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Miko Lim

MalaysiaGraphic

Interviews with Miko Lim

Read the interviews with Miko Lim: understand their philosophy, creative process and award-winning work.

Designer Profile

Designer of the Day Interview

18 questions

I have been a graphic designer since 2006, which has changed my quality of life. The second company I worked in after graduation, Zhizis Publisher was the navigation that led me to the direction of designer life.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

I have been a graphic designer since 2006, which has changed my quality of life. The second company I worked in after graduation, Zhizis Publisher was the navigation that led me to the direction of designer life. This company made me find a sense of accomplishment in my design. I am honored to have received the preference and choice of many customers after starting my own business Miko Creative since 2006. This is the most precious motivation for persisting in making breakthroughs.

How did you become a designer?

I have been habitually contributing to painting competitions for publications since I was kid. After graduating from high school, because I thought of the art editor in the publication, I asked the magazine to ask what department to study to be an art editor, and then I went to apply for additional self-study and participate in related competitions. My mother was the first to discover my design talent. She encouraged me to persist in being a designer. She told me that she was proud of my performance in the design world.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

Before designing, I will first understand the client's company positioning and style, and understand its opponent characteristics. Next, I will identify the characteristics of the company and emphasize them in my works to make this a highlight. Normally, I'd hand drafts on A4 paper, after that only modified in Adobe Illustrator.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

I always have a sense of anticipation when designing. The design process I was most excited is when I find the entry point, this key makes the artwork be a surprise.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

I have loved participating in drawing competitions and hand-made since I was a child. This foundation is very good for working as a graphic designer. In this designer's career, my mother has the greatest influence on me. I have had to give up when a designer, my mother felt sorry for me and asked me to find yourself. I am also grateful that I returned to the field of design for the success that I continued to create later.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

I really like the story and meaning behind each design.

I hope that when you think of loyalty and love, you will think of me, just like the message from this award-winning work. So I hope to make it into pendants and accessories, so that everyone with the same idea as me wants to have it.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

For designers who are just starting out, I suggest to keep trying and learning, get in touch with different styles and characters, and find the most suitable design direction for them.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

As a professional designer, you may unconsciously stick to your own ideas and ignore the advantages and disadvantages of design for clients. I think from a commercial point of view, if customers are looking for our help, we should also stand on the third party, that is, our customers’ customer perspective and strike a balance between art and practicality.

What is your day to day look like?

Every morning I most enjoy coffee time, carefully prepared nutritious breakfast, this is a good start to my day necessary. I let myself look at beautiful and innovative things every day, which makes me feel that everyone is working hard to make the world a better place. When I am bored, I always want to have a cup of coffee and shop online, which makes me feel very relaxed.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

As long as you care about the world all the time, the works will naturally blend into the times.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

I value the impression and practicality of design. Beautiful design may not be impressive, but impressive design must produce value. Good design should be spread positive education, as much as possible to avoid spread negative energy.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

After the design is complete I will not immediately sent to the customer, usually I will first review of his engaging and attractive. When i feel satisfied, I will continue to be distributed to customers and other projects.

What is your biggest design work?

So far, the design work I am most proud of is SK Joaillerie Corporate Identity. When I searched for the meaning of these two fishes, I wanted to spread the world and remind people who believe in love of its preciousness. Although the client did not work in the jewelry industry in the end, I have already applied for a patent and intend to make this legend truly practice.

Who is your favourite designer?

Apple logo designer Rob Janoff and Starbucks logo designer Terry Heckler. I like the intention to create or extend interesting stories for the logo, which makes me feel that there is infinite intention behind each simple.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

I like Europe very much. The architecture of this country is always shocking and produces historical images in my mind. When I do design, I like to listen to music, unlimited types. I think culture does affect a person's design style and uniqueness, which is why there is no final winner in design, only works that go beyond and beyond. After all, the world has become more advanced and beautiful in these tiny transcendences.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

I have certain requirements for works, so the orders I receive are limited. My job is not easy, it is time-consuming, not every customer can be considerate. I have partners, and I focus on partners who can communicate and run-in, because I am a person who is willing to sacrifice my time to complete client work. Many people who disrespect originality will give us this type of artist language attacks. My task is to know what I do and work hard for those who choose me. This is a must-have for a good designer.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

I mainly contribute to orphanage charity, because the birth of those orphans has no choice, they must be supported. I come from a poor family, when I was kid, I wanted to learn to paint but didn't have the financial means. I could only stand outside the fence and envy the children who could attend the class. I can’t guide every young designers because everyone’s creations are different. The only thing I can do is not to sell too low a price, so that new designers have more price advantages and opportunities.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A' Design Award?

A’Design is the first design competition I participated in more than ten years after graduating. It helped me regain my initial motivation! This design competition has greatly increased the recognition of my customers. Having this competition makes me feel like I am back on campus, making extraordinary works more actively, challenging and surpassing my origin. Getting this award make me attention to the quality of the works produced.

Design Legend Interview

48 questions

I love drawing when I was a kid. I participated in all kinds of drawing and coloring contest as many as I could and I did well in those contest. That's where I had my drawing and coloring tools.

Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

I love drawing when I was a kid. I participated in all kinds of drawing and coloring contest as many as I could and I did well in those contest. That's where I had my drawing and coloring tools. After high school, I furthered my study into Mass Communication so that I can pursue my career as a magazine or newspaper layout artist. I started to focus mainly on artwork design after receiving recognition from the company.

What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

The beauty of art.

Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

I wish to be a business women, but i forced to become a graphic designer.

What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

Visual Identity with story or meaningful.

