There were days where many Malay words was used as Chinese language (verbal usage only). Things like: 1. "Longkang" (the water drain) 2. "Pannai" originate from Pandai (Smart) 3. "So-Mah" originate from Semua (All) Time has changed! The Malay people is picking up Chinese words (verbal use only) For eg: 1. "Ta-pau" (take away/to be packed) 2. "kau-Tim" (done) 3. "Pau" (Bribe/Pay for another person) The words mention was used by Malay to another Malay. I feel it's ok. Cause we are all Malaysian that have been living together for many decades. Language will eventually turned as one. And hopefully all Malaysian of all races will be as one as well. Happy Merdeka Day!

I've been running my own graphic design business for almost 2 years. There were successes and failures in the process, but what most important is that I gain experiences.

Starting your own design business

Most Malaysian would not start and do their own independent design business. I was one of them before. There were many fears to overcome before taking this step in design industry. Maybe it's because of the way we were brought up by family in this region of the world. People around often gives advices that actually scares a person towards making that decision. Things like, "What if it doesn't work out?" & "What if no jobs and who is going to pay your bills?". These questions will only create fear instead of motivating. I'm not saying all those are false statements, it's all true.. but nothing comes easy in life.. one should take the risk. What is the worst possible situation going to be? If things gets really bad, one can actually look for a 9-5 jobs again. And with the time used for that risk, you actually gained experience and built up a better portfolio.

Comparing my current work with my previous employment

I used to work for a media company in Kuala Lumpur as a junior creative and promoted to Head of Creative Department. a 9am-5.30pm job. The pay was just 'so-so' (Graphic designers in Malaysia doesn't make a lot). It's only enough to pay bills, car installments, and having fun with mates. Not much of saving.. with that little amount and you wanna have some savings, I has to cut down on entertainments. But, what is life if you only work and pay bills? Ever since I started my own design business, things has changed a lot. My salary has gone up by 400%. I have the flexibility of working hours. So it's basically "Own Business = Less Working Hour + Better Pay". Everyone should give it a go and take the risk. What else makes me happy? Since I'm working at home, I'm avoiding heavy rush hours on the road which save me a lot of money on fuel and parking. Need more things to convince you how life is better? A lot of expenses can be put as company expenses to reduce tax. Means there is no limitation of assets (Company property).

Any difficulties running my own show?

Of course there are difficulties running your own show. Have to be careful of clients who are so-called "conman". They might ask you for a task, once they received it, they copied it, then returned it and say rejected and cancelled the job. Always remember to have (1) Deposits or/and (2) Purchasing Order aka "PO" from client before starting the mock up or the actual product. Another main problems would be Payment Terms. Always stated the payment terms on your invoice, best if they are Cash On Delivery aka "COD". But usually big companies or enterprises would require a time frame to prepare the payment. Sometimes clients like to meet or give instructions over the phone, I usually don't do it that way. I will prefer it to emailed (or fax if you wish) me on the instructions. Why? Human will always be human, where they might change their mind at the last minute, or, totally forgot to give a certain instructions, or even forgot what instructions they gave. Always have a Black and White written will save your ass being shot. If there is any problem occurred, check on the black and white again. Clients may NOT be ALWAYS RIGHT! Another problem that may show up is about prices. People tend to compare prices in Malaysia instead of job quality. Why are they so many so-called freelance graphic designers in Malaysia that wants to be CHEAP? they are just desperate for money. I won't blame "some of them" because they are basically 'computer operators' instead of designers. They only learned how to compile an artwork, not to design an artwork. That's why they are cheap. But quality wise.. you make the call. There is a reason people go study design courses. Experiences everyone will get eventually.. but if you don't know the basic.. how can one go advance? there is a saying "Sometimes rules are made to be broken, but first you must know how to follow them".

Am I a good designer or a good 'prostitute'?

I would say I'm both. When clients want something they don't know, I'm a good designer providing artworks. But when clients knows what they want & it's crap.. I will be a good designer first, if they reject, I will be their prostitute doing all the crap they want. Majority will want everything to be filled up and go the maximum usage on a artwork, but that is not what designers are trained for. Designers are trained to make things look 'pretty' and functional. If clients do not like the 'pretty' and functional, and insist on the crap they want.. advice them why it's not working well. If they still don't understand.. well.. just be a prostitute and do what they want. Usually these kind of crap work will not end up in my portfolio.