peace away from the hustle and bustle. Albeit often associated with vast spaces and tranquility, this publication hopes to bring awareness to another perspective of peace by documenting the raw emotion of the things that make our city-state fast moving :- The People

Perception of Peace

Several spreads of the publication

Lunching with Lunch-in'

Facing the issue regarding our over usage of plastic, Lunching with Lunch-in’ aims to tackle a habit with a matter of convenience by pitching to companies in the Central Business District, an idea of creating a more bonded company culture through the usage of a more convenient and sustainable take away container amongst themselves during their lunchtime.

Lunching with Lunch-in'

An improved version of the well known, Ting Kat! Not only does it have individual layer lids for separate take aways, one of these containers, can save 3 take away boxes! Leave the office with 1 container, come back with three meals!

Lunching with Lunch-in'

Every Lunch-in’ comes with a one page zine as an instruction manual and an informative sheet! Open it all up and turn it around to double it up as a poster to spice up your pantry as both a reminder to save the Earth and a decoration.

Lunching with Lunch-in'

Three possible designs behind the zine.

A Story In Statues

Having documented heavily the extent of the street art scene in Europe. I began to create a series of posters showing a collage of street art and using statues I found in Europe as the focal point in each piece, I chose to create very raw images while juxtaposing them against the statue of Sir Stamford Raffles as a representation of Singapore and it’s street art scene.

A Story In Statues

Sterile Singapore

A Story In Statues

The statues

A Story In Statues

"Swee" in Hokkien is an adjective to describe something or a situation is "beautiful".

Skins Magazine

Created a magazine labelled 'Skins" highlighting the hobby of taxidermy and the importance of preserving our animals especially if they happen to go extinct

Skins Magazine

Skins Magazine

Featuring certain advertisements, here are some highlights of advertisements which i designed to compliment the magazine. showcasing the plight of endangered species in a striking yet accessible way.

Satire Supermarket

Introducing the Satire Supermarket, "World End". A satirical take on how Supermarkets & consumers are handling the plastic problem.

Satire Supermarket

Going green literally & why stop at double bagging, when you can quadruple it

Satire Supermarket

Arsenal Football Club Official Magazine - Feb Issue

Me being a huge Arsenal fan, I did not want to have football players on the cover page as most designers would, instead I used their mascots to portray the clubs, Arsenal (Cannon) and Tottenham Hotspur (Blue Chicken) respectively. The main attraction is in the centre, The cannon is ready to blast the chicken to outer-space. This way I could add some fun to the cover page design.

It was quite a challenge to design this page. This was my first time doing a “print design” as I’ve been designing for the screen (digital) my whole life. Layout placements in print design can be very important, but I didn’t want to compromise on my digital skillset for this particular page. Therefore I fused both styles. Now read the RED letters from top to bottom. What do you get?

I thought it would be quite interesting to show all the French players who have played for Arsenal Football Club during it’s 134 year old history. As such this would be the complete list of French players from the year 1886 - 2019.

I had a lot of flexibility and fun working on the design on this page in particular because of how I managed to cleverly merged 2 different Arsenal Third Kits (Pink & Cyan) into 1 page. By doing so, not only does it not look regular and dull anymore… It also looks energetic and youthful!

The last one would be a collage of many more different page layouts and designs that are featured in my own edition of the Arsenal Magazine. 

For more information, visit https://www.behance.net/gallery/96609881/Arsenal-Magazine-Design.

Incuba - Luxury Healthcare Packaging

INCUBA is a microchip that is inserted and incubates in the human body which reverses the effects of procrastination by monitoring and re-balancing the different levels of hormonal and negative chemicals changes in the human body.

This is my design process where I came out with some rough sketches digitally with pin-point accuracy and measurements done to scale for the development stage for product prototyping. I also made a breakdown of the different parts needed to put the prototype together to finalise the design.

This is the “Chip base Plate” where the placement of INCUBA chip will be for display.

Once the top half of the packaging is opened and remove, underneath this is what you will see. The Emblem of the INCUBA chip design (hexagon-shaped) and a Manual for the user to know how the product functions.

The last one would be a collage of many more different page layouts and designs that are featured during the Product shot on INCUBA.

For more information, visit https://kingkumarart.myportfolio.com/incuba

Sweet of The Forgetfulness

A story about a boy and his mysterious encounter with a MAMA Shop in Singapore, that give him a chance to reset his life. This project deals with discontentment we have in our daily life, always never satisfied with the life have, instead we are always searching for that reset button in life.

EVERYTHING IS LOVE

This is an alphabet book about a love that was really something and not just the idea of something. Reimagining Bonnie and Clyde relationship in the 21th century.

EVERYTHING IS LOVE

This is an alphabet book about a love that was really something and not just the idea of something. Reimagining Bonnie and Clyde relationship in the 21th century.

RE:Singapore

Little Red Dot, known as home for majority of the Singaporeans ; whom many assume had explore and seen everything but not yet literally everything to this date. In these series of photographs which depicts the interior, artefact and the women of Imperial Harem ( hou gong ) serves the purpose of leading back in time through the Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle which is also known for its famous Dragon Kiln. Delving back into the Imperial Harem of the Qing Dynasty where the Emperor, Empresses, Consorts and Concubines live. Many of these women who were at the age between 13-17 years old when they married the Emperor of China. Thus with this little collection and series of photographs it serves a meaning deeper to know that there’s after all light and hope to explore further and leave no stone unturned.

Humanity Washed Ashore.

A civilisation forced to abandon their home by the government and to seek asylum elsewhere. Hundreds of Rohingya refugees who are attempting to escape desperate conditions in their hometown remain stuck at sea. Even in these desperate times, the refugees' entry is being denied in countries. While some refugees are able to make it onto land, unfortunately, many wash ashore. 'Sarnar' is a typeface designed around the idea of micro-expressionism around the eye area. It is a typeface that translates human expressions into a semiotic. The semiotics are constructed and layered to compound meaning, just as how we learn to read expressions and emotions. The typeface, 'Sarnar', is designed to raise awareness of the plight and sufferings of the refugees stuck in the sea. Emotion is an innate human language. Governments tend to lack empathy in favour of economic and political gain. This seemingly abstract typeface is designed to elicit emotional response & encourage emotional decoding to understand the conditions these refugees are going through, in hopes of stirring up empathy from people.

Humanity Washed Ashore.

Guidebook.

Humanity Washed Ashore.

Artefact of communication.

Humanity Washed Ashore.

Artefact of communication.

Humanity Washed Ashore.

Overview

Plastic's Not Cheap.

Everyone knows that plastic bags are choking our planet. However, here in Singapore, many still expect supermarkets to provide plastic bags for the convenience of transporting home the goods. As plastic bags are free in supermarkets, many fail to see the consequence of plastic pollution. To persuade Singaporeans to change their behaviour, we have got to make the audience reconsider the value of free plastic bags and the cost it has on the future. 'Plastic is not cheap. It costs our future' is a campaign designed towards adults with kids. The campaign consists of a series of posters to raise awareness of the danger and consequences of using plastic excessively. It uses the play of famous and catchy nursery rhymes for the basis of the headlines. The poster art direction design encapsulates the consequences to the future generation if we continue the habit of using excessive plastic bags. The poster forces the audience to question what their price in the future is, and forces the agency back to them. The placement of the posters will be at areas where families usually hang out - bus stops near schools, playground, beach and parks.