What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

Accept criticize with an open heart, passionate, and never stop learning.

What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

Good designer making a design what she like, great designer create a design what client need.

What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

Different people has different view, but the design has attracted most of people.

What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

Fine feathers make fine birds, this is the value of good design.

What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

i will design art vector for prepare my client poster every week when i had extra time.

What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?

Chain store

What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

look more, learn more and think out of the box.

What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

Able to attract people's attention.

How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

Think out of the box.

If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?

Business woman.

How do you define design, what is design for you?

To transform an ordinary to unordinary.

Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

My mother because she felt very proud to have a designer daughter like me.

What helped you to become a great designer?

There are many great designers in the world and this will be my motivation to be better.

What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

Lack of acknowledgment from the people where I came from.

How do you think designers should present their work?

Find a balance between customer's idea and self experience.

What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

Amethyst gem handmade soap. Create more wonderful products with breakthrough sales.

What's your ultimate goal as a designer?

Own a work that has been passed down through the ages.

What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

The artwork outcome exceeds expectation.

How does design help create a better society?

Brings happiness

What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

The final outcome.

Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

SK Joaillerie corporate identity because the outcome exceeds my expectation as well as my client.

What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

More dedicated and creative newcomers continue to emerge.

Where do you think the design field is headed next?

Own brand.

How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

Depends on artwork complexity.

When you have a new design project, where do you start?

Brainstorming

What is your life motto as a designer?

Think out of the box.

Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

Design sets the trends.

What is the role of technology when you design?

Able to undo.

What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

The success or failure of a work.

What do you wish people to ask about your design?

How and where do you get this inspiration.

When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

Wow! The designer's mindset is too powerful.

Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

I believe but is not easy to find such co-designer.

Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

Imaginative

Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

I think it should be mighty google.

How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

Never to stop learning.

Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

My soulmate.

How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

Awards help to enhance the recognition of designers. The popularity and professionalism of a designer will greatly enhance the results customers want.

What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

Color; white and black

Place; a place with love

Food; chocolate

Season; autumn

Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

When everyone is very hungry and placing their food order, you are busy analyzing their menu design.

What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

Never stop learning.

When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

I love drawing when I was a kid. I participated in all kinds of drawing and coloring contest as many as I could and I did well in those contest. That's where I had my drawing and coloring tools.

What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

The earth is no longer the earth that I used to know.

Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

Thank you for giving me an opportunity to serve you.

Designer Interview

38 questions

I've always loved drawing since I was a child, often using the margins of newspapers as my canvas and winning awards in various painting competitions.

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

I've always loved drawing since I was a child, often using the margins of newspapers as my canvas and winning awards in various painting competitions. After graduating from high school and working for a year, I found myself still longing for art and creativity, so I decided to further my education and successfully became a designer.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

Miko Creative is a Small Office Home Office (SOHO) established since 2010. Our company specializes in brand design and large-scale printing, operating as a dedicated studio for brand design solutions.

What is "design" for you?

Conception and planning for problem solving and incorporating an element of surprise into the design. Call out the little idea from each people.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

Work that allows me to have ample space for creativity.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

Corporate Identity, because I can incorporate a hidden message or story or meaning behind the design.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

First thing i designed for a company is corporate identity.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

Adobe Illustrator

When do you feel the most creative?

When I am in positive mind.

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

Practicality.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

I feel excited and happy all the time because I appreciate every opportunities given by my client.

What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

Excited, Satisfaction, and Grateful!

What makes a design successful?

Inspiration and matching.

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

Practicality.

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

Bring positive educational messages and a sense of beauty.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

Influence people from feeling that they don't need to be sure. Design is to create the future.

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

2019, A' Design Award, Como Italy.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

Positive Mind, Relaxing Environment, and the research from other designers.

How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

Freestyle with practicality and meaning. Appreciate every little things and details in life and things around us, so as to stay creatively. & research, diligently.

Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

Malaysia. Malaysia cultural heritage does not really affects for my designs. Although to a certain extend, it does shape the way i work and play, my views and my values and these does count to my ultimate design. But I do tend to read and reference to the outside world more through internet or traveling so I don’t really feel the cultural heritage of Malaysia affects my design to a certain extend. Malaysia government is not really focus and support designing line.

How do you work with companies?

Communicate, treat yourself as a client, and make appropriate positioning.

What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

Give more time and respect, because good communication will be achieved good results. Companies select a good designer can refer her artwork and review from designer client.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

Research, planning, trying, create.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

Plant platter, window painting, food platter, wall design and car decoration.

Can you describe a day in your life?

Interesting and freedom.

Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

Accept criticize with an open heart, passionate, and never stop learning.

From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

Positive side is when you receive recognition and appreciation on your work.Negative side is very stressful and might lead into depression if you can not find your way out of it.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

To have at least a same point of view between customer and myself when comes to design.

What skills are most important for a designer?

Most of the designers have skills, but I think what matters the most is the mindset of a designer.

Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

Adobe Illustrator, Pen Tool.

Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

Self Discipline

How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

Depends on what job and customer's request.

What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

How and where did those ideas came from.

Who are some of your clients?

Cafe Owners, Hotel Owners, Museum, Jewelry Boutiques and etc.

What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

Visual Identity because is the key of a company image.

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

To pursue my career in oversea. Create more shocking art.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

I design alone, but teamwork when doing project.

How can people contact you?

Via social media, like whatsapp, wechat, email or line.

Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

No, thank you.

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Data Source

The designer interview questions and answers published in our interview page with Miko Lim come from Designer Interviews, the international platform where world's top designers, star architects, creators and innovators are interviewed.