STUDIO SQUAT

I’ve been writing a lot lately. Not into the void, but rather on paper, notepads, my phone, especially when I commute. Wearing a writer’s hat today — updated the studio’s site with 2 new fonts, new headlines. No ‘brand-identity’ no ‘positioning’ no ‘design system’. Finally gave the projects the context they deserves. 🧢 Jona

There’s a distinct position where the studio sits. Commercial work is tied to a budget, a fixed timeline, a room full of people who has earned their seat. You need them to say yes. The work has to sell no matter what, because that is the brief. Meanwhile, designing for artist is an entirely different case. The environment you’re in — hours of conversation to see if it feels right emotionally. Feel is the right word here. You need to design something that get a full body yes reaction. Not just from yourself, but from the artist. And that’s the only way to protect their work and their identity. Working on the next version with @mrmoneywang , and I’m confident it’ll finally contain the body of work alongside the artist himself. Follow to see us launch. Soon. Jona - Branding and Logomark by @valenlim820 @hammamhidayat

We’ve been reading WEARSTLERWORLD on repeat lately; and we want to bring 4 of you in with us. @kellywearstler ‘s @substack is one of those rare places where design thinking actually breathes. Raw references, personal obsessions, the way she moves between art, architecture, and interiors — it’s the kind of creative diet every serious designer deserves. So we’re gifting 4 monthly subscriptions. On us. To enter: → Follow @studio.squat → Drop a comment with two things: the design movement that shaped you + the aesthetic you keep coming back to We’ll choose 4 winners in 24 hours. Worldwide. No catch. This one’s for the ones who take design seriously. 🤍🤎 Sincerely, @jjonalim

D&D this elevator 🛗 portfolio website for our friends @dualspacestudio @dss.lab 3D @daydreamflymoon Design & Development @jjonalim

@wilsonleeceo An extreme multitasker and high performer in his element. Our prompt for @ethanwongtzeng for this campaign KV - Extreme close-up shot of the founder - Wilson in a chamber-esque location - Grit / Clenched / Gladiator - An unflinching gaze, eyes locked - The essence of relentless pursuit - CEO | Dad of 3 | still training ***This is not ai*** Client @stayupbound CD @jjonalim AD @ethanwongtzeng Light @adamwongmf MUHA @fififi_fiona_____ Creative team @dwnldddd @ja.a.ke 🌐 web URL : upbound.day

When @wilsonleeceo sent me that WhatsApp brief in May, I knew he was onto something. I’d never been so excited to receive a detailed website brief so casually. @dwnldddd , our head of creative, instantly grasped the intensity of this brand. The challenge? We had no imagery. The brand was new. Its identity skeleton was solid but not visible yet. Then the Ghibli AI wave hit and the world became obsessed with using AI for image-making. Our website identity hit a wall - a visual one. July 2025. Our whole team was on sabbatical in beautiful Langkawi when Wilson dropped the text : ‘can u work with this budget for brand image’. Everything came together. While sipping gula melaka at 5pm, sunset, breeze - I asked if @ethanwongtzeng was down for this challenge. Days later we flew back to KL. Sabbatical over. Now we had 2 teams: Tech & Image creation. Never imagined I’d be leading teams to build a site completely from scratch, including every single image. Fast forward to November - what you see now is undeniable teamwork across clients & creative, async on business and world-building. Here’s the photography outcome. We will be posting more about behind the scenes, the installation we cooked and raw sketches later on. I’m eternally grateful. Sincerely, Jona Visit 🌐 upbound.day @stayupbound Rolling Credits Man of Upbound @wilsonleeceo Producer & Creative Direction @jjonalim Head of Creative @dwnldddd Photography & Art Direction @ethanwongtzeng Tastemaker @ja.a.ke Coordination @brandonsohh Writer & Tonality : Michelle & @isofeabelle Light & Gaffer @4hmdwaidaya Stylist @fififi_fiona_____ MUHA @bwendacsy Talent @gil__13.31 @mr.louis.pierre

Custom Cantonese Logotype for @cantoyayfest Check out @cantoyayfest for dazzling creative direction and art, paired with masterfully crafted identity design by the one and only @thezhongshanbuilding resident @valenlim820 ✏️ & @hammamhidayat #typography #typeface #classicism #cantonese #digitalarchive #作字

Branding & Identity work for @artsproud.world 🟢🟠🟢🟠 #logomark #logotype