Plastic's Not Cheap.

Plastic's Not Cheap.

Gaslight.

Gaslight is to manipulate (someone) by psychological means into doubting their sanity. With the majority of the world’s population already on social media, many of us may be unknowing victims of gaslight. Society invents a spuriously complex logic to change people whose conduct is beyond their mainstream. With the continued rise of using social media, many of us are naive into being conformed into adopting the socially acceptable form of opinions and thoughts. This magazine encourages the audience to form their morals. Always to be aware of the information received and to equip themselves with knowledge of being gaslighted into society’s norm. The magazine takes the audience on the journey of being gaslighted. It starts with the article on lying is a huge mistake, and honesty is the best policy. It then proceeds to the middle, where it suggests that maybe being truthful all the time is not healthy. The magazine ends with a suggestion that lying is okay and it encourages creativity in doing so.

Sauchie Hall Road

Sauchie Hall Road

Sauchiehall Road (Shao-Chee-Hall) Sauchiehall Road expresses an emotional experience I had on the first day of school in Glasgow. It was a feeling of complete lost and loneliness as I navigated the streets of Glasgow wandering and with no familiarity or knowing where I am. The utter confusion and feeling of up being down, the streets all merging into one as I threw myself in the direction of the unfamiliar.

Sauchie Hall Road

I am Lost The idea of Lost is particularly relevant now in a time of unknowns. People would ask what will happen next? Hoping someone else will be able to answer that question and the truth is no one knows. How than can we take this lost as our next adventure? My work directs the viewer straight to the mirrors, they think they know what it is all about. It seems like a test on whether you know which image is real or not. There is more than it seems.

Sauchie Hall Road

Origin and process of project In creating this project, I drew upon my reflections and feelings throughout my trip to Glasgow. I asked myself, what stood out? I wrote how I felt and found that lost and found was what summed it best. It was my first big adventure alone, it seemed like any fairy tale but there was a reality. This is my 2nd iteration of the project. My first idea was to bring my viewers through a kaleidoscope experience but the craftmanship was not particularly good and did not convey the idea well enough, the suggestion was to make it a mirror maze so I experimented, I am working on creating a good cause of action with the project since it is really relevant now.

Verda Motus

Verda Motus, an exclusive brand that is directed towards working adults which aims to reduce the use of plastic bags in supermarkets. The brand works around a reward system whereby users are rewarded with credit card rebates whenever they chose to use VM's reusable bags for their groceries instead of plastic bags. It targets existing members of chosen credit card types, especially those with a higher annual income and those who have higher purchasing power. Verda Motus Brand Guidelines. This page exhibits how the brand's logo should be used and the amount of clear space that is required when using the logo whether on a physical surface or digital platform.

The following pages in the Verda Motus Brand Guidelines shows all the do's and don'ts about the brand such as Logo Misuse, Primary & Secondary colours and Typography. These factors ensure consistency in how the brand is being showcased on products and various platforms.

Presenting Verda Motus’s member package. Includes beautiful, classy and versatile Verda Motus bag, lucky charm, and the exclusive membership credit card.

Verda Motus club website, exclusively for powerful people. The website provides insightful information on how to qualify and how to start being a member of the Verda Motus club.

The Lazzy Diner

This project brief requires me to forge community bonds over food hence I created The Lazzy Diner, a mobile food service that aims to connect working adults living in Punggol. Based on site surveys gathered, these residents only have a handful of eateries where they are able to socialise within Punggol. Unlike a delivery service, The Lazzy Diner will partner up with different restaurants islandwide each month and will park its truck at various neighbourhoods in Punggol. Residents will be able to book slots and have to sit down to dine together as a community.

The Lazzy Diner's mobile website is optimized and user-friendly for hungry owls in mind. The reservation process can be completed in a breeze. Diners will be able to read up on the partnered restaurant for the month. They will have to key in their personal particulars and book a dine in slot so that orders can be processed. Diners will be done ordering in a couple of minutes and they will know exactly what goes inside their stomachs as shown in the dietary information. All they have to do is to simply browse and select the cuisine and food that they will like to have, and complete the order list.

I illustrated food and ingredient elements to try and create a motif that represents The Lazzy Diner brand. I also experimented with various contrasting colours to see which one suits the brand persona.

Killiney's Brand Awareness

A conceptual project work with Killiney that requires a boost in their sales. According to the client, working adults are their main and current patrons however, I decided to target University students as it was an opportunity to gain more brand awareness since based on gathered research, University students hardly have breakfast or proper meals. The illustrated posters are designed to look hip and grungy as they will be placed around campuses to serve as a reminder for students to grab a bite from Killiney.

AboutFace Edition 1

Many are aware of veganism but not many know the reasons and benefits behind it. Inspired by the Cowspiracy documentary, AboutFace is a vegan magazine that aims to create awareness of our eating habits and its impact on the environment in hopes of invoking a positive change in our food consumption. The content is curated to educate people on vegan foods and its dietary considerations. Unlike other vegan magazines, AboutFace takes an illustrative approach to a controversial topic. Credit: The images used to create this poster are taken online

Movement Photography

A series of six photographs, Movement interpretes synaesthesia by creating a hidden language using sounds that can’t be heard by the human ear. ​Synaesthesia is the neurological phenomenon in which the brain mixes up the senses; stimulation of one of the senses leads to experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway. The work explores the concept of synaesthesia and visual spaces that are both real and surreal. The images were created by using water, sound and lighting with a little colour touchup.

Wouldyousaveme Campaign

Intended to bring out the compassion people have for animals, #Wouldyousaveme campaign aims to spread awareness and educate the public on veganism. People always say they love animals and care about them but why are some animals treasured and treated as pets while others are not? Research shows that humans adore cats, babies and humans (themselves). With that in mind, the posters highlight the sentiment by showing that all living beings are equal. Credit: The images used to create this poster are taken online

Pascernin X Virus (HealthCare Packaging)

Assigned with inventing an imaginary virus, the Pascernin X virus is a mutation virus that is caused by bad farming practices and corruption in the industry. Humans start to mutate into the very livestock they consume. This fictional virus was created to educate the public on how the food industry result to unethical means to keep up with the high demand of meat, which would in turn start to affect its consumers if we don’t do something about it soon.

La Flamour

Fragrance sticks making process collage

La Flamour

The world is starting to see the result of our environmental negligence and man-made waste is one of them. However, due to the constant coverage, people have become numb to it, thus La Flamour was created. Presented as a romantic and sensual product, La Flamour repurposes “waste” from natural products such as flowers and fruit skins by turning them into fragrance sticks targeted towards the younger crowd.

Big Lies

Big Lies is a series of artworks accompanied by a zine that discusses the lies made by people about the fashion industry. The fashion industry is ​a global environmental injustice. Clothes are essential but it’s not when we overbuy. People lie to themselves to justify their purchase but convenience is a luxury we can no longer afford. Big lies follows a series of lies accompanied by designs to show the truth about the fashion industry. It's created using hand stitched typography with painted illustrations over it.

