VIRUS: NICE TO MEET YOU
During the mentorship challenge with local design agency Fable, I was tasked to produce visual content for their second issue of VIRUS. About We've all encountered them before, one way or another – that old uncle who smiles and sings to himself at your void deck, that child who can't seem to sit still, or that classmate who always smiled, but hung himself on one of those perfectly fine days. Struggle is real; we struggle in different ways, be it because of toxic relationships, family problems, etc. People often say that we choose our own battles – which is true, but not always for some. Bandages are often used to protect flesh wounds, but what is used to protect a mental abnormality? VIRUS: Nice To Meet You captures stories from ordinary people who have somehow experienced or witnessed a hidden part of every human existence – the other end of the spectrum, the crazy end, the dark recess. How can we better understand people around us? Text by: Fable "Almost one year in the making - VIRUS: Nice To Meet You. It began with me wanting to understand the taboo topic of mental health on a surface level. But it is always going to be a can of worms. Every single person whom we've spoken to have battled or know someone dear who have battled before. Some have won, but many haven't. Mental scars don't usually heal - they are like pages in your life waiting to be opened again. Or you can choose to bury them forever. You get looked down upon, judged, dismissed as what Singaporeans call Siao. Most battle it daily themselves, afraid to share their pain with anyone, concealing it underneath layers of forced smiles and imaginary band aids. Thank you to those who have contributed in one way or another - I cannot express my appreciation enough for how brave you are to share. Not many have the courage. Thank you to those who have done research and contributed statistics and informative content. Thank you to those who worked on the designs and have had to hold deep breaths to create the visuals. It is not done like a dry, pedagogic guidebook, but I made sure it is not a highbrow compilation either. I have been asked - "how do you find the balance?" In such battles, there is no balance. These situations are wrecked, confusing and anarchical. You just have to make the best of it. I have lost count the number of times I had to walk away while reading the stories while working on it. I never thought it was going to be easy. I just didn't expect it to be so hard. Simply one of the hardest project I've worked on - and some might say - "you asked for it". Yes I did. We, as a society, have to be brave to approach it." - Jia Hui Tan, Fable Click here to purchase |
These are the designs that I had came up with for the publication.
100% Woven High Quality Tote Bag
Dimensions: 40cm (L) x 35cm (W) x 25.5cm approx (handles)
Click here to purchase
Dimensions: 40cm (L) x 35cm (W) x 25.5cm approx (handles)
Click here to purchase