Crystal Lui, Cassie Lien and Ya'Qub Mir takeover Fuse Manchester

Since the start of the year, Fuse Manchester commissioned takeovers every month — featuring Manchester-based multi-disciplinary visual communicator, Crystal Lui, graphic and communication design student at University of Leeds, Cassie Lien and graphic designer at SUN Branding, Ya’Qub Mir.

From harbouring a love of print and publication, to sharing insights into a self-initiated podcast series, to lessons learnt within the industry, all three takeovers delved into various projects and stories between the months of January and March across Fuse Manchester’s socials.

We’ve put together abstracts from each takeover… just in case you’ve have missed them.

Crystal Lui’s Takeover: Hong Kong Love Letter, Inferno and Manchester Music Scene

“In a recent WIP project, I started looking into my identity as a Hong Kong native. Amongst the political turmoil that has occurred in Hong Kong the past few years, I took the time to reflect and celebrate the qualities of an autonomous country that has helped shaped my life and those around me. I discuss how Hong Kong is a place where east meets west, a beautiful amalgamation of land and sea, and the numerous souls it inhabits. I used my penchant for layout and editorial design as a way to depict themes of nostalgia, duality, and intimacy.

My involvement in the Manchester music scene draws from a personal cause of promoting diversity and inclusivity within the creative industry. Being an Asian woman, I have first-hand experience with prejudice and aim to uplift other POCs and cultures within music, art & design. I’ve been involved with a range of musical collectives local to Manchester - most notably Me Gusta & Heliocentric- creating work that adapts to different cultural themes and concepts.”

Look back at Crystal Lui’s takeover in full here.

Cassie Lien’s Takeover: Better Late Than Never, Taiwan and Leeds RAG Fashion Show

“Better Late Than Never podcast is a passion project I’ve been working on with two other design students, Alice Chen and Tanya Dare, who I collaborated with in creating the brand identity. I wanted to start this project because as a podcast lover, I’ve found that listening to voices of others can bring a sense of community and a form of mental support.

I like anything that has to do with type because I am fond of structure. Inspired by my favourite designer, Jennet Liaw, I’ve created this illustrative typography that spells out the word, ‘TAIWAN’. Each of the letters represents a personal and cultural association I have with this beautiful island I grew up in.”

Look back at Cassie Lien’s takeover in full here.

Ya’Qub Mir’s Takeover: Lessons Learnt (Enjoy Your Work, Surround Yourself With Good People, Take Breaks)

“Over the last two years of working professionally it has become more and more obvious to me that it is important to allow ourselves to enjoy the work that we do.

Design can be serious, but it doesn’t have to be solemn. In brand design there is always a portion of time dedicated to getting the brands overarching messaging and strategy correct. There are moments where that can be stressful and a lot of creatives (myself included) can fall into the trap of overthinking and even more so creatives put a lot of pressure on themselves to create the best pieces of work every single time they start a new project.

As a Muslim growing up, I always had a feeling that maybe I didn’t belong, that I would always be looked at different and I would never really be accepted and would never be allowed to express my personality and cultural differences comfortably.

I initially took that and held onto it. I struggled when it came to researching designers at college because I felt I could never relate to the industry I wanted so desperately to be a part of. No famous designers spotlighted throughout my time in education ever looked or sounded like me, and that hurt.”

Look back at Ya’Qub Mir’s takeover in full here.

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