Realitea

Existing in our twenties, I feel that some form of Quarter-Life Crisis lives in each of us, and it's perfectly normal. Some have it harder than others, but I wish to look at this 'condition' light-heartedly, and try to have fun with it.

Realitea

Identity.

Realitea

The menu features various flavours that customers get to choose what they feel they need in their day.

Realitea

A 3D rendering of envisioned bottle

Unappreciated Maps

Maps have become more than just a tool for us when we’re lost or when we have places to go. However, it remains something quite a niche topic or subject. I believe that maps are also narratives. The goal is to provide a new way of looking at maps and building a sense of appreciation of maps in people.

They See U

Imitation is a key in any child's learning and development. Hence the idea that parents need to lead by example is crucial, and most parents recognize that. Most.

They See U

However, I'm not convinced that ALL parents are actively aware of it. As such, this publication servers as a reinforcement or reminder. The aim is to cultivate the habit of recycling and to reduce the use of plastics. Having said that, parents have to sacrifice a degree of convenience that they once had, to give their child a foreseeably better world to live in the future.

Travel Receipt

With the influence of fast and suggestive figure drawing techniques and compilation of photos of my adventures in Glasgow, I illustrated my journey with a continuous line drawing on a receipt roll. My aim for this project is to merchandise it like a gift in a museum shop where it could be more relatable to the public.

Travel Receipt

An object of nostalgia and remembrance of places of interest.

Get Lost

Often we become too focused on getting to our destination that we've forgotten the joy of being lost in the foreign paths and scenery. I had the opportunity to experience that excitement once again in Glasgow and designed a maze with no starting or ending point, allowing the ball to roam around the maze aimlessly with the map coordinates of the places I was lost in along the walls of the maze.

You Deserve Better

We are in a toxic relationship with plastics. The more we love it, the more it’ll hurt us, and yet we keep coming for more. This campaign aims to reduce the use of plastic bags through realising the love-hate relationship between us.

Celestien

In the year 2090, space travelling technology is advanced enough for everyday people outside of the 1% to travel to Mars and Moon for outdoor recreational purposes such as hiking and skiing. As the first space tour agency for recreational activities, Celestien believes that when humans get to enjoy space for leisure, we will truly be a species beyond Earth, becoming one with the celestial.

Celestien

In the year 2090, space travelling technology is advanced enough for everyday people outside of the 1% to travel to Mars and Moon for outdoor recreational purposes such as hiking and skiing. As the first space tour agency for recreational activities, Celestien believes that when humans get to enjoy space for leisure, we will truly be a species beyond Earth, becoming one with the celestial.

Civilization Typography - Creating a writing system in a pandemic

Are we prepared when a pandemic is no longer containable? A dystopian writing system of a re imagined future that mirrors the present we live today, The Dead Counter’s Medical Journal portrays a world where infection and diseases are rampant and a cure is non-existent. With medical staff being shorthanded , an entirely new writing system is needed to teach new medical residents at rapid pace. Amalgamating ancient medical symbolism, prefixes and futuristic code, medicine has never been more crucial.

Peruse - A publication exploring the symbolism in Japanese cinema

Cinema is a form of art, and thus is a way of expressing our ideas, and putting them into audiovisual media. Yet not many know the inspirations behind their favourite films or the message it’s trying to get across. Peruse is a publication I’ve created that is dedicated to to exploring the intersections between film and its deeper meanings. The first issue explores Japan’s influence in film-making around the world and the use of symbolism in cult classics.

Obsessed - Flogging a narrative in the psychological horror genre in books

Psychological Horror is a genre that people tend to look down upon and not take very seriously. It has a reputation of being a low, somewhat trashy, titillating genre that appeals to our basest instincts. And more often than not, it’s always through the eyes of the protagonist. Obsessed is a storybook project that is an adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier’s short story titled “The Doll”. An exaggeration on the concept of love to the extreme; Incest, the story is told in the perspective of the antagonist whereby an obsessive, sexually abusive father finds out that his daughter has eloped with Julio, her fiance. The narrative portrays him writing love letters to her, hoping she’d come back. All the while showing his descent into madness

A publication on the freedom to express

This project is a reflection of my experience I had during my overseas immersion trip to Glasgow. Titled Disclaimer, it’s a visual synopsis of what had inspired and affected my overall perspective of design. Disclaimer is a publication that highlights the lack of freedom of expression in design thinking as well as design outcome in Singapore’s culture compared to art culture overseas.

John Berger's Ways of Seeing – Voyeurism

By understanding sex and shifting the perspective of the woman’s role in society, this can help lower the rates of sexual assault, voyeurism and misogynistic tendencies.

OOH+ Sexuality Education

A non-profit organisation that delivers sex education that actually benefits, counsels & provides assistance to the young people of our society. Singapore’s sex education curriculum is not equipped to address and educate our young people, which makes them vulnerable.

OOH+ Sexuality Education

As teenagers are becoming more tech-savvy, they are exposed to unfiltered sex content which poses a high risk of early sexual relations and abuse of pornography.

Trailing Type

Using pen & ink calligraphy to explore typography over human body forms

Delirium

Delirium – an acute mental disturbance characterized by confused thinking and disrupted attention usually accompanied by disordered speech and hallucinations. An exploration of mental illnesses and expression of emotions with no words, just effects, mood, lighting & other techniques with music.

Something Different

A poster depicting my experience in Glasgow for my immersion trip. I constantly seek that same feeling I had a taste of in my present life.

Hook

Hook is a branding project that was inspired from my favourite childhood movie – Peter Pan. When re-watching it when I’m older, and upon researching more on the author, the interpretation of the movie took a dark turn from the perspective of Captain Hook. With this in mind, the message behind this was to enlighten people that fairytales could be just be an illusion under the influence. The logo and typography treatment was experimented by how I interpreted how Captain Hook’s handwriting would look like when writing with a hook for a hand. I experimented by attaching a brush to an actual hook from a hanger, and started exploring the messiness that ensued from his handicap. After experimenting, the final outcome resulted to be a mix of fairytale-like quirkiness yet honing a mysterious ominous tone to its branding, which highlights my objective and message well.

Hook

Hook

Hook

Hook

Hook

Hook

Civilization Typography

The language designed was my imagination of how I picture the future to be. Influenced by Elon Musk’s obsession of inserting microchips into the human brain, I would imagine that our civilization would turn to a civil war, where people are questioning if adding a digital layer into our anatomy would be the solution of the future. Since it seems to be predicted that the future is of unlocking our brain’s capacity with microchips, I studied parts of the human brain closely, and what each part functioned as. From here, I deconstructed anatomies and functions of the human brain and used its physical appearance as the structure of this language. The advancement of technology led me to the speech that Charlie Chaplin gave in “The Great Dictator” in 1940, where he talks about how humanity has been overcome with greed because of power and technology. The speech he gave is still relevant to the technological progression of the world today. Hence, I used excerpts of his speech to be translated into the language that has been designed.

Civilization Typography

Civilization Typography

Project Proxima

The world, stunned by our first contact, is set on the brink of nuclear war, when the message is misintepreted and manipulated to serve mankind’s vile nature. A linguist races against time to translate the message and steer humanity from destroying themselves. The Space Race died 3 decades ago and with it, the public imagination. Project Proxima attempts to reinvigorate the passion for space exploration. The search for ET has always piqued our interest. From the mass hysteria of The War of the Worlds to the claustrophobia of Alien, the prospects of alien lifeforms has no doubt, kept us on the edge of our seats. Themes of astrophysics, communication and humanity are explored using an imagined dialogue between us and extra-terrestrial beings from our neighboring star system, Proxima Centauri.

