Hand Rendered Revival Type.

This is my 2nd typography project in degree program. It is quite similar to the previous project 'Experimental Type'. It's simpler as i do not have to produce radical concept idea. In this project, it involve more on hands on meaning to sketch or trace the existing fonts you have chose and to enhance it to a new fresh idea in a low tech method. 

I chose the font 'Bauhaus' as it's characteristic and personality are simple, bold, loud, and has a consistent stroke width. with this elements i have fully research and understood, i began working on sketches on developing ideas. Then proceed to the technical part of measuring the stroke width desired, kerning and spaces. All has to be carefully measured and consistent. Then i apply the hands on work to Illustrator to edit the final artwork. I was told to produce 3 headlines with the typeface that has been redesigned. I was pretty satisfied with the result i had produce for this 2nd project. Finally had a presentation and received good feedbacks from lecturer and friends. I hope that you enjoy the creation of the typeface i have posted.

Thank you guys for the feedbacks and the compliments! =)

My Creation : Experimental Typeface

It is one of the kind project for semester 1 in degree that had the opportunity to explore the typography in the next level. The 1st thought that came out of my mind was "Is it possible for me?" Apparently i had never done this before, not even my freelance job. Despite of  all kinds of question pouring out of my head, I reminded myself to stay positive and have faith in what i'm doing. 

Basically in this Experimental Type Project, i was challenged to explore all kinds of methods and medias to create a font that is not common but yet keeping its value going. It has to be usable, legible, readable and valuable. With these requirement given, it helps me to step out of the comfort zone meaning not just laying back on the couch flipping through books for inspiration but hands on  experimenting materials. I thank God for providing me a few crazy designer friends who are totally wacky! Because of them, through funny conversations, and wacky thing that we talked about, we had alot of wacky ideas! I then caught the inspiration whereby i saw a man removing gums from his shoe. It was a big laughter in my mind keeping it to myself with the idea i had in me. 

So i began working on the concept idea for my typeface, a 'gum' and a 'shoe'. It sounds and seems to easy to produce but trust me, i got it in the wrong way. Generating ideas was pretty easy for me as i have been developing it for many years. The challenging part of this process of the experiment type is time. We were given only a week to complete a total of 52 fonts! So in this case, i have to be quick and work smart, cant afford to make a mistake on my very 1st degree project. 

During the process, there's definitely encountering trials and frustrations. It depends how you response to the problem coming along. So i told myself not to complain cause it doesn't make any changes. Putting more affords in finding ways to solve it. The problems has been battled for 2 days and finally came out with an alternative idea to support my idea development, keeping the value alive. 

When the problems has been solved, that's when i am excited and excel to my final artwork. Had a presentation in the class, and thank God again that everything goes well. Lecturer (Soo Boon) was impressed of my 1st assignment given and i hope to be the role person as a designer to be an example and to inspire others to improve their quality of work. Cheers!

New Macbook Pro for a New Semester.

This is one of the most exciting year for me. I have been dreaming and longing to own one. It is dream that got me to work harder to earn more to have it one day. I would 1st and fore most say a BIG thank to my mum who willing support me to make sure i become a successful designer in years to come. Its not lucky to have it, but it is a blessing to have it. I thank God too for he heard my prayer and provided me i asked for... Now its on my table! From a vision to a reality. on the 1st day..i just kept hugging and carrying around in my room just to envy as long as i can. Im very confident that this toy of mine will help me on long run and help me to perform better.

The Rules Of Work

Reunion Gathering 2008.

Making The Difference

Had a short meeting with my client in Spring Shopping Mall. Then i walked by the Hiroshima Exhibition, bumped onto a friend who organized the Exhibition. He explained to me from the story to the Nuclear Technology, to the effects of the blast in Japan, to the sickness and the symptoms carried by the survived victims till the effects of war today. It's amazing how a nuclear bomb can shake the world but at the same time it is sad to see the victims vanished or survived suffering from young to old.

After a long tour of the exhibition, i realized that people around me who has finished the tour began to feel emotional. Finally, i signup my name as a sign of support to stop the Nuclear production. Then i stood in front of the colorful backdrop, posing with a bird sticker declaring for freedom and peace.

Remembering StudioYolk

I worked in Studio Yolk in late 2006 and I resigned in 2007. Located at Pending. It was a turning point for me, gaining more knowledge, skills and experiences playing a role as a graphic designer. I can boldly say that it is one of the best companies I have worked for in Kuching. When I 1st came in for interview, I was amazed by the environment decorated in the Studio. That really attracted me working in a studio. I believe that every designers make sure they have a comfortable environment where it can help them release their inspiration on the work.

I once asked my boss why he called his company 'Studio Yolk'. So let me tell you a simple story how did the name 'Studio Yolk' came about. The principal of this company called 'John Huang'. He was born in Taiwan, raised up in Australia. Got married to a wife from Kuching and got himself started his design studio. The word 'Huang' in Chinese means 'Yellow'. So he brainstormed the concept ideas for his studio. Finally, he thought about the 'Yolk'. That immediately got him into an inspiration about this 'Yolk'. 'Yolk' represents HOPE. It is an idea of an egg hatching, then a little chick came out from it. But it doesn't stop there. It will continue to grow until it became an adult and fly away freely. He’s looking at his company that will continue to grow and expand their career not just in Malaysia but around the world.

After hearing his story, I was amazed and got motivated. During that period of time, I played as a role of a graphic designer for the company. I really enjoyed working on several projects or task given. After completing a task, we would go to the thinking room or the discussion room and hear one another's opinion about the work. I remembered one of my colleague’s work was criticized and he took it negatively. As for me, I remain positive because its a lifetime opportunity of learning for me. We have high and low in certain period of time but we always remain positive.

Yes I admit that I face challenges and even conflicts within the company. I guess that's what happen to every company you work for. John is person who has patience and self-control when comes to facing problems. He is a helpful person. He always open, willing to share his ideas and encourages me to read certain values of being a good graphic designer. We had the same interested in motosport ' F1'. So we traveled to KL to watch 'F1'. It was an exciting moment for me.

In a year 2007, I was also a freelance designer despite a full time staff for Studio Yolk. I thought it was easy being on both side. But it turn up harder than I thought. I had problem meeting up clients when I work full time. Sometimes I would stay up late at home working on the projects make sure I meet the deadlines. So at one time, my performance did not go well. John realized the problems I faced. He asked to decide either to be full time or a be a freelance. I knew it was hard, but I have to make my final decision. Finally I made up my mind and told him that I choose to be a freelance. Meaning I have to resign from Studio Yolk. I hope he was ok that after all he has trained me and able to contribute back with all my talents. I had a pleasant farewell lunch with my colleagues and John.

It's sad to leave but felt grateful and thankful for John who has put alots of efforts on me and willing to see me grow as a better designer for the society. I knew my standard has grown alot after working for Studio Yolk only a year. From that moment, I just kept moving forward and push myself to reach the goals I have dreamt of.