I’m Stacey Chen, a multidisciplinary designer and artist based in Chicago with a diverse background in industrial design, UX design, and graphic design. My career journey has taken me through renowned companies like SRAM, Hammerhead, and Hasbro, where I gained hands-on experience managing every stage of the product development process—from early user research to final production.

I bring a global perspective to my work, striving to enhance everyday life with thoughtful, innovative products that resonate with users. My focus is on creating user-centered designs that are both technically sound and market-ready.

With a strong academic foundation from Northwestern University and Pratt Institute, along with industry recognition through various awards, I continuously refine my approach to design, ensuring that each project embodies both creativity and critical precision.

My decision to enter the MUSE Creative Awards stemmed from a desire to challenge myself and showcase how a disciplined, research-driven design approach can yield not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional visual solutions. Winning in the 'Marketing & Promotional - Icon' category is a powerful affirmation of my commitment to blending innovation with practicality.

Personally, it reinforces the value of perseverance and creative exploration, while professionally, it opens new opportunities to collaborate with forward-thinking brands that view design as a strategic tool.

The inspiration behind my work lies in the intersection of form and function. With every project, including my recent award-winning entry, I aim to distill complex ideas into clear, engaging visual narratives.

My experience in industrial design and UX has taught me the importance of precision and clarity—qualities that are at the heart of my design process. In today’s fast-evolving creative landscape, my work represents a commitment to minimalism and user-centric design, emphasizing that even the smallest visual elements can have a profound impact on how a brand communicates its story.

What set my entry apart was the ability to fuse detailed research with a playful yet refined visual language. Leveraging my experience in both product and UX design, I approached the icon design challenge with a focus on simplicity and clarity—creating visuals that are instantly recognizable while effectively communicating key brand attributes.

This balance between innovation and practicality, combined with a dedication to iterative refinement and user feedback, allowed the project to resonate deeply with both clients and judges.

One significant challenge was striking the right balance between creativity and consistency. Given my background in handling complex design systems, I was determined to ensure that each icon maintained its unique identity while still aligning with the overall brand narrative.

Overcoming this required a disciplined, iterative design process that involved extensive prototyping, feedback loops, and fine-tuning. This collaborative and research-driven approach helped me refine each element until the icons achieved the clarity and cohesion necessary for a compelling brand identity.

Winning this award is a milestone that validates my design philosophy and approach. It reinforces the importance of merging creativity with technical precision and opens doors for new opportunities in both the creative and marketing spheres. Professionally, it’s an affirmation that thoughtful, user-centered design resonates with audiences and industry peers alike.

I’ve already begun to see increased interest from potential collaborators and clients who value strategic design as a driver for business growth, paving the way for even more ambitious projects in the future.

The feedback has been incredibly encouraging. Clients and industry colleagues alike have noted how the design strikes an ideal balance between simplicity and expressive storytelling. Many highlighted that the approach not only enhanced brand clarity but also elevated the overall consumer experience.

One memorable moment was hearing from a long-time partner who remarked that the design’s intuitive visual language immediately resonated with their target audience—affirming that strategic design can have a tangible, positive impact on brand perception.

I’d advise all designers to embrace a mindset of continuous learning and experimentation. Focus on understanding your audience deeply, and don’t be afraid to iterate on your ideas. The journey from concept to execution is as important as the final product.

Emphasize clarity, simplicity, and authenticity in your work. Drawing on a diverse set of skills—from research to creative expression—can help you develop solutions that are both innovative and practical. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to refine your craft and build the confidence needed to showcase your best work.

I view the evolving creative industry as a dynamic landscape that continually rewards innovation and adaptability. With advancements in technology and shifting consumer expectations, there is immense potential to redefine how brands communicate visually.

My goal is to remain at the forefront of this evolution by integrating emerging trends with a rigorous, research-based design approach. By leveraging my multidisciplinary background, I aim to create work that not only meets contemporary standards but also sets new benchmarks for how design can drive meaningful connections between brands and their audiences.

I understand that the idea of entering competitions can feel intimidating, especially when you’re just starting out. My advice is to view each competition as a learning opportunity rather than a final judgment. Even if you have limited experience, participating can provide invaluable feedback and help you benchmark your work against industry standards.

Embrace the process, trust your unique perspective, and remember that every project is a stepping stone toward growth. Confidence builds over time through persistence and openness to constructive critique.

I believe our collective strength lies in our diversity of ideas and willingness to innovate. I encourage fellow creatives and professionals to collaborate openly, share your insights, and celebrate each other’s successes.

In an industry that’s constantly evolving, every fresh perspective contributes to a richer tapestry of innovation. Let’s continue to push the boundaries of design and use our creativity to craft solutions that not only capture attention but also drive meaningful change.

I’d like to dedicate this achievement to both my collaborative team and the broader creative community, whose inspiration and rigorous standards continually push me to excel. While this award highlights our collective effort, it also underscores my personal commitment to merging aesthetic appeal with functionality in design.

I am grateful for the support and challenge from my peers, which have been instrumental in refining my approach and achieving this recognition.

I would describe my entry as “a harmonious blend of minimalism and vibrancy that encapsulates the essence of natural goodness through clear, intuitive visual storytelling,” because it embodies my commitment to combining research-driven precision with creative flair to communicate a brand’s story effectively.

I’m excited to continue exploring the intersection of technology and design to create even more engaging, user-centered experiences. My next projects will focus on integrating interactive elements and immersive storytelling into brand identities, aiming to further elevate the role of design in everyday life.

I look forward to collaborating with new partners and pushing creative boundaries even further, all while staying true to my commitment to innovative, research-based design.