Project Proxima

Project Proxima

Project Proxima is the decryption, translation, and study of photometric messages from an extra-terrestrial civilisation in the Proxima Centauri System, the closest to our Sun. This facilitates communication between mankind and our neighrbor 4.47 lightyears away.

Project Proxima

Low on options, resources and time, the International Commission devises an ingenious and dead simple way of emitting a comparable energy output we had observed from Proxima Centauri. Well, here's the plan: We humans sure love to stockpile on nukes ey? Modify them to emit the light spectrum that we want. Send them into space, so that our atmosphere does not interfere with the light transmission. Put them at the right altitude and then BOOOM! No gigantic lasers, No costly electricity bill, get rid of our nukes at the same time! I'm not kidding.

Project Proxima

This is a set of vocabulary to guide the celestial dialogue, based on our common understanding of physics, metaphysics and mathematics, the universal constants. The language is based on the Arecibo message, designed by physicist Frank Drake, Carl Sagan and fellow scientists.The Binary message was transmitted in 1974, from the powerful Arecibo Dish Array in Puerto Rico. I adapted it into a more direct and visual form, using the same 73 X 23 grid, in which the nukes will be coordinated to denotate. Nuclear fusion = Emission of light = dots on the imaginary 73X23 Grid.

Project Proxima

This is a set of dialogues,for the purpose of human comprehension. The language relies on a form of universal sign language that can be best compared to frantic hand waving between two people who has not a single clue about each other's languages. But it works most of the times. For example, shouting in a conversation suggests an emphasis. Denoting a bigger nuke in space, emitting more energy, also suggests an emphasis.

KOPE Fest

One man’s trash, Another man’s treasure. KOPE Fest is an exhibition to showcase what can be done using little resources and skills. The interactive nature allows people of varied ages to have a haptic experience. Living in Singapore’s fast conveniences and exorbitant mercantile, we often take for granted what treasures lie beneath our HDB. By creating a series of engaging assemblages out of salvaged material, I aim to spur youth imagination and educate The public about prudency and resourcefulness. using these objects as posters, I also aim to explore unconventional mediums for advertising

There is No Wrong Body

As social media becomes the main form of media consumptions for most teenagers, many teenagers have left the social media’s feed feeling bad about themselves. With much emphasis on evaluating how people look, it has associated the teenagers with how they feel about their own bodies. They have to live through the unrealistic views of other people’s lives and peer pressure. My project centers on teenagers who have the need to fit in and worrying for not following the society's body goals. This is because of how they are being socially isolated, therefore leading them to try to conform to the society’s standard of normal. The idea of how appearance can form impressions especially body sizes.

There is No Wrong Body

It's a self-help book that shows how different body sizes are being appreciated across different cultures and countries. The illustrations are made to be more organic and natural. This book boost the teenagers’ self esteem and is personalize to each individuals as it allows them to write and reflect on their daily personal thoughts through the given activities in the book and at the same time, with the help of the illustration, encourage them to push on. At the end of the day, is there even a wrong body? My main message is to let the teenagers understand that there is no wrong way in having body. You do not need to conform.

There is No Wrong Body

This was an initial direction for the project. The idea was to create interactive walls at busy walkways. During golden hour or at any point of time when the sun cast shadows of the people on the wall, together with the illustration drawn on the walls, people are able to see the complete illustrations. They are part of the shadow play.

Together

Aging population for baby boomers are growing and as people grow older, they become less self-sufficient in terms of taking care of their own health and general day-to-day needs and obligations. More often or not, the children or grandchildren have to step up to take care of them because there is not enough medical care to support them. However, there is a greater concern for the children or grandchildren on juggling their daily lives and caring for the elderly. There are so many medical information for the elderly and sometimes they tend to overlook the emotional wellbeing of the elderly.Together is a medical app that promotes the preciousness of togetherness and bonding. The objective of this app is to provide a platform to remind people the need of constant interaction between them and their loved one in order to motivate them when going through chronic illnesses. Spend some time with them. Family members are able to document medical records in case of medical emergencies. Through this app, the elderly are empowered for their own medical and it acts as an invitation for conversations.

The Admiral's Beard

Men sometimes struggle with the way media portrays about masculinity and boldness. It becomes a pressure for them too, as society wants to uplift those values. Masculinity and boldness can be the cause of so many broken hearts and unsatiated desires. The thoughts to the construction of masculinity in everyday life can be draining and also reducing one’s self-esteem. Based on the literature of Treasure Island, The Admiral’s Beard is a hypothetical barbershop that brings out the ‘pirate’ in you. It centers on the idea of bringing out the adventurous and boldness in you. Adapting the personalities of the characters in the literature, the shop strives to gives you personality in order for you to continue with the bumpy road of life. It is a place for you to boost your inner strength and boldness, to give you that extra help.

Mark

We live in a society where we gaze in disbelief at the people who are the most passionate and fiery enthusiasts in collecting things. Sometimes these people live with mounds of unimaginable things that we question the motives behind the collection. We are a natural seeker in one-way or another. We seek and collect in any form. There are no goods of fixed value. They are valuable as long as people value them. Being a collector requires an emotional connection to these items. As the world moves to become more modern, collecting items become more and more attractive. These items offer a retreat back to simpler times when such products may no longer be produced. Mark is a magazine on collecting. Mark aims to highlight why one simply need to collect and keep things. In this issue, we cover on collecting Air Sickness Bag where majority sees it as waste product but to this community, they are little icons of the sky.

Mark

We may not realize that our motivation in collecting can be influence from a lot of different factors. One of such is our cultural background and how we are raised. Part of the magazine’s content talks about how one’s cultural background influence us in collecting things.

This is a man

Have you ever watched a movie, completely and utterly immersed in the story, infatuated with the characters and their perfect lives? Then the movie ends and your phone turns dark, and you see your reflection in the smoky mirror of your screen. Wouldn’t you want to be the person you see on those screens as well? This project visualises this pursuit and mindset vicariously, specifically the pursuit of traditional masculinity.

From watching tons of these films, reading studies on them, my design journal was filled with toxic masculinity in classic or dated films, from that era, but also their context in current times. Together with my own interviews, it became clear why and what led to this desperate need to be ‘masculine’, or 'a man’. Eventually, it became a recognition of how absurd it was to have an idea of a 'perfect man'.

This made me curious what a pursuit of the idea of traditional masculinity was, what would it look like. Shaped by my findings and insights from my journal, led me to create an extreme narrative or a trope. Discussing not only what I found in the films but real contributing factors that leads to a fragile form of masculinity, the archaic need to be a ‘man’.

‘This is a man’ illustrates what it means to be ’truly masculine' in these western films. This is one of the illustrated pages of the book.

Found Art

Using the imagery of the streets from the UK and Europe to reflect the idea that memories will either fade or be replaced with new ones. A visual metaphor as well as a capture of the visual depiction of design and thought. Begun as a personal collection of found ‘art’ from the street walls of Glasgow, its underlying meaning continued to evolve because of the beauty and story each piece tells. The novelty of this is the idea that it was a joint unintentional effort of many strangers.

