Type Designer · Designer
Working at a design agency is like a never-ending adventure.
As a creative, it’s easy to get stuck in a single-minded idea.
BP&O’s Emily Gosling reviews Foreign Policy’s branding for Makan, a Singaporean restaurant in Mexico City founded by Mario Malváez and Maryann Yong. The identity fuses Singaporean and Mexican cultural cues through expressive illustration, a bold color palette, and an eclectic mix of typefaces. The result is a maximal yet thoughtful design that avoids clichés and celebrates vernacular influences.
The Brand Identity’s interview with Foreign Policy designer Sylvester Tan explores his approach to culturally informed, conceptual design and storytelling. Tan discusses his journey into design, his experiences at the Singapore-based studio, and personal projects like Getai Kitch, which reimagines traditional cultural performances through design. The conversation highlights his curiosity, research-driven process, and passion for connecting design with culture and identity.