My name is Lester Lim and I am the Creative Director of Creaxis Design. I started the company in 1999 together with my partners Marc and Yang. Nearly two decades later, all three of us are still here. Our original focus was below-the-line advertising, but we have backgrounds in print and broadcast media, as well. In addition to package and 3D paper design, we specialize in advertising and content creation for digital platforms. Creaxis currently has 7 employees.

The Creaxis portfolio includes online creative content, including videos, infographics and 3D animation. We have a long history of creating traditional above- and below-the-line materials, including TV & radio spots, print & press ads, brochures, in-store display materials, marketing tools and press kits. My day-to-day role involves managing the workflow and ensuring that the creative approach we take is consistent with both company and client expectations.

Awards are important, insofar as they validate our work in a way that is independent of client satisfaction—the most pragmatic of validations. Winning 2018 Muse Creative Awards tells us that we have gone beyond the expected and created something that is worthy of wider recognition. This is very gratifying.

Media and technology will continue to evolve, and in order to remain relevant—that is, to survive—creative agencies will evolve right along with them. Yet, basic design principles—the foundation on which creativity is built—will remain relatively unchanged.

1. I learn something new every day. That is the nature of today’s creative environment. It’s exciting and motivating and absolutely essential. If you’re not learning, you’re going extinct. 2. I love the camaraderie. This is a people-centric business, and meeting and working with individuals from all walks of life is a great pleasure. From clients to creatives, it’s people that make all the difference. 3. Perhaps my greatest joy comes from the fact that three like-minded people could come together and form a company that has thrived for almost twenty years. We’re still together, and we’re still having fun.

Yoda. Because with us the force is.

Singapore is unique for many reasons, but perhaps the most significant is the fact that there are three primary cultures, four official languages, and a constant stream of visitors from all over the world. In this environment, one learns to be truly cosmopolitan, because creative endeavours are often required to transcend cultural boundaries.

Never be disheartened by the obstacles and rejections you are bound to face in this industry. Instead, consider them to be opportunities for growth and embrace these challenges!

Read, watch, listen, learn and always be mindful of what’s really going on around you. Of course, you should practice your skill. If you’re a designer, design. If you're a writer, write. If you’re an illustrator, draw. It seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people neglect their skills.

I’ve never eaten chunky peanut butter.

Consistency. It’s said that “life is a marathon, not a sprint,” and I believe this to be true—at least in terms of success. You set a goal and you consistently move toward it. It’s not going to be easy, but then, no goal worth reaching ever is.