Offscreen

It’s rare to see people actually sit through the end credits of a film; it’s boring in comparison to the movie you just watched. The hard work that goes behind the screen frequently goes unappreciated. This magazine focuses on appreciating the ‘drier’ off-screen elements while creating a visually interesting tilt. This magazine aims to create a visual appeal that reflects the emotion of the film without showing stills, simultaneously sharing the different elements and techniques that make the film. For the first issue, the magazine discusses psychological thrillers.

The magazine begins with an introduction to the genre, mentioning common conventions of psychological thriller films, such as misdirection and breaking of the film’s equilibrium. It continues niche-themed articles.

“Everything is fine.”

What you consume, consumes you. Plastic has become essential that one cannot live without. Awareness of plastic pollution has been ongoing for years highlighting the negative impacts and urgency for eco life and us. Disturbing visuals has been the approach to trigger and change consumer habits however, are we changing our ways? Overexposure to such visuals could perhaps cause people to be desensitized with this whole plastic situation. Thus, this campaign features a series of posters addressing the problem with a twist. A joyful vibe in contrast with hints of black humour to make people rethink their actions towards the consumption of plastic by using marine life. The aim of using marine life ties in with the consumption of seafood. Research has shown that Singapore consumes seafood above average and reliance on plastic should be reconsidered, encouraging them to change their lifestyle habits. *For this project, images are taken online in the creation of these posters.

“Everything is fine.”

Ideation and process.

Good Citizen: Simi Lang Are You?

When it comes to the concept of preservation, language is a factor in consideration. Bilingualism being the utmost importance for self and economy questions our act of preservation. Following the act as a result of convenience, it has been an act of exclusion rather than inclusion. The effects of past campaign efforts are seen with a decrease in dialect communication in current younger generation. Language barriers can be inevitable with an increasing aging population down the road. This publication aims to question people in rethinking how we learn languages. Understanding and connecting on a more interpersonal level the inclusivity language plays a part in and preserving it for our future generation.

Good Citizen: Simi Lang Are You?

Good Citizen: Simi Lang Are You?

Good Citizen: Simi Lang Are You?

I was not Here Before

The call for exploration is rarely acted upon when one is stuck in a routine. In another country, exploring the local environment with no agenda but to experience the location is an exhilarating process. However, back at home, the need to wander disappears. What happens when you do wander from your routine? This project is about my experience of wandering familiar places and how we can discover new places at home. It is a photo book that visually documents the poster pieces I leave in places around Singapore that I have wandered across.

I was not Here Before

I was not Here Before

Pretty Period

Pretty Period is a photo series that defies how many conservative communities perceive feminine hygiene products. In many Asian cultures, the act of menstruation is considered a dirty process, taboo to talk about freely in the open. What would it take to change that perspective? Here, ordinary feminine products are photographed with mirrors to represent flowers, something beautiful and full of life.

Pretty Period

Pretty Period

#SoCultural

After investigating the topic of Asian cultures being appropriated in pop culture, I realised that when the online communities call out the appropriators, they tend to point fingers without context on the cultural aspect they are defending. This project is a social campaign that addresses the online herd mentality in blindly ‘defending’ against cultural appropriation without a deeper understanding of the cultures at hand.

The Alien Generation

The generation of youths that grow up in the 2000s have many quirky attributes. The Alien Generation is a quirky and addictive publication that explores the strange trends and habits that this special classification of people indulge in. Hopefully deciphering why and how they came to be, even if they do not understand it themselves.

Sorry for your Loss

Native languages find themselves slowly being replaced by hegemonic languages as globalisation and rapid migration have contributed to chronic attrition. If there are approximately 6,000 languages in the world, only a mere 4% of these languages are used by the majority of the global population. As a result, half of these 6,000 dialects are headed for extinction. Sorry for your Loss is an initiative which seeks to address and bring awareness to a global epidemic of losing one’s native tongue. The initiative is formatted into an exhibition where visitors can reminisce and reconnect with their lost language through various interactive displays; a space then becomes a cure. Each edition will explore different indigenous languages from around the world. This edition shines the light on Burmese Language – a Sino-Tibetan language spoken in officially by Burmese nationals in an attempt to reconnect the language with its native speakers.

Sorry for your Loss

Sorry for your Loss

Compound Interest

In the society of precarious, financial instability remains the primary source of anxiety and constraint for families from lower income households. Lacking adequate financial literacy, these households struggle to maintain a decent quality of life while battling through the imposed stigma of being branded as social deviants. These public interventions are promoted as ‘exceptional’ rather than ‘universal’ and often comes with a hefty consequence of a laborious application process only to be compensated with short-term monetary reliefs. Therefore, the chronic and unfulfilled needs of marginalised households are rarely resolved in a sustainable way. Compound Interest is an alternative educational programme designed to empower and refine financial literacy among youths from marginalised families. Adapting a non-hierarchical mode of learning, youths can choose to customise and stack their own curriculum. The programme dispenses personalised educational content to its subscribers through various platforms. In this self-sustaining model, the knowledge that youths have acquired through the programme can be redistributed back into their respective households. Accomplishment is therefore measured through cycles of intention, creation, reflection and sharing. The programme aims to rethink the experiences of low-income families as people with the capacity to learn and change, not as clients and recipients in dire need of help and charity.

Compound Interest

Compound Interest

The Hidden Cost

Plastic wastage is the responsibility of many. There are a lot of stakeholders involved: from consumers who mindlessly consume and hoard plastic bags to corporations who leverage on the cheap production of the plastic bags. Lured by its modest pricing and short-lived convenience, we have failed to account for the hidden cost of plastic bags: one that inflicts irreversible damage to our environment and wildlife. The Hidden Cost is a project which aims to expose the implications of plastic consumption by redesigning the current display of plastic bags. The project seeks to purpose an alternative approach to curb consumption through the alternation of everyday products – in this case, it is the appearance of the plastic bags. The design of the bag is kept minimal with a series of typographic messages which displays a “cost” upfront. These costs are derived from the pressing environmental and societal side effects of plastic wastage. The messages will claim the space previously occupied by the oversized logos of household brands. The newly designed plastic bags act as a visual reminder, projecting cumulative casualties of plastic waste driven by mass consumption. The projection will hopefully trigger consumer behaviour and provoke change.

The Hidden Cost

Generis

Generis is a hybrid font created by combining two the unlikely typefaces – Futura and Kleist-fraktur. Futura is a geometric sans-serif typeface widely used during the Bauhaus movement while Kleist-fraktur is a blackletter typeface. Generis attempts to confront the tension between two distinct families of typeface by recreating a less rigid type in which the geometric contours meet the sharp display curves. It incorporates the geometric base of the Latin letterforms while preserving the calligraphic strokes of blackletter types. The integration of the san-serif softens the sharp edges and tones down the highly ornamented details of the blackletter. Generis is, therefore, a blend of Latin and German typestyles – two conflicting letterforms, culturally, politically and aesthetically. The result is a pleasing hybrid which inhabits the qualities of order and expression.

