Interview with an International Student at MICA, discussing their experiences with murals and life in Macau
In the vibrant city of Macau, a Special Administrative Region of China, graphic design is becoming an increasingly sought-after creative career, particularly among young people. One such individual is On On Lao, a graphic design student and accomplished illustrator based in Macau.
After graduating from the Maryland Institute College of Art in America with a B.F.A. in Illustration and Humanistic Studies, On On's professional goals include becoming a full-time or part-time graphic designer, or continuing to freelance, with a focus on book and layout design. Her current project involves illustrating and designing a book, showcasing her growing skills in core design, design thinking process, and problem-solving.
Macau's economy, heavily driven by the casino, hospitality, and entertainment industries, offers a dynamic market for graphic designers. These sectors require compelling visual communications for branding, marketing, events, and promotions, providing frequent freelance work for designers who can deliver engaging graphics that attract visitors and clientele.
Large resorts like Wynn Palace often seek graphic design expertise for communications and branding, although many roles appear to be full-time employment. However, they may occasionally outsource projects suitable for freelancers. Beyond large corporations, there is a growing demand for graphic design in local retail, restaurants, and small-to-medium enterprises seeking to establish or refresh their brand identity, packaging, menus, advertisements, and digital content.
Freelancers skilled in social media graphics, web design, UI/UX, and multimedia content creation could find opportunities as local businesses increase their online presence to attract customers. Macau hosts numerous cultural events, exhibitions, and trade shows where freelance designers are needed for promotional materials, signage, and branding to create a strong visual impact.
Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and video/motion design tools is highly regarded, as is experience in brand storytelling, layout, typography, and cross-media visual identity creation. Multi-disciplinary skills including UI/UX and interactive media design are advantageous.
Networking within expat and local creative communities and using platforms that connect freelancers with clients regionally and internationally are also crucial for success in Macau's freelance graphic design scene.
While full-time graphic design roles are available nearby (e.g., Hong Kong and regional hubs) offering steady work and salary, freelancing in Macau requires leveraging its niche markets and multicultural environment to find varied short-term or project-based contracts.
On On Lao collects design elements like posters, magazine pages, photos, tickets, and business cards to build her portfolio, which showcases her skills in murals, children's book illustrations, and more. Her design aesthetic sense has improved, treating blocks of text/type as shapes and images.
In her spare time, On On Lao enjoys playing kendo, the Japanese version of fencing. Macau, famous for its gambling tourism and the mix of Portuguese and Chinese culture, is located by the sea and adjacent to Hong Kong.
There are a number of small design firms in Macau offering services like graphic, web, product designs, branding, advertising, video production, animations, and more. On On Lao's study has helped her illustration practice, improving her ability to come up with visual concepts.
Macau was a Portuguese colony for over 400 years until 1999. Today, it continues to attract designers from around the world, offering a unique blend of opportunities and challenges for those seeking to make their mark in the field of graphic design. To view more of On On Lao's work, visit her portfolio site.
- On On Lao, a graphic design student in Macau, aspires to become a full-time or part-time graphic designer, or continue freelancing, with a focus on book and layout design, showcasing her skills in design thinking, problem-solving, and core design.
- Macau's vibrant economy, driven by sectors like hospitality, entertainment, and retail, offers a dynamic market for graphic designers, requiring compelling visual communications for branding, marketing, and promotions.
- Networking within expat and local creative communities, and using platforms that connect freelancers with clients regionally and internationally, are crucial for success in Macau's freelance graphic design scene.
- Macau attracts designers from around the world, offering a unique blend of opportunities and challenges for those seeking to make their mark in the field of graphic design, whether it's through traditional mediums like murals and children's book illustrations or digital content creation.
