Gone but not forgotten.
Here we are, at the end of 2017, looking back at the Hunger Games that is Singapore's business world. Congratulations to all who survived.
Let's take a look at the brands which, for better or for worse, closed shop this year from a design perspective. Check out part 1 of this series here.
The Middle Ground
The online news landscape is looking not looking well. In part 1, we talked about the shutting down of SPH's online news site AsiaOne. Now, its The Middle Ground, an independent socio-political site which prides itself in reporting news 'Singaporeans can use'.
Citing cash-flow issues, TMG's closure is just 1 of the many online news publications all over the world facing the exact problem. The online content bubble is bursting, and the remaining players have basically created a monopoly in the game.
TMG's story began with Bertha Henson's blog, which she then upgraded to become an independent news site called The Breakfast Network.
The logo is perfect for the site's slogan, although the eye is more commonly associated with conspiracies and 'Murica. Doesn't help that the eye looks unfriendly. Still, the site did produce relatable and smart visuals during its short 8-month run.
Yes, I said 8 months. It happened because of some MDA (now known as IMDA) drama. A few months later, TMG was born.
Keeping the orange colour from The Breakfast Network's eye, TMG started off with a sandwich logo featuring a very sad, tortured 'middle'. Being in the middle means being squeezed, not stretched, right? Okay, it's both in this instance (squeezed downwards, stretches sideways).
Somehow, TMG made it through reporting on the 2015 GE using this logo. TMG provided no-nonsense factual pieces with much data to back up its claims, but it was represented by a logo which could be described as playful at best.
In February 2016, TMG relaunched its website with a new design and logo.
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| Orange seems to be their favourite colour |
Bertha explained why TMG's logo featured a flag in the website's relaunch post. "The idea of flying flags grew from the requirements of ancient warfare and the battlefield. Warriors needed to know where their leaders were, hence the custom of carrying a pole with a piece of decorated cloth was adopted. We don’t claim to be any sort of leader but we’re hoping to be a rallying point for those who want to read news that cater to the mainstream in the community, but yet different from that put out by the mainstream media."
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| Illustration by Natassya Diana |
While the flag was part of TMG's old logo, it could be interpreted as more of a sandwich flag rather than one which rallies the people. Furthermore, the new flag is upright as compared to the tilted flag of the past - a simple but symbolic change.
Needless to say, the new logo was a great improvement from its predecessor.
Apart from the news articles, TMG also understood the power of visuals. Tongue-in-cheek illustrations from the site's visual section remind me of why I started reading the news in the first place - from reading the comics and admiring the illustrations to eventually reading the articles.
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| PM Lee's 'smart lamp posts' by Sean Chong |
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| The FAS Saga by Sean Chong |
Lepark
The hugely popular tapas bar and restaurant served its last meal in September, following the end of its lease at People's Park Complex. Over the years, Lepark has gained a huge fan base of both locals and foreigners looking for a hip place to unwind at night. From the Instagram-able food to the Instagram-able interior, Lepark was set for success from the get-go.
Did I mention the fantastic branding done by Elementary Co.? The cute illustrations from the cat in the logo to Singa the Kindness Lion inject life into the otherwise uneventful roof. Meowww.
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| Posters to die for. |
Lepark closed its doors on a high note, with a mini arts fair called We Remember! Festival. The festival raised awareness about dementia in Singapore through photography, film and music. As Lepark is a huge supporter of local music and film, it bid farewell to patrons via an intimate acoustic song session.
For now, the Lepark group is looking for a new space to call home, and one can only hope that they are able to recreate the magical experience which diners had back in Chinatown. That's something to look forward to in 2018!
Restaurant Andre
While not closing in 2017, this restaurant announced its last day of operation earlier this year - 14th February 2018. This 2-Michelin star restaurant has been the poster child of fine dining in Singapore, but is closing as Chef Andre is 're-prioritising his professional life'.
A luxurious dining place demands a classy design, and even ideologies which serve as guidelines for how the whole place should be run. Octaphilosophy - which consists of Unique, Pure, Texture, Memory, Salt, South, Artisan and Terroir - is that guiding principle at Restaurant Andre.
Chef Andre is generous with what he shares with the public. Wine journals and food sketches can be found on the restaurant's website, and workshops are held regularly for the Chef to inspire the next generation of chefs.
Recently, Chef Andre warmed our hearts with his story of helping an ice-cream uncle.
This is what great artists do - they get inspired by events, create great art, and contribute back to the source of inspiration.
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| Chef Andre |
Chef Andre is generous with what he shares with the public. Wine journals and food sketches can be found on the restaurant's website, and workshops are held regularly for the Chef to inspire the next generation of chefs.
Recently, Chef Andre warmed our hearts with his story of helping an ice-cream uncle.
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| The ice-cream uncle station at Restaurant Andre |
Booktique
Booktique's founder Anthony Koh first started this venture by running a pop-up bookshop at The Cathay in 2014. After a few more pop-up stores, Anthony decided to set up a permanent outlet at Citylink Mall.
With a bold collection of local and indie titles, the market was small to begin with. Anthony persevered, won the respect of the industry, but ultimately failed to raise enough money to pay for the rental space. Considering that it was this reason which made Borders fold, an indie store would stand no chance operating in a mall in the city area.
Booktique might have folded, but Anthony's is not going away any time soon. He will return as a pop-up bookseller, and the writing community in Singapore will be thrilled to have him champion the works of locals again. He's bringing the Booktique name with him, so you'll see the logo around.
With a bold collection of local and indie titles, the market was small to begin with. Anthony persevered, won the respect of the industry, but ultimately failed to raise enough money to pay for the rental space. Considering that it was this reason which made Borders fold, an indie store would stand no chance operating in a mall in the city area.
Booktique might have folded, but Anthony's is not going away any time soon. He will return as a pop-up bookseller, and the writing community in Singapore will be thrilled to have him champion the works of locals again. He's bringing the Booktique name with him, so you'll see the logo around.
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| A Booktique pop-up in a secondary school in October 2017 |
Singapore: Passion Made Possible
This part of the series focuses more on the smaller businesses, some of which have gone broke and others gone on a hiatus. Passion keeps their dreams alive - some business owners might have empty pockets, but they are still going to follow their dream. This is more than just about money; it's about their life mission.
It is certainly refreshing and inspiring to see boldness and perseverance in this day and age, against all odds and the fear of failure and rejection. I wish all the brands featured in the series the best and hope that 2018 will be a breakthrough year of prosperity for their next projects.
Eh, don't bluetick leh, leave a comment. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram as well!
It is certainly refreshing and inspiring to see boldness and perseverance in this day and age, against all odds and the fear of failure and rejection. I wish all the brands featured in the series the best and hope that 2018 will be a breakthrough year of prosperity for their next projects.
Eh, don't bluetick leh, leave a comment. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram as well!
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