Generis

Unveiled

Context in the form of assumptions leads to mental bias. My project is about how the media frames the truth in a political context. I used a colour-based illusion designed to trick the brain into thinking the same colour is two different ones. Colour acts as a metaphor for context and the media and the optical illusions is essentially a parallel for the illusion you are put under by the media.

Utopia Is Death 01

Utopia is Death is a series of photographs exploring the change of what we deem a ‘Landscape’ and how that change affects us as a species. The first image details the classic definition of a landscape; pristine nature untouched by man. Or so it seems. Unfortunately such a location does not exist within Singapore. This is a man-made quarry and is a pristine as nature gets here.

Utopia Is Death 02

The purpose of the second image is to portray what mankind has done with nature. Our industrialization and almost automation of it. Which begets the question; is a tree planted by man part of nature or is it man made?

Utopia Is Death 03

Working in conjunction with image 3, these two images are a modernization of John B. Calhoun’s behavioral sink theory; as we continue to shape our landscape for efficiency, its utilitarian appearance is a breeding ground for socio-cultural chaos.

Utopia Is Death 04

I photographed and processed both images to make them look as though they are both the same place; however they are taken in different countries. Through the use of colour, my intention is evoke a pretense of harmony between these two images because of their colour and likeness while at the same thing creating dissonance because of their subject matter; one being geometrically ordered and the other a chaotic sprawl.

Utopia Is Death 05

A common sight and landscape of modern day Singapore. High rise flats built for space-efficiency is how majority of the population here lives. I composed the image ‘tightly’ in such a way so that the individual apartments appear as prison cells; uniform and almost voyeuristic.

Utopia Is Death 06

Construction and its instruments are often used to depict progress. I took this image from a low angle at a crane yard to show the monstrous scale of our industrialization of the world. The photo was framed in a way to have a visible sky but blocked out and almost offensively obscured by the cranes. Reminiscent of how nature is still visible to us but only through a machine lens.

Utopia Is Death 07

My aim was to shoot tombstones to look like the typical close-up facade of a building. Bringing home the point that the continued mechanization of our landscape to construct a utopia will figuratively and literally result in death. Printed out and framed in A1, it has an effect of looking like something else completely from far and only from a close distance do viewers realize it is a graveyard.

Plastic Problem

Plastic is essentially everything, we are surrounded by it. It was initially advertised as the future, we no longer need to hoard glass packaging, food are kept fresher in plastic. It is old fashioned to not use plastic. We were told that it is the future, it keeps everything fresh. It is cheap and dispensable. Plastics are the future, save the trees and use plastics. Recycling old plastic advertising images and some taglines, into today's context. Recycling the idea into a new one, see what I did there? My TVC also reuses ads from 1997 by APC, people often gets defensive when called out. We should approach this delicately as people are Compassion Fatigued and Desensitized to Global Warming. Let the audience feel smart figuring out themselves. Recycling the 1997 plastic tvcs copywriting and footages of what plastic has done to our planet to create stark contrast in the video. Hoping to spread awareness through nostalgia and non-conventional way.

Healthcare Packaging

Create a virus or illness including name, symptoms and cure. Chingus was take inspiration from a capitalism as a pandemic. Back in October 2019, NBA and Disney were under fire for censoring themselves to work with China, receiving backlash. When China refuse to work with corporations, they tend to lose millions in revenue. (Avengers are owned by Disney, there are special scenes added into the franchise to enter theatres in China.) (A NBA player tweeted freedom for HongKong in 2019, China was displeased and banned all NBA from showing in China, losing millions in revenue in just a week. The NBA manager made a public apology soon after. So much for American and their "freedom".) This project centered on mostly propaganda. The right tone needs to be set through mock ups. Flyers and posters are shot out of the plane into the streets, sirens will ring and the speaker will spread word of Chingus.

Illustration Book

A self-initiated project, my first illustration project. All the content and illustrations are done by me. It was fulfilling to be able to write my stories. The book is eerily long, the bodycopy is long as well. Each character is the idea of a feeling. Using research of others experienced and their accounts of falling. Painting the mental image of emotions and ideas of certain elements and human instincts.

A Wee Summer - Sunny Days in Glasgow

My hopes of a beautiful bright sunny summer did not die even without the sun. A humourous approach towards gloomy summers, I created my own sunrays in hopes of filling the cold damp streets with warth and humour. I combined them with a collection of photos I took in wet weather during my stay in Glasgow.

A Wee Summer - Sunny Days in Glasgow

A Wee Summer - Sunny Days in Glasgow

A Wee Summer - Sunny Days in Glasgow

A Wee Summer - Sunny Days in Glasgow

A Wee Summer - Sunny Days in Glasgow

A Wee Summer - Sunny Days in Glasgow

A Wee Summer - Sunny Days in Glasgow

Covid Art

Covid Art

Covid Art

Covid Art

Tasked to create a new magazine, I named it Crank.

Tasked to create a new magazine, I named it Crank.

Tasked to create a new magazine, I named it Crank.

Tasked to create a new magazine, I named it Crank.

Tasked to create a new magazine, I named it Crank.

Tasked to create a new magazine, I named it Crank.

Tasked to create a new magazine, I named it Crank.

Tasked to create a new magazine, I named it Crank.

Tasked to create a new magazine, I named it Crank.

Digital Painting

Digital Painting

Digital Painting

Musings – a collection of work (WIP)

A work in progress collection of artwork and experimentations. Born from rainy weather activities, these projects added a little joy and happiness in gloomy weather.

Musings – a collection of work (WIP)

Musings – a collection of work (WIP)

Musings – a collection of work (WIP)

Musings – a collection of work (WIP)

Musings – a collection of work (WIP)

The Wish

The Wish

The Wish

The Wish

The Wish

The Wish

The Wish

The Wish

The Lazy Daisy - Rethinking the way we see fashion. (WIP)

The Lazy Daisy ¬– Rethinking the way we see fashion. (WIP)

The Lazy Daisy - Rethinking the way we see fashion. (WIP)

The Lazy Daisy - Rethinking the way we see fashion. (WIP)

The Lazy Daisy - Rethinking the way we see fashion. (WIP)

The Lazy Daisy - Rethinking the way we see fashion. (WIP)

THE STRANGER 👁️

Inspired by an excerpt taken out from L'Étranger whereby Meursault always thinks about his lover Marie but yet struggles to feel and wonders if he indeed loved her.

THE STRANGER 👁️

2048 - The Key to the Truth

A publication documenting how a writing system was the root of resistance in the surveillance country of Alcazarus. A project involving worldbuilding, language studies and storytelling.

2048 - The Key to the Truth

2048 - The Key to the Truth

Voyage Hairdressers

Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish novelist and travel writer, most noted for Treasure Island, Kidnapped and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. The writer’s works and lifestyle often revolved around the idea of ‘duality’ and how people often wear a façade to hide their true selves. This project incorporates his ideals and sense of adventure into a hairdresser experience. Customers would come in to get an expertly crafted blind haircut based on their personality, experiencing the thrill of adventure that Stevenson had longed for, while at the same time revealing their true selves.

Voyage Hairdressers

DUMB Magazine

A magazine that does not care who it might offend. DUMB magazine is filled with useful information for the easily scammed, and loaded with memorable illustrations for quick recall in real-life situations.

