Danielle Ng champions healthier work culture while fostering creativity and purpose
It’s hard to ignore that, despite advancements, the world still tends to be dominated by men. Even in creative industries like design, challenges remain, including gender parity and toxic work culture. Danielle Ng, 27, Associate Creative Director at Somewhere Else (SWE), is working to change that. As she supports both clients and her team, she ties her work to meaningful causes, including Making Meaning, an initiative that connects designers with important social causes, ranging from mental health to community service.
Danielle’s role involves shaping the identity of various brands while fostering healthier work environments, particularly in an industry known for long, grueling hours. One of her most interesting projects was developing RICE Media’s identity, where she balanced creating an edgy, alternative image without alienating broader audiences.
When COVID-19 hit, Danielle noticed non-profits were struggling to find volunteers and support. This led her to create Making Meaning, where designers could volunteer their skills to causes that align with their values, whether creating newsletters on burnout or designing posters for dementia awareness. This initiative not only supports charities but also shows organizations the impact of good design.
In her personal time, Danielle addresses issues close to her heart, such as work-life balance in the creative industry. She critiques the culture of overworking and glorifying long hours, pointing out how detrimental it can be. At SWE, Danielle has introduced changes like limiting working hours to ensure a healthier balance, earning praise from clients who support these changes.
Despite her success, Danielle admits to moments of self-doubt, often questioning whether her age or gender affects how seriously people take her. Nevertheless, she hopes to be a role model for other aspiring female designers, encouraging them to find their voices and pursue their creative passions.
Though challenges remain, leaders like Danielle are gradually transforming the industry. Through her efforts, she’s quietly shifting how designers work, advocating for balance and purpose while making a tangible difference in Singapore’s creative landscape. Transformation may be slow, but with people like Danielle leading the way, the industry is moving in the right direction.
