Meet graphic designer from Kuala Lumpur, Magdalene Wong of Where’s Gut Studio.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

A Graphic Designer, graduated in Hong Kong and currently stays in K.L., Malaysia. Most of my works are branding & visual identity for clients of big and small. A family of 4 cats & 4 dogs!

To be more precise, here is a proper introduction: Creative Director, Founder of Where’s Gut Studio

Received BA with Honours in Communication Design from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, she is a graphic designer who currently lives in Kuala Lumpur. She believes in sustainable business model and human-centered design that supports issues such as human equality, animal rights, culture, and environment. Her work encompasses brand identities, print, digital, and signage systems, created in collaborations with professional organisations, retail, and fashion brands. To date, she has worked on projects for UOA Hospitality, Nike, Air Asia, Carlo Rino, Good Vibes Festival, to name a few.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

The culture diversity in this city is very energetic and fresh, you have different cultures colliding and produces new things all the time.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

Best: Considerably low cost of living and doing business. Friendly people & diversity! Close to nature.

Worst: The weather. It’s summer all year long.

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Challenging, exciting & fun!

How did you start your career in art?

Upon returning to KL from Hong Kong, I joined the design studio LIE and I haven’t stopped doing graphic design since.

Upon returning to KL from Hong Kong, I joined the design studio LIE and I haven’t stopped doing graphic design since.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

My friends and family were very supportive even though most of them do not understand what graphic designer actually does. I am always grateful for that!

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

To spread positivity and connect people through genuinely good work!

To spread positivity and connect people through genuinely good work!

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

My cat. Probably a cat biography.

How would you describe the women around you?

Independent, lighthearted, genuine.

Independent, lighthearted, genuine.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

The Late Yasmin Ahmad (film director, writer, scriptwriter, and also a former Executive Creative Director in Leo Burnett Kuala Lumpur). Apart from being a great creative person, She is also very observant, compassionate, and open-minded. She sees the beauty in everyone, which is very hard in the world now. She made me understand beauty can be in any form and anywhere. The most notable work in my mind is “Tan Hong Ming”, a Petronas TV commercial.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

Not really, as long as you are confident and knowledgeable enough. Always convey your message in your work and let them speak for you.

Know what you’re doing, expose yourself to all sorts of things different from your industry, and be open-minded – embrace the odd and unusual.

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Know what you’re doing, expose yourself to all sorts of things different from your industry, and be open-minded – embrace the odd and unusual. Be confident, be different.

Photos courtesy of Magdalene Wong.