DUMB Magazine

DUMB Magazine

BATTLE OF THE MIND

Cosmic Horror is a sub-genre of horror that plays with the idea that mankind is insignificant to the greater, incomprehensible entities that reside in the universe. This short film aims to use this genre, as well as the concept of a one-shot to share the perspective of a person with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Where's Your Bag

A campaign targeted to reduce plastic wastage by first improving cashier's operation and recreating an awareness brand

Hear Me Out!

Set of theraphy cards targeted to improve the mental health of an individual with social anxiety. Use as an aid to recount an experience without the need to verbally express it.

Mind of a Sadist

The book illustrates a suprising message of how anyone you know can be guilty of having the mind of a sadist. Depicting some of our uncensored everyday thoughts to the worst kinds of sadism reflected in our society today.

Every Good Boy Deserves Favour

Every Good Boy Deserves a Favour is a stage play written by Tom Stoppard that made its first appearance in 1977. The style of illustration influenced the screenplay by depecting the orchestrated performance as a way to ridicule the Soviets practice of treating political dissidence as a form of mental illness.

Like is a distortion of Altruism

The project focuses on the rising narcissist behaviour online, specifically on social media platforms. The 4 clayed faces potrayed the types of narcissist that are familiar to us. The faces allows you to see your own reflection by looking through the eyes. Meant to represent a person's excessive self-admiration. I then left them on the streets to see how people would interact with it.

The Fisherman and His Soul

The Fisherman and His Soul is a short story (6209 words) written by Oscar Wilde. It features a young fisherman and his yearning for a mermaid, his obsession drove him to commit unholy and unthinkable actions. Upon reading the story, it is apparent that the main cause of the story’s tragedy was due to the actions of the stubborn priest in the story. The priest then is one of the core parts of the story. In this revised version, I attempted to retell the story in the point of view of the priest, the story accompanied by a set of hand-drawn illustrations.

Phase Plastic Out

A habit becomes an addiction when we continue to engage in an activity despite knowing the adverse consequences of it. Comparably, people are using plastic whilst understanding the impact of plastic usage on the world and themselves. The difference, however, is that they don’t recognise their plastic dependence as a form of addiction, but rather a necessity. In my research and observation, I came across a few uncles carrying a newspaper roll in a single plastic bag. I found that they do so as to not dirty their hands. If only plastic leaves a mark as a newspaper does, it would be less popular. I then connected these with self-abuse, abuse, then addiction - all of which is obvious visually, and heavily stigmatised by society. My project, therefore, aims to liken our plastic reliance to other severe forms of addiction such as drugs, in the form of a campaign to stop plastic use.

Gravity's Spiral - One and the same

To point a finger at the self (myself) - to uncomfortably yet essentially deny denial, I believe, is a step closer towards human flourishing. This is a personal project aimed at visualising and reflecting and interpreting my daily occurrence. One and the same: Someone preached that the problem with social media and the digital world is that it creates an antisocial world. Well, for me, I rate his statement a “maybe, but not really”. Regardless of device or tech, we still tend to be immersed in the self a lot. We are normally anti-social. However, biology states that we are normally social too. Maybe, momentary isolation is just a way of coping with the constant noise and stresses of our environments - perfectly fine, really. In his defence, he might be referring to the overindulgence of media - how normal consumption easily becomes an addiction.

Gravity's Spiral - The Assembly Men

I was watching a trending video of a man listlessly working at his customer service job., a fake smile plastered onto his face. This man me think about how manufactured the actions of people have become. How different are we from mass-produced items?

Gravity's Spiral - Curled up. (Acrylic paint on cardboard.)

I was watching a trending video of a man listlessly working at his customer service job., a fake smile plastered onto his face. This man me think about how manufactured the actions of people have become. How different are we from mass-produced items?

Wayfinding Project at SIT@Dover

This project aims to make SIT@DOVER a place of effortless navigation through wayfinding signages without compromising the appearance of its “SIT-DNA”. The signages have been designed to mimic the patterns of polarising light, which migratory birds depend on for a correct orientation towards their destination - it is a symbolism for SIT’s guidance of students that have travelled great lengths to get and complete their degree.

MIMICREE (MIMICRY)

Presented with a magazine brief, I was tasked to write the copy and design its graphics of a random topic. The topic I went for was about “mimicry”, the imitation of someone or something. The content is written about different subjects that touch on different aspects of copying, and I have illustrated and collaged visuals according to the written content, stringing them into a proper magazine.

YYENO

YYENO is a card game designed for people pleasers to practice saying no. Saying no is a difficult task for people pleasers as they see it as a trigger to all their fears becoming a reality. However, although intimidating, it is a necessary step to take back their lives. This game aims to ease them into this new normal by providing them with a safe space to practice saying no, while having fun.

YYENO

Unfiltered

In a world where people prefer to hide their struggles, Unfiltered explores the thoughts many wrestle with. Created using various works from my first 100 days of studying in GSA, it seeks to communicate the rawness of human emotions and thoughts.

Unfiltered

Unfiltered

Portrait of a Feather

Feathers are typically viewed as a collective– be it as a covering for birds, in accessories, or even in household items. These objects are taken for granted and not given much attention or appreciation. This exploratory project seeks to bring attention to an everyday, overlooked object by isolating it– making each feather the focus instead of the supporting character. Drawing attention to the individual feather brings intimacy, and highlights its usually unnoticed beauty.

Portrait of a Feather

Portrait of a Feather

The Perfect Life?

The Perfect Life seeks to educate and highlight the plight and the atrocities committed against the Rohingya– a persecuted Muslim minority from Myanmar. The satirical approach adopted in the book stems from the apathy of the majority, whose ignorance is equivalent to saying that everything is perfectly fine. By adopting this approach, the book shows how twisted this mindset is and seeks to wake people up to the reality in front of them.

The Perfect Life?

Annabelle Tay

Loss

Tonight I write the saddest lines, tonight I reflect upon my grasp of sighs. In Pablo Neruda's poem, he writes of great loss and desire, when his lover is no longer around him. With this prompt, we set out to produce paintings to translate his words to be seen. I chose to show the palm as when we truly lose someone, holding onto them is a form of affirmative action. The background eventually fades to black, when we realise reality isn't what we want.

Personality

As part of his personal description, he is one who engages very much in the virtual realm of things. All Dressed Up challenges us to frame the model, in accordance to how they say they are like. We are left to interpret their depiction, and to direct the photoshoot, taking control on how they are to look like. I let his mobile be the main source of lighting, while he uses it, supposedly to create the shadow in the background. This outline therefore creates an illusion of a higher being, looking over the model, seemingly taking control of his behaviour.

Illusions

With a simple mirror, we observe an alternative perspective. While looking down, we can still see the ceiling; Something brighter, something unexpected. Illusions are visuals where we perceive something to be there, but not really. Perhaps in our concrete ground, we can discover a hole in the sky.

Portrait

Playing around with shadows, I cast her portrait onto my wall. This project tasked us to reproduce a portrait in 50 different methods, be it replicating or even manipulating it. I accidentally discovered the use of negative space in this method, and placed the stencil against a light source. The presence of the streetwear brand plastic bag, Supreme, positions itself in her eyes, possibly symbolizing how capitalism is all that we see today.

