Golden ratio is the best man.

I agree, many are more of graphics than an actual, functional logo. Damn, maybe they all got too excited!
Still, all their designs put the one we have now to shame. Even a broom looks nicer.

See you on the battlefield.

That's unfortunate.
Marketing ain't too far from graphic design though!

I assume it's digital marketing? Like social media engagement & content marketing.

Well I do some Graphic as well for simple banners.

Lol wow u r a mind reader
Yeap that's my position now.

That's still better than not touching design at all, nice!
Some people slowly lose their paintbrushes because they stopped making art / designing.

Digital marketing is a highly sought skill now, I have to learn it also :S

Teach plis

Can PM me here if you have question, I'm off from all work related job atm due to personal reasons and would only be around forum from time to time to check on updates.

I may be available if job isn't running on crunch time.

7 years of Freelancer here, from struggling university student to a professional pao ka liao now. Took a flight to US to work and started our own business there, the culture is totally different from what we have here in Malaysia.

Since you're a frequent viewer of Chris Do, please do pay attention to what he's sharing and saying. Don't just do a mark for client, fix the client's business problem. Earlier today I met another veteran who opened her own firm in KL, she had the exact practices - not just doing design but to fix the client's business problem. Right from the campaign planning, KOL invitations, launch gambit, social media campaign, media inivtation and etc - the ala one-dragon service.

You can't scale to agency rate alone, you need a squad to help you reach there.

The industry is pretty much like what you all are saying, SMEs just want quick and cheap, if you can't do it the next fella is gonna do it for you. All hopes are not lost though and I see a lot of initiatives (Brandker) going on to fix the problem, starting from teaching the next big wave about branding and the value proposition - the usual brand story.

So please do keep your hopes high and keep educating clients on the importance of brand story.

Happy grinding y'all!

This post has been edited by s7ran9er: Oct 18 2018, 12:13 AM

Humbled to hear a veteran speak, and congratulations on your launch in US! How are you doing there? Do you have a website I can see? I am very curious (and excited since you're also a fellow Msian)!

Yeah, and point well taken. I am pivoting myself towards fixing a business problem than fixing a sengek logo, but like you said, one-man-show is nearly impossible for solving bigger problems.
For now, it's all about gritting the teeth and raising company capital until I can hire myself a team to take on larger projects.

Yeah, I think after reading all comments here, my mind did changed a bit.

It's not really doomed after all.

Thank you, we came back after 6 months because our visa wouldn't us to overstay. But we still cool maintaining relationship over there, just need to shower them with lots of love.

The problem is most SMEs don't want you to kepoh so much, "Just do the damn job that we have asked, son!" because some of them don't see the value in your work, the software that you have purchased, the hours you put into creating, the education and research you went through to get here - you have to show them why it costs so much. (Of course, you need a proper portfolio and track record to showcase what you can do. Don't show that you can do everything).

Hi, I'm an amatuer digital artist.

I'm looking into graphic design lately and was hoping to go into the industry during my free time as well. Any tips or advice for newcomers?

Yo Neko, we are the same but opposite at the same time (I'm looking at digital art lmao).

There's a lot to say, but I think you can check out Youtube channels like TheFutur to learn about GD + Business, or look and learn about:

User Experience / Life pain points (since GD exists to solve communication prob / need through visual)

then, how you can help people with:

- Typography (check out Swiss Design)
- Layout & Composition (things like visual balance, hierarchy etc)
- Colour (am sure you have a better start here already)
- Strategy & marketing
- Copyrights
- CMYK & RGB, print applications

Working with advertising here, working with big international brands also can be pain in the ass.
Always scared to do something different and always following what others doing, your ideas is limited.


That's amazing, always wondering if i can fly to another country and cari makan there instead here bcs of the industry here.
Always thought it would be harder to compete over there, what exactly are doing over there man? Design firm?

any UI/UX designer here?

May I add something...

If there is a change wanted, we need to make it not wait for it.

Now you guys analyzed the issue. So, what is the solution.. is there any solution for this?? Yes!

In any other developed country like UK or else, there is only ONE difference between them and Malaysia; the Industry Rights; in other words, (People's Power) and (Intellectual) and (Human Rights) activities.

