1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your creative background.
I am a designer with over many years of experience who is proficient in visual design, animation, illustration, motion graphics, UI/UX design, and sound design. I received a bachelor's degree from the China Academy of Art (Hangzhou, China) and a master's degree from the Department of Art at Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, Virginia, United States). I focus on combining all of my diverse abilities to achieve innovative and eye-catching results.
2What made you become/why did you choose to become a creative?
Since I was a child, I have had a deep interest in art. I used classic pen and paper instruments at the time. I've learnt to use digital media tools and utilize numerous approaches to express my whimsy about the world and my life as a result of continual learning. I can immerse myself in the creative process with tremendous enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment. I intend to pursue a creative path in the future.
3Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
Currently, I am working for Cisco System where I have been employed for about four years. As a Visual Designer, I am primarily responsible for the creation and maintenance of the company's illustration library, the definition and execution of motion guidelines, and the production of animation explainers that present monthly-released product enhancements.
4What does “creativity” mean to you?
I believe that creativity is an extremely valuable skill that can be lost if it is not carefully nurtured. If we lose our creativity, we may have to compete with robots, computers, and artificial intelligence for some opportunities.
5To you, what makes a “creative” idea and/or design?
The smallest things in life frequently cause my thoughts to wander and form bizarre associations such as how a cup of coffee might cause me to fantasize about chocolate lakes. Myths and stories fascinate me and I have an exceptional passion for mysterious creatures such as many types of dragons.
6Tell us about your creative and/or design process.
In general, I sketch my ideas in a notepad before refining them using digital technology on a computer. If it is a commercial work, I will conduct additional research on client groups, market data, and competitor products, among others.
7What's your favorite part of the creative process and why?
My favorite phase is the sketching phase since it allows me to unleash my creativity and ignite inspiration. After a series of refining and polishing, the results of this stage are often amazing. Initially, the ideas may appear tiny or even a little bit ridiculous but after a series of deepening and refining, the results are frequently astounding.
8Describe your creative style and its main characteristics.
Relaxed, cheerful, friendly, imaginative and passionate about life.
9Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your creativity process?
Some influence but not much. Because my creativity after work is mainly focused on commercial products, I must have a certain awareness of their customer groups. Instead, I will learn about the countries and cultures of the users, build empathy through artistic expression and then contribute to the financial success of the product.
10Congratulations! As the winner of the 2022 MUSE Creative Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
I am thrilled to win this honor, which serves as recognition of my achievements. I am delighted and grateful to my team for their support and encouragement, and I am happy to share the good news with them. Likewise, this accolade (Cisco Illustration Library) belongs to our XDi team and Cisco because they provide me with a platform and place to create as well as the chance to shine!
11Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2022 MUSE Creative Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
My commercial piece, Cisco Illustration Library, was awarded a gold medal, while my other commercial work, Kaishan Inspiration, was awarded a platinum medal. I chose them because they not only reflect one of the peaks of my artistic talent but also have received positive feedback in a corporate context and I have a lot of faith in them.
12What was the biggest challenge with this project?
For Cisco Illustration Library, "diversification" is the greatest challenge. Not only must the age, skin color, body shape, hair style, posture, and gender of the characters be considered in order to achieve the ideal balance but the Inclusive group must also be considered in order to provide users with a diverse and inclusive product image. Before creating a new character, I will examine the existing characters' data information and add any missing elements.
13How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
Excellent help! This award boosted my confidence and bolstered my conviction that I am a brilliant designer. I will continue on this path and produce even superior commercial works in the future.
14What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?
Imagination, freedom and openness.
15What makes your country specifically, unique in the creative industry?
I believe Eastern culture is unique in the creative industry. After spending four years studying and working in the United States, I returned to China and began working for Cisco Systems. I have always been surrounded by a fairly "American" environment.
I am the sole member of our department who lives in China. Having been exposed to both Western and Eastern culture, I believe that with increasing cultural interchange and communication, Eastern and Western cultures are influencing each other and countries are also influencing one another.
16Where do you see the evolution of creative industry going over the next 5-10 years?
Wow, what a big question! I don't think I'll be able to indicate the path for the entire industry, but based on my expertise and views, the future challenge for all vision-related designers is how to employ AI technology for creative sublimation.
17If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Creative Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
First, remain active and self-assured, never give up, and trust in your potential.
Second, learn how to advertise yourself.
Third, continue to manage and update your portfolio, since there are always possibilities for those who are prepared.
18What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the creative industry?
Behance, Dribble, Figama community and Vimeo are highly recommended by nearly all creative professionals.
YouTube technical tutorial because it is often necessary to grasp certain software approaches in order to implement one's ideas.
Some paid online courses or boot camps, if you wish to enhance your talents further.
Regardless, the most essential thing is to keep learning.
19Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
I believe my cats possess some type of mystical power over me. After submitting my work, I would give them additional cans of cat food!
20Who has inspired you in your life and why?
Maybe… I inspire me. I appear to be a self-motivated individual.
In certain situations, I rely on my intuition and judgment and many of my past experiences have shaped me into the person I aspire to be. Rarely am I inspired by others but I can sense and comprehend those who vibrate at the same frequency as myself.
21What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Never stop learning and never give up.
Instead than harming oneself with inferiority, it is preferable to place the responsibility on others with self-assurance.
22Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?
I own three cats, enjoy dairy products, and have the INTJ personality type (introversion, intuition, thinking, judgement).