Hello, I’m Kevin Lam, also referred to as urfd on-line, brief for Ur Buddy. I used to be born in Hong Kong and I’m now primarily based in Brisbane, Australia. I presently work at Nightjar Studio.
I take pleasure in looking for distinctive model tales and turning them into soulful experiences. Like a pal, I wish to pay attention first, perceive the story, then discover the small concept or feeling that makes a mission memorable.
Function Initiatives
Odyssée Clinic
Model + Web site
Odyssée Clinic is a physician led medical aesthetics clinic in Sydney. This was a mission I labored on at Nightjar Studio. The model concept was constructed round a guided aesthetic journey, the place each remedy begins with understanding the affected person first. We used the sphere as a visible node, a quiet object in movement that implies the start of that course of. The ultimate id was thought-about and grounded in care, slightly than centered on fast outcomes.
Challenges: The problem was to keep away from the acquainted beauty clinic feeling. Odyssée wanted to really feel refined with out changing into chilly and scientific with out feeling distant. The design needed to help the clinic’s physician led method, the place communication and belief are a part of the expertise.
Private word: I preferred this mission as a result of it gave me area to deliver my 3D skillset into the model world. The property added depth and environment with out making the id really feel too ornamental, balancing restraint with a quiet sense of motion.
Credit score: Nightjar Studio
Sam Thies
Model + Web site
Sam Thies is a Brisbane primarily based photographer. His web site was designed as a quiet archive for his work and the journeys behind it. Moderately than making a typical portfolio, the thought was to create a spot the place every mission may unfold like its personal chapter.
Challenges: The problem was to maintain the design quiet with out making it really feel empty. Sam’s images already carries a powerful sense of place so the web site wanted to offer the work room to breathe.
Private word: I loved this mission as a result of it was about making a quiet canvas for the artist’s work. The photograph grid, full bleed photographs, easy typography and delicate web page transitions have been all designed to let the images really feel thought-about with out getting in the way in which. The intention was to make the web site really feel like a gallery: calm, spacious and centered on the work.
Credit score: Carl Beaverson (Dev)
FolkTale
Model + Web site
Folktale is a design led property company model constructed round houses with character. The thought was to maneuver away from the standard property language and create one thing extra human, the place every residence could possibly be understood by way of its story slightly than simply its options.
Challenges: The model wanted to really feel soulful and story pushed, however nonetheless clear sufficient to work as an actual property platform.
Private word: The mission was about noticing the small issues that make a spot really feel like residence. The visible route leaned into lived in particulars, editorial layouts and a tone of voice that felt heat with out changing into sentimental.
Veil Obscura
Model + Web site
Veil Obscura paperwork one in all Australia’s most extraordinary pure occasions. The mission was designed to let the work breathe, permitting the story to unfold with readability, environment and a quiet sense of marvel.
Challenges: The problem was to create a design system that supported the story with out overpowering it. With a topic so visually wealthy, the design wanted to be restrained, giving area to the imagery, pacing and particulars of the occasion.
Private notes: I loved this mission as a result of it jogged my memory that design doesn’t all the time have to be loud to be memorable. Generally the position of design is to step again, create area and let the story reveal itself slowly.
Credit score: Carl Beaverson (Dev)
James Road
Model + Web site
James Road is one in all Brisbane’s most recognised life-style precincts. Whereas at Groundcrew, I labored on the web site refresh to assist create a clearer digital residence for the precinct. The mission centered on bettering the person expertise, supporting a big tenant listing and giving the web site a stronger sense of power that matched James Road in actual life.
Challenges: The problem was to make the web site simpler to make use of with out shedding the character of James Road. With so many shops, eating places and occasions to deliver collectively, the design wanted to really feel organised however nonetheless energetic. For the shop listing, a slide out data panel allowed folks to maneuver between outlets simply, whereas every retailer nonetheless stored its personal direct URL.
Private word: I preferred this mission as a result of James Road already carries a lot tradition and character. From artist collaborations to well-known occasions, there was an actual accountability to translate that power right into a easy and helpful digital expertise, whereas letting its superbly refined property communicate for themselves.
Credit score: Groundcrew
Background
After finishing my diploma in Visible Communication, I began my profession in a small design & print studio. It was a arms on starting that taught me how a lot craft lives within the particulars: the end, the color and the way in which a design feels as soon as it turns into one thing bodily.
That basis nonetheless shapes the way in which I work. Immediately, my work strikes throughout model, digital and movement. I typically think about web sites like editorial design books, the place rhythm, pacing and visible moments assist form the way in which a narrative unfolds.
Design Philosophy
Preserve your curiosity
The design business can really feel overwhelming, particularly with new instruments showing on a regular basis. However curiosity retains the work alive. Generally, even a brief tutorial can open up a brand new route. You don’t want to know the whole lot. You simply want to remain open sufficient to continue learning.
Discover the north star
Earlier than designing, I ask questions, search for what actually must be solved and attempt to perceive the mission from the shopper’s standpoint. As soon as that turns into clear, the design route feels much less like ornament and extra like a response to one thing actual.
Care concerning the work
I consider designers ought to care deeply concerning the work they make as a result of even a small piece of design can form how somebody feels or understands one thing. That care must also prolong to the folks round us, whether or not it’s sharing what we be taught, giving trustworthy suggestions or supporting different creatives in small methods.
Good design is never made alone
Design is rarely actually a solo act. Behind each good mission, there are conversations and folks pushing the work from completely different angles. One of the best concepts often turn into stronger when they’re shared, challenged and formed collectively.
Instruments & methods
- Photoshop
- Figma
- After Results
- Cinema 4D
- Cavalry
Future Objectives
I’d like to hold working with artists who’re enthusiastic about their craft. Their tales are all the time fascinating to me, and I take pleasure in serving to these tales turn into one thing folks can see and really feel.
Outdoors of design, I wish to take pleasure in extra time with my household and my three yr previous son. Perhaps that may turn into a narrative I share at some point too. 🙂
Last ideas
Thanks to the Codrop crew for giving me the chance to share my artistic course of and journey. It means lots to have the ability to replicate on the work, the folks behind it and the small tales that proceed to form the way in which I design.
Thanks for taking the time to learn my story.
Let’s keep related.
