What do you guys think of the graphic design industry in Malaysia today?

As a brand and graphic designer who has worked here for almost 3 years (I am 24), here are some of my 2 sens:

- Design is seen less of a necessity and more of an adjunct to people both young and old,
- Many young local artists and designers do not know the business language,
- Many old corporate and organizations don't pay very high for graphical design services (since it's not important to them),
- Look at the logos for Visit Malaysia 2020, Kuala Lumpur etc.
- Bad logic symmetry eg: I drive BMW but my business only needs Kancil level of design quality (and price)

I said 'doomed' because:

- Many Malaysians don't understand + don't care about design value on businesses,
- Not many are willing to pay high for this service,
- I see many frustrated young designers doubting themselves (if they have entered the wrong industry),
- There are countries where designs are highly valued and appreciated (UK, US, namely westerns), why is that?

I would like to hear your thoughts on this, whether you are a designer or not.

Agreed.

Nobody value design & ideas.
(They value Name of company & famous designer)

This post has been edited by Aftermaths: Oct 10 2018, 11:53 AM

Becos most of Malaysian cheapskate...I know cos I work in this industry....those customer always complain expensive if we charge the design fee...all want free....

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But some of new student that study design are really facepalm...basic design tool also don't know and the design like or worst that kindergarten quality...

I work for malaysia international company before , i do a a lot graphic designs for product packaging , web site , and company in house design and even photography thing for the company . for my part .. all my design need to have presentation which is really give u the feel of professional profession ..something to be proud of.

but i never get raise , and their reason is they saw me very free sitting there.
but they never know i spend years to learn and master the software to do it fast , but they treat it like it is a easy task. LOL so they din raise me coz they think that is not worth to raise coz the company business is not related to design to make money .

If you really good and passionate about design , go find some 100% graphic design agency company that most of big company will refer to. You will be more appreciate in those company rather than non design related business company

I'm not specifically in the g.design industry but
it's true even in photography or any kind of creative services I assume.

but if your portfolio is strong enough you will still be able to attract and convince clients to approach and pay you for the price you are worth, maybe like 1 out of 25 clients will do that here in Malaysia...

I've been to london and madrid (eu) and i can see that the public there hv diff mentality towards art & design, their appreciation level is def much higher comparing to malaysian who don really value design much.. perhaps this has something to do with their history n culture? or education? how the kids r brought up there. i dunno

Well I'm in a design field as well, but sometimes I am require to do some Graphic (I have some basic skill) design on work basis.

Yes a lot of people don't really appreciate designs nowadays they mostly want it their way or more 'acceptable' to the market trend here.

Most Malaysian are not strongly educated in arts, especially histories and all the other design culture.

I was lucky that my lecturer was a great designer from the US which I love how much exposure she is letting us have and freedom to design.

But after I graduate I can't apply any of it here at all, that is very sad to me.

Well even my parents don't really understands the deign method and mind set I have too.

Established companies definitely get the bigger chunk of meat.

Famous designers too, but how many graphic designers are actually famous in Malaysia?
And even if they are, do they stay and work locally? I highly doubt so, but I could be wrong.

Yeah, 'cheapskate' may sound offensive but there are some truths in it.

New students as in graduates?

Wow, sounds to me like you are one of those 360 / 'Pao-Ka-Liao' designer, aka generalist. Tough.

You are working on so many other roles but you don't really get paid high either, let alone raise, I assume?
Which is why I always advise against going the generalist route.

I agree, some of my clients think I can just pull a design out from my arse, but when I show them the work process (in a nice way), they understand the education it takes to get there.

I think in your case, they don't see how design can help them stand to improve sales / generate more revenue altogether. Many designers don't speak the business language that's why, I feel.

True, design agencies are way better.

I see, I agree that this issue pretty much affects the whole local creative industry.

1 out of 25 is actually pretty realistic, sad to say

Western countries have richer art history, to which leads to different approach in building culture and education.

US? That's great! May I ask which college did you go to?

'But after I graduate I can't apply any of it here at all, that is very sad to me.' <- My condolences...
'Well even my parents don't really understands the deign method and mind set I have too.' <- My deepest condolences...

It's really that bad huh

still study and new graduate....
like currently my company have 1 which i really want to hit my head.....
no matter what you ask he do sure dont know or do wrong.......
for simple job that only take 5~10 minute sure need whole day or few day to finish, with error ....
but some graduate actually really good....
really wish my boss keep all those good designer...which will not happen...
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i not study design but still end up need teach them..>.<

Ah, that explains why.

There must be a reason why they're ineffective, have your boss talked to him about this?

A deep talk to understand the root of the problem.

You becoming senpai liao HAHA

go look for the advanced side story

the industry is not doomed as what u think


i know quite a number of talented designers and they're doing fine
except those in corporate business field, they rarely have opportunity to sharpen their skill as what they do is pretty straightforward and less requirement

and nowsday we the deisnger has to embrace different skillset
unless you are super talented like those who have their own style then different story

I was in Raffles college institute, my Lecturer went back to the States already.
But miss her really much.
Is that bad, and I'm no longer in the field I love anymore.
But I believe 1 day if I still have the passion I will definitely go back to it. ( When I earn enough money to start something of course)

Tracing logo also ask.....haiz.....
I think he more to Photoshop type which just paint.....

If you are just an average designer, then no point staying in the design/advertising agency. The only way is to open up your own agency but small fishes only get to eat the bones (unless you got big cables).

The majority of the corporate world (especially the older, established ones. even worst if the old China apek kind of mentality) don't value design or its aesthetic values. Boss say like that, you argue until the cow comes home also they won't listen to you - what more design principles..

The level of knowledge in regards to arts & culture within the society is still very low. We are still far away if compared to our neighbouring countries like Singapore and Thailand - just watch our national TV channels, then you'll understand.

I assume the said talented designers work in-house, or freelance / self-employed...?

Wa, Raffles. Nice!

So what field are you in right now? :/

Sounds to me you do still have interest though.

The digital artist / illustrator type?