A traveller comes across a local craftsman carving ornate elephants out of wood. Fascinated by the craftsman’s skill and the beauty of each and every wooden elephant, the traveller asks the craftsman, “How do you make such beautiful elephants?”. The craftsman responds, “First, I take my block of wood. Then, I take my trusty carving knife. And I carve away everything that is not an elephant.”

Don’t Mind If’s inaugural communications design community and industry survey report provides a much needed and overdue introspection into Singapore’s creative industry. If you’re part of this colourful community, considering a path in it or even just curious, grab a copy and peak at the consolidated perspectives on what makes it tick.

Unlike specific octopi or cuttlefish, arguably the masters in the art of camouflage, decorator crabs do not have the natural ability to effortlessly replicate the colours and/ or textures of our environment. Instead, I must invest in my environment in order to pass off as nearly as masterful in this artform. My motives for survival are clearly different from yours as students of creativity. But I believe we share common ground in the pursuit of our respective artforms.

“My mission is to get people to engage with the design that they care about so they begin to pay attention to all forms of design… When you decode the world with design intent in mind, the world becomes kind of magical.” - Roman Mars

Any razor promises a clean shave but the old man blade’s design appears to have tactically considered its value to its target user, superseding its primary function.

What does it mean to “support local”?

Life at the edge is tough but never a dull moment. You are constantly positioned for change and uncertainty; nothing seems to be ever good enough.

We miss you, Dad.

We celebrate the MTMF’s contributions to the design community over the last decade, the Fund’s donors, managers and beneficiaries as well as the people and institutions preparing our next generation of creatives.

Instrumental in developing international design relationships, Tan recognised the importance of highlighting Singapore design on a global scale.

He concluded by saying business is no longer the same and we all must be prepared for change. A deep silence followed.