In brief, people in those countries have developed local laws to guarantee a minimum level of salaries and fares, and that is why they value art and design. The art is also highly valued in their school educational system.. the media, and everywhere. Artists there have the highest salaries and the highest social positions in the country. The same thing applies to hairstylists and makeup artists, any kind of ART.

In there, before a company buys a design, they double think about it... they ask for high leveled design. And in that case, this benefits in the two-sided problem; one is the income of good design, and two is the minimum standard of a good a design.

So, in Malaysia, there should be intellectual movements/association builders to add to the local low to protect the rights of the industry. Just like there is a minimum level of the fare for medical/educational services, there should be a minimum level of the fare for art and design services. This is the only way to add to the local law and guarantee industry rights... again, if there is a change wanted, we need to make it not wait for it.

Design society needs to unit their ideas and effort, make activities to spread the raise this awareness among people, and try to start associations which can easily add to the local law and contribute to developing the country.

It is not impossible!

I guess Malaysia still don't view Designers as a necessity, but more of like cherry on the cake. It's like they assume yeah, we have enough to hire a designer for now to make things look pretty, and when the going gets bad, heck they'll just decide you'll be the first to go, cause design is "EASY".

The mentality "Aiyo, just click click, download image, put in, done. I also can do, why need designer??"

I'm from Multimedia background, but I joined an events company. It's great as I can learn about events, at the same time, I get to take part in events (due to my personality. I don't like getting confined in front of a screen), and they let me explore my talents with events.

Hi Everyone. Sorry to hear so much bad news about Design in Malaysia. I was wondering where all the designers hang out? Is anyone into these co-working spaces? or is most designers on forums mostly?

hire internal graphic designer more cost saving than outsource

Graphic Designing, Playing an important in the field of Marketing. Graphic Designing is the main Piller of Product Branding. Now a Days Graphic Designing are very valuable edge in Digital marketing like Facebook and Google Ads...

I think you have some good points.
Especially those that are not willing to pay decently.
That could be demotivating for aspiring designers.

Another thing is there are templates available online. Making a designer's job look easier than it truly is. Templates are meant to speed up the process and acts as a base but not many people view it that way.

There are probably a couple of bad apples that spoiled it for everyone. Designers that show the process to clients and tell them how easy it is. Trust me, I saw it happening quite a lot.
It's probably an ego thing, like "look how I did it, simple and easy".

A lot of those people started out very early.

I have heard Jay Lim's talks before. I feel that the stuff that he is promoting is mostly about money and fame. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

But as design students, we are looking for more on inspirations and cool projects. And how did the person overcome dreadful situations in the industry. What are the learning processes that one takes. Not some self bragging stuff to boast their ego.

And on the low pennies part, someone used to tell me something wise that not everyone wants to be a boss. Not everyone wants to do freelance. Working for companies and with people is just as great. If you are talking money, then they are offering good salaries too.

The talks and sharing from those successful bosses, often make it sound like you ALSO can and should be like them.
But what if I don't want to be like them, then there is nothing left to hear.

In my experience...to be a "good" designer..first of all...its not all only about designs..brush up on your presentation skills..meaning...learn more of those boombastics english words..dont go use pasar malam words when u speak...speak clearly and accurately when u present your works..practice makes perfect...position yourself as the client then ask questions that u think as a consumer would ask...after all..its all about simple logic...do some homework before u go meet new clients..mostly go through their webpages or even better..identify their competitors...get response or feedback from clients...dont do too much of non-related topics chatters ...get to the point...if not u will end up having a confused client..and sudden awkward silence...at the same time..roll your eyes over the meeting room..observe..spot the person who has the deciding power..smile and pay more attention there...

..learn more about basics marketing matters in general..keep up to date on general info..dont be a square headed designer..if your cant be the best designer...atleast..market yourself as a competent(never push datelines)person..trusted one.

ok..thats what i can think of at this moment...so many things to say...so liitle time...sooo lazy to type...30+ years as a freelancer...visualiser..designer..illustrator and small-time advert house owner.(retired)...been there done that...good luck to u all.