100 Days

The first 100 days were full of workshops that dragged me through a lot, and taught me to expand my imagination, in a different way than I was previously used to. They challenged us to use our ‘mistakes’ and turn them into art.

Using pareidolia to form alphabets, and a form of typography from one of the previous assignments.

Ordinary-Extraordinary

Exploring ordinary daily cleaning products that we all use in our life; objects that we would discard without much thought. Inspired by Tanaka Tatsuya’s miniature innovations, it freed up the childlike side of my mind. Playing with the eye of a camera lens creates a whole new perspective. The lighting enhances the environment, the ‘negative space’ of the image. Overall, it expands the visual language by telling a story of how the mundane could possibly become extraordinary.

Water Slide

Presenting in a flip-up form is the most natural and pleasant way of exploring the content. Giving a sense of curosity which invites them to see what’s underneath, focusing on the content instead of figuring out how the controls work.

XEN

XEN presents itself as an interesting gift for your friends and associates, who are pottymouths. A manifesto that is often understood as a prescription, we wanted to create a snack that subtly reminds the special one that he/she is ‘foulmouthed’ yet in an unoffending manner. The premium handcrafted medication kit we designed contains edible mouth-watering finger soaps, encased in a pretty crude ‘X'. Enjoy!

XEN Infographic

Exratis is a virus that diagnoses individuals with symptoms of speaking excessive pexpletives, to the point of needing someone to point that out. Another obvious way to spot someone with Exratis is Sweacne; the more cussin’, more break outs. We all know that we want to have a great impressions, and XEN is here to help you out.

Battle of the giants

An independent research that focuses on mobile phone consumerism. Having a fresh approach towards uncovering how our phone reflects one’s personality. The goal is to find a new perspective.

The Fruit

Utilising clean aesthetics and simple illustration, this section focuses on the tech giant, Apple. Through monotonal in mood, the brand identity need not be explicitly mentioned and merely implied. It uses subtle details that Apple users might not immediately notice, but yet it is apparent to others that it reflects on who they are as a person.

The Green Monster

With a more vibrant mood, this chapter talks about how Android focuses on innovation, as well as their shortcomings. Having an experimental approach, this section uncovers how different features on different phones reflect each individuals’ personality and habits.

Internetto Magazine

Internetto is a magazine that covers Internet slangs and trends in bit-sized information for the Masses.

Love Letter to Chinese Cinema

Love Letter To Chinese Cinema is a project that explores the overlap between today’s Chinese youth, and their relationship with Chinese Cinema. How to Judge a Chinese Film by it’s Chinese-ness is an ironic and satirical kit, where warped and often Eurocentric perception of Asian cinema manifests itself into a tangible product. This kit uses hypocrisy as a visual language to question contradiction and double standards in the way that movies are now perceived.

Banana is local street description for Asians who have chosen to abandon or neglect their cultural identity in favour of a western one – yellow on the outside & white on the inside. Pinkerton syndrome.

Western vs Asian comparison – the notion of “worth” is often brought up when discussing Asian films, whether it is “worth” the watch, time and money. An endless handout of excuses.

Civi Type: The Man, The Skies, The Earth

A writing system born out of a dystopian future in 2064 that eerily mirrors the (future) present; war, environmental decline and viruses. Where mother tongues are forgotten, this system is used to indoctrinate and communicate — its purpose entirely functional and devoid of emotion. A writing system produced from analog and digital mediums, its form is derived from the functionality of Chinese logography and carries the characteristics of blackletter.

The system's handbook, bound in tradition Chinese bookbinding to echo its influence.

The four core functions of the writing system, conveyed purely through visuals. It lacks phonics & no symbol represents feelings nor inquiry. The cold, robotic nature reflects in its stiff and angular form.

Fashion Without Bodies

Style is more of an attitude than the pieces of clothes you wear. It is about communicating your Identity, Ideals and Opinions. However, Fashion has always been closely associated with the chiseled jaws, the smoky eyes and the luscious lips of runway models. How do we shake off these cliché? I challenged myself to find an unorthodox way to portray fashion genres, and what could be more unexpected than food? With the varied nuances in dining behavior, it is akin to how we drape ourselves. Hence, I chose food photography to bring out the characteristic of fashion genre with a clever play of our favourite delicacies.

Fashion Without Bodies

Fashion Without Bodies

Fashion Without Bodies

The Language That Saved All Mankind

Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master. The Language That Saved All Mankind, looks into this reality. A Cybernetic Being from the future, arrives in the present on a mission. He must gift to humanity an encoded language that shall ensure their survival. He knows the great cataclysm is inevitable, but he does what he can. The key to the survival of his own race, depends on the humans as well. This is the defining chapter of our imminent history; Time-travel, Longevity and Comfort, all torn down by our own creation. The self-aware cyborgs hunted us down like rodents. We could hide, but not for long. Our desperate clamor for survival and struggles are carefully imprinted on cardboard, the only writing material we could get our hands on. We marked our meagre existence, using essence of our mother tongue; Sanskrit, Chinese, Hebrew and Thai. Like the Ten Commandments of eons past, we hope that we shall survive through our language.

The Language That Saved All Mankind

The Language That Saved All Mankind

The Language That Saved All Mankind

The Language That Saved All Mankind

The Language That Saved All Mankind

The Poker Game

Make mistakes or screw up, you learn. Jade courts with death, when he throws away his second chance. Jade has been with Malik's Geylang vice ring for years. Now as one of the most prominent drug barons, Jade has other ambitions. Tonight, he will have to answer for his lies. Will Jade see the day of light? Or will he pay the ultimate price? However not everybody is lucky enough to have the luxury to witness the sunrise. The consequences that follow up with the actions made would require you to pay the price. We do not always get a second chance, so cherish every given moment. Jade gets involved with Malik and his Gelyang crime gang. As Jade rose to become one of the most prominent drug dealer, his greed took over him -- a powerful drug dealer’s fate tied to an inescapable organized crime boss.

The Poker Game

The Poker Game

Mom, Where's My Pants?

The plastic waste problem has been a long running issue, and has exacerbated over the decades. Sadly, the methods of communicating the gravity of the issue has not adapted. Campaigns highlighting the threat of plastic waste on wildlife has remained a staple. Effective as they were, such images have become a cliché and the public has since become desensitized to them. Thus, my challenge is finding approaches of captivating the audience yet again. How will I garner attention? Satire is one way to invoke humor, a sensation that can be shared by both young and old. Awareness about the issue, is the first step towards making a change.

Mom, where's my pants?

The plastic waste problem has been a long running issue, and has exacerbated over the decades. Sadly, the methods of communicating the gravity of the issue has not adapted. Campaigns highlighting the threat of plastic waste on wildlife has remained a staple. Effective as they were, such images have become a cliché and the public has since become desensitized to them. Thus, my challenge is finding approaches of captivating the audience yet again. How will I garner attention? Satire is one way to invoke humor, a sensation that can be shared by both young and old. Awareness about the issue, is the first step towards making a change.

Know Your Government

The aim for this political zine is to encourage responsible voting during Singapore General Election, especially for young Singaporeans who are voting for the first time, they may not fully understand politics enough to make the wise choice of electing future government. To gain interest among young Singaporeans to understand politics, the theme of the zine is juxtaposed with Greek mythological figures to simplify complex information.