An experience in a curatorial programme during his university days planted the seeds for Melvin Tan to organically grow his own studio. Having designed for major arts institutions and independent creatives, Currency Design is no stranger to Singapore’s arts and culture scene. In between running a design studio and caring for his plants, Melvin’s active role as an arts audience and organiser put him in the sweet spot of collaborating with artists, curators and programmers. We catch up with Melvin over a can of beer to discuss the ebb and flow of tending to his studio, how he navigates the intersection of art and design, and what keeps him going.