Independent, culturally rooted and globally active, 33.3TM operates within the intersection of creativity, business, technology and culture.
Under The Spotlight
Azrol Syakirin
Multimedia Designer & Visual Artist
Being a multifaceted creative, 33.3’s very own Azrol Syakirin reflects on his journey and the sources of inspiration that allowed him to stand out in the creative landscape.
01 How would you describe what you do at 33.3?
I would say that my role in 33.3 would be a visual creative. It is a challenging feat, as we are always trying to push boundaries regardless if it’s a small or big project. I don’t only see myself as a graphic designer, but as a problem solver who delivers the solution with the creative freedom and flexibility that I have.
02 At what point of your life did you realise you wanted to pursue this career?
To be exact it would be during university, the moment I was exposed to the history of art and design. Since young I had been creating art (drawing and painting), but I was a science stream student in high school which made me think of art as a hobby. However, after pursuing engineering for a bit under Malaysian Airlines, I realised it wasn’t for me and decided to study for a Diploma in Graphic Design at Ibrahim Sultan Polytechnic.
03 What inspires you to create?
My past and future. I was from a rural area in Johor where there wasn’t much exposure to art. This made me go out to explore subcultures where I found gigs, graffiti, underground music, and meeting friends of the same creative interest which inspired me. My future as a creative also inspires me to create now that I have more opportunities and exposure than I had growing up.
04 Where did you come from and how is it like working in a big city and fast paced environment? Tell us your journey as a designer.
I came from Batu Pahat, Johor and now I’m based in Kuala Lumpur. Back then after university, I went to Singapore to work as a graphic designer for an event company while trying to further my studies. I moved to Johor Bahru to work after, where I did a lot of video work and now I’m with 33.3.
Of course the move to Kuala Lumpur would be challenging, there are many things to do and many problems to solve which requires me to adapt quickly but despite that, it’s still very inspiring. There is a community of people with the same frequency here surrounding me, making it creatively inspiring amidst the chaos of trying to survive in a big city.
05 Were you aware that this line of work involves crazy timelines? How do you manage your deliverables?
Yes because I was exposed to this lifestyle when studying which built my resilience. Becoming a creative is tough because working time isn’t fixed due to flexibility, but everything can only work when you stay focused and have a proper work system.
06 What can we expect next from you?
Other than having an exhibition of my work one day, I want to try to be an art director or film director. But for now, I am focused on experimenting with my work.
Being a multifaceted creative, 33.3’s very own Azrol Syakirin reflects on his journey and the sources of inspiration that allowed him to stand out in the creative landscape.
I would say that my role in 33.3 would be a visual creative. It is a challenging feat, as we are always trying to push boundaries regardless if it’s a small or big project. I don’t only see myself as a graphic designer, but as a problem solver who delivers the solution with the creative freedom and flexibility that I have.
To be exact it would be during university, the moment I was exposed to the history of art and design. Since young I had been creating art (drawing and painting), but I was a science stream student in high school which made me think of art as a hobby. However, after pursuing engineering for a bit under Malaysian Airlines, I realised it wasn’t for me and decided to study for a Diploma in Graphic Design at Ibrahim Sultan Polytechnic.
I came from Batu Pahat, Johor and now I’m based in Kuala Lumpur. Back then after university, I went to Singapore to work as a graphic designer for an event company while trying to further my studies. I moved to Johor Bahru to work after, where I did a lot of video work and now I’m with 33.3.
Of course the move to Kuala Lumpur would be challenging, there are many things to do and many problems to solve which requires me to adapt quickly but despite that, it’s still very inspiring. There is a community of people with the same frequency here surrounding me, making it creatively inspiring amidst the chaos of trying to survive in a big city.
Yes because I was exposed to this lifestyle when studying which built my resilience. Becoming a creative is tough because working time isn’t fixed due to flexibility, but everything can only work when you stay focused and have a proper work system.
Other than having an exhibition of my work one day, I want to try to be an art director or film director. But for now, I am focused on experimenting with my work.