Meet art director and designer from Kuala Lumpur, Michelle Ong.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m an art director by day, major foodie by night. An ENFJ, introverted extrovert to be more specific as I really enjoy my solitude. I can never live without music!

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

Being in a tropical country, the weather is either too hot and humid or too wet, so you’ll be soaked in sweat or rain. It’s a cozy yet vibrant city, people are generally friendly and helpful here. Speaking multiple languages in a single sentence or conversation is pretty common, so don’t be surprised!

It’s a cozy yet vibrant city, people are generally friendly and helpful here.

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

Hands down, food is the best thing in this city as we are blessed with a multicultural society! Most of us here are highly passionate and obsessed with food. I can’t think of the worst thing, but I personally don’t quite fancy the weather here as the sun can be really harsh most of the time, which would kinda affect the quality of life as we spend most of our time indoors with the AC or in the car braving the traffic.

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

Progressive, Challenging, Undervalued

How did you start your career in art?

After I graduated, thanks to my lecturer, I was given the opportunity to complete my internship in a design studio in Bangkok, Thailand, that really widen my views as a designer. Once I’m back in Kuala Lumpur, I was offered a job in her boutique PR firm as a communication designer and fortunate enough to be part of some exciting projects that helped our clients enable social change in their projects.

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

Absolutely, both my family and friends are really supportive and always there as my inspiration!

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

I’d definitely love to be involved in more meaningful work that gives back to society, locally or globally, as being able to help others brings me joy!

I’d definitely love to be involved in more meaningful work that gives back to society, locally or globally, as being able to help others brings me joy!

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

FKJ or FKA Twigs, I can’t decide!

How would you describe the women around you?

Talented but low self-esteem mostly

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

I admire the work of Annie Leibovitz. Her thought process and her ability in capturing the essence of her subjects.

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

Not really, it’s quite a fair game here.

Opportunity won’t come knocking on your door, if you want it, go out there and make it happen!

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

Don’t compromise your standards, stay true to what you believe in. Opportunity won’t come knocking on your door, if you want it, go out there and make it happen!

Photos courtesy of Michelle Ong.