INDEX offers a more dimensional view of the design landscape across Asia by introducing design studios and companies that demonstrate clear design philosophies and notable achievements. Spanning graphic design, branding, spatial design, product, digital, and motion, INDEX focuses on emerging practices and looks beyond portfolios to examine how they work, where their ideas come from, and what they stand for. Rather than cataloguing projects, INDEX documents the design language and attitudes shaped by local identity, industry, and cultural environments across Asia.
“Wang Zhi Hong, Manita Songserm, and Inksurge represent the power of the singular vision in Asian graphic design. Unlike large agencies, these independent studios operate with a focus on craftsmanship and personal philosophy. In Taiwan, Wang Zhi Hong has redefined the landscape of book design, treating text as a visual texture and managing his own publishing imprints. In Thailand, Manita Songserm operates at the intersection of art and design, known for her experimental typography and structural precision. In the Philippines, Inksurge blends analog techniques with bold visual identity, creating tactile and gritty work for the music and entertainment industries. Together, they demonstrate that the most powerful design often comes from the quietest and most focused voices.”
Taiwan



Studio: Wang Zhi Hong
Profile: Wang Zhi Hong is a leading graphic designer and art director in Taiwan who has profoundly influenced book design in the Chinese speaking world since 2000. He is a member of AGI Alliance Graphique Internationale and is renowned for his mastery of typography, treating text as a visual texture and structural element rather than just information. Uniquely, he runs his own publishing imprints, INSIGHT and SOURCE, introducing international works by artists like Tadanori Yokoo and Takuma Nakahira to the Taiwanese market. His work is characterized by a disciplined and modernist aesthetic, establishing a distinct visual language that blends classicism with contemporary graphic design.
Thailand



Studio: Manita Songserm
URL: https://manita-s.tumblr.com
Profile: Manita Songserm is a Bangkok based graphic designer and a member of Alliance Graphique Internationale AGI, known for her work that sits at the intersection of art and design. Her practice began with exhibition design at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, leading to a portfolio defined by experimental typography and structural precision. She is particularly recognized for her typo eccentric book covers and her self initiated Typewriter Project, which treats text as diagrams and visual textures. Her aesthetic often blends neo geometric forms with scientific influences, creating work that demands multiple readings while maintaining a clean and disciplined look.
Philippines



Studio: Inksurge
URL: https://inksurge.com
Profile: Inksurge is a Manila based creative studio founded by Jowee Alviar and Mon Punzalan, specializing in visual identity, art direction, and graphic design. They have established a strong reputation for their work in the music and entertainment industries, designing iconic album covers and merchandise that blend tactile textures with bold typography. Beyond client work, the duo is deeply involved in the local creative community, often experimenting with risograph printing and analog techniques to push the boundaries of digital design. Their portfolio showcases a distinct ability to merge corporate branding with a gritty and artistic edge, making them a key reference for contemporary Filipino design.
