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.
“Aaron Nieh, AJ Dimarucot, and Giang Nguyen of Gydient represent a highly strategic approach to visual communication in Asia, where independent solo practices are utilized as vital tools for cultural expression and commercial disruption. In Taiwan, Aaron Nieh operates a rigorous, concept driven practice, translating contemporary pop culture and corporate branding into highly successful graphic ecosystems for global industries. In the Philippines, AJ Dimarucot approaches branding and digital art direction through the lens of strict market optimization, creating fluid graphic layouts that directly drive audience engagement and market value. In Vietnam, Giang Nguyen approaches visual identity and typographic design through the lens of historical archiving and modern digital synthesis, transforming cultural assets into highly scalable and commercially viable brand systems. Together, these studios demonstrate how rigorous independent design thinking acts as a fundamental driver of modern visual culture.”
Taiwan



Studio: Aaron Nieh Workshop
URL: https://aaronniehworkshop.com
Profile: Aaron Nieh Workshop is a Taipei based premier independent graphic design studio that treats visual communication as a core strategy for corporate and cultural transformation. Founded by Aaron Nieh, the studio specializes in high fidelity publication design, comprehensive brand identity systems, and conceptual art direction for global entertainment and consumer lifestyle industries. By merging minimalist structural logic with provocative contemporary concepts, Nieh ensures that every graphic asset functions as a high value commercial driver. His analytical methodology proves that sharp independent design thinking establishes unique market positioning and scales long term brand equity.
Philippines



Studio: AJ Dimarucot
Profile: AJ Dimarucot is a Manila based premier independent graphic designer and art director who treats visual communication as a core commercial strategy for global market engagement. Specializing in high fidelity branding, digital art direction, and merchandise design, he collaborates extensively with leading international sports, entertainment, and technology brands. By integrating bold cultural graphics with rigorous digital optimization, Dimarucot ensures that every visual asset functions as a high value commercial driver. His analytical methodology proves that sharp independent design thinking establishes unique market positioning and scales long term brand equity for multinational enterprises.
Vietnam



Studio: Gydient
URL: https://gydient.com
Profile: Gydient is a Ho Chi Minh City based premier independent graphic design and typography practice founded by Giang Nguyen. Operating at the intersection of historical visual research and contemporary digital art, the studio specializes in high fidelity brand identity systems, custom typeface development, and experimental layout design for international cultural platforms and commercial enterprises. By reconstructing localized visual heritage into highly refined and functional modern spaces, Nguyen ensures that every design asset establishes absolute market differentiation. His analytical methodology proves that lean independent design practices successfully minimize corporate communication risks and maximize brand equity on a global scale.
