Can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself?

Hi, I’m Azelia, a (graphic) designer and founder of The Other Workroom, an independent studio practice based in Singapore. While I primarily work in graphic design, I don’t see myself as limited by it. My broader practice is rooted in print and driven by experimentation. I’m deeply engaged with all things paper, print, and bookmaking – exploring, experimenting, and creating through the materiality of these forms.

 

Are there certain themes, formats, or visual styles in art books that you’re instinctively drawn to?

I’m naturally drawn to art books that play with form, material, and process, especially those that feel like they’re pushing the boundaries of what a book can be. I’ve always loved books about books, or ones that carry strong ideas and intentionality behind their design. Odd formats, unconventional materials, and inventive printing or binding methods always catch my attention.

There’s something exciting about discovering a book that doesn’t just present content but becomes an object in itself – where the materiality and method are part of the message.

 

Tell us a bit more about The Other Workroom. What is it and why did you start it?

The Other Workroom is a space dedicated to artist’s books and printed matter, sitting at the intersection of a design studio, a fabrication workshop, and an incubator for new ideas.

It began informally in my bedroom during COVID. My first post, dated 5 July 2020, was simply me sharing books I had made on my own. Over the past two years, I ran workshops, sold my books, took on design and fabrication commissions, and built a small studio space – all while working full-time. This year, I left that role to pursue the practice fully and independently, to see what it could become if I gave it my all.

In many ways, it’s a continuation of the thinking and making I began during my undergrad in London. It’s still a work in progress, but it’s a space where I can explore the kind of work I truly want to do, on my own terms, without having to fit into a specific mould.

At its core, I hope The Other Workroom can support the creation of artist books through collaboration and experimentation. I’d love for it to become a platform that nurtures emerging ideas and projects, not just for myself, but for others too.

It’s my Other Workroom, but it could be yours, or everyone’s.

 

If your bookshelf had a personality, what would it be like?

It would be a curious explorer – part nerd, part oddball. Drawn to books about books, and anything packed with interesting ideas. It also has a soft spot for the weird and wonderful – titles with unusual formats, unexpected materials, or experimental production methods. Some are super informative, while others are just plain fun or quirky. Flipping through the shelf feels like going on a mini adventure, each book offering a glimpse into how people think, create, or share their stories. It’s a mix of smarts, surprises, and a whole lot of character.

 

 

Have you ever regretted buying or not buying a book/zine?

This interview reminded me of a rare project called Print House Session, a 2023 collaboration between four printers and four designers, each creating a book based on the work of one artist. The first (and so far only) edition centred on windows by Yuki Okuyama. I got one book from the series (in a bookshop in Taiwan), created by the design-printer pair Yuri Uenishi x Live Art Books, which features a printed texture that beautifully mimics patterned glass. I was drawn to the designer’s sensitivity to detail and material.

In hindsight, I wish I had collected the full set of four, the only thing that held me back was my wallet (like many). It’s such a rare initiative; I haven’t seen anything quite like it elsewhere, especially not outside of Japan. It feels like the kind of project that could only exist within the Japanese print industry, where there’s a deep respect for craft and a genuine desire to explore and share it meaningfully.

 

What’s a hidden gem in your collection?

Yasuhiro Suzuki’s books (Blinking and Flapping and Neighbourhood Globe) and Kenya Hara’s Designing Design were my first introduction to the idea that design isn’t just about solving problems, it can also be an expression of an idea, a way to inspire, or even a form of inquiry; the art in design.

They’re not art books, but I often return to them when I need a spark, to see the world with wonder again. In some way, I hope to carry those principles into my own work – not always serious, sometimes lighthearted – but always aiming to shift perspectives and make the world feel a little brighter.

 

 

What is the earliest and latest publication you acquired?

I honestly can’t recall the very first publication I bought, but I know my appreciation for books really deepened when I moved to London for my undergraduate studies in 2015. I was exposed to independent art book fairs and discovered bookshops with beautifully curated selections and exceptionally well-produced content.

The latest publications I picked up are OK-RM: A Meaningful Order, from Temporary Unit, a bookstore and exhibition space in Singapore focused on graphic design and making, and Unlearning Books, a zine by Part Time Book Club.

 

What do you generally look for at an art book fair? Do you have tips for navigating the space/exhibitors/content?

I’m open to anything that catches my interest, whether it’s the content or the format. Like I mentioned earlier about my bookshelf’s personality, that’s also how I approach collecting books. Truth be told, well-made books usually grab my attention first. It doesn’t have to be flashy or adorned with fancy finishes – just thoughtfully crafted, with a natural harmony between material and content.

I usually do a quick browse first, then go back for a second look before deciding. I like to make sure it’s a purchase that feels considered and worthwhile. When it comes to book-shopping, I prefer going solo so I can really focus on each one. After that, I catch up with friends to share what stood out and to get their thoughts if I’m still undecided on certain titles.

 

Images by Pixie Tan

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I Am [ ] & These Are My Art Books is an interview series by Thing Books that explores what makes an art book matter through the shelves of those who collect, read, and live with them.