TAPE Magazine Team: Unraveling the International Design Day Theme “Is It Kind?”

Writing has been a subtle joy for me as I am able to dictate into words the places I go to the people I meet. As it goes on, this will be the second year in which I am able to share this writing passion of mine as part of the  TAPE Magazine Team at INTI Center of Art and Design (ICAD).

Read all about it here.

In this first issue for 2024, the team had collectively decided to delve into matters and drive discussions in line with the International Design Day theme “Is It Kind?” And with that thought in mind, I was gladden at the chance to interview an old student of mine, Hafiz Hakim, whom I saw grow in knowledge and skills from our very own ICAD’s Foundation in Design programme into the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Interior Design in Collaboration with Sheffield Hallam Univesity. Although fairly new to the industry, Hafiz shares on how his creative perception has evolved through the years from hia educational journey into the périls of the creative industry.

(Clockwise) Excerpt from our Special Feature Designer, Yeo Sue-Jane aka. OhDoodlez, insights with Novak Batik, and one of the works of Hafiz Hakim.

Indulging further into the art scenes, my fellow colleague Reia had the grand opportunity to interview a batik muse, Novak Batik. She shares how she has grown through the years and the collaborations accomplished, to name a few – Samsung, Gucci, Converse, and many more. Her journey and creative process truly inspire as she narrates her genuine aspirations to grow through learning from mistakes.

A post from Semua House KL

Taking in on the scenic and deep appreciation for local architecture is another colleague Adleena as she shares on the prime restoration to glory of Semua House, KL. A long forgotten building that once stood in the heart of KL’s textile hustle & bustle, today the refurbished Semua House stands as the latest hangout for young families and their elders.

Last but not forgetting, a special mention to another colleague whom I had the chance to interview – Yeo Sue-Jane but better known to her fans as ohDoodlez. I was deeply honoured to have gotten a closer in-depth into her not just as an art educator and fellow colleague but also as a fellow artist.

OhDoodlez on her KLIF journey

That said, you too should read all about it and don’t forget to drop a comment or two if you want to be part of TAPE Magazine next time.

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I’m Melissa

Welcome to Beamuse Designs— a creative space where curiosity meets intention. Here, ideas aren’t just shared; they are observed, interpreted and woven into stories that inform how we see, design and experience the world. Through reflective essays, visual explorations and design thinking, this site invites students, educators, makers and thoughtful wanderers to slow down, look again and think deeper about the connections between creativity, culture and practice.

Each post is a waypoint — a place to think, question and collect meaning — because good design starts with observation and ends with insight.

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