Sometimes, I feel that one of the hardest things for a designer to cultivate is self restraint. 

While every creative individual (designers included) has an innate desire to showcase their work prominently, it is equally important for a designer to know when to take a step back. This is not to undermine the significance of their work but rather to understand that the true skill lies in knowing when to amplify their creativity and when to let the design serve its purpose quietly.

This was evident in the case of my work for Over Penang. The photography was stunning, and the writing was equally exceptional. In such instances, my first concern would be to design an elegant framework that enhanced the content, ensuring that the readers’ focus was on the words and visuals, rather than the design itself. 

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Secondly, I would aim to establish a smooth rhythm and flow in the layout. Like a well-arranged piece of music, this helps transition the reader effortlessly from one page to the next.