We recently connected with Justin Zhenghao Zhang and have shared our conversation below.
Justin Zhenghao, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
As a graphic and motion designer, maintaining creativity and continuously generating ideas for projects are crucial aspects of my work. Keeping creativity alive, for me, is more of a habit than a specific goal or task. I draw inspiration not only from other people’s and studios’ compelling projects but also from interactions with my colleagues, friends, and family. I’ve come to realize that designers and artworks aren’t the sole source of inspiration; individuals from various industries can provide me with a wealth of creative ideas. Ultimately, sticking to a particular field alone won’t suffice for fostering creativity; learning from diverse fields is essential to keeping my creativity alive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I engage in graphic design and motion design on a daily basis, and I’m excited to share two of my favorite projects. One that holds particular significance for me is ‘Instant Evolution,’ marking my inaugural venture into motion graphics. This project chronicles the history of Polaroid cameras, spanning from their early origins to a contemporary resurgence in the 21st century. Through a combination of illustrations and music, I guided the audience on a journey inspired by the classic camera models, vividly portraying their evolution. ‘Instant Evolution’ not only showcased my ability to create impactful and appealing content but also revealed the potential of motion graphics to uniquely bring concepts to life and tell a story in an engaging manner.
Another noteworthy project is my involvement in the Reddit brand refresh at Pentagram Design, where I spearheaded the 2D motion segment. Given its motion-intensive nature, I dedicated substantial effort to developing the motion system and applications. My proficiency in motion design breathed life into the graphic elements, making the visual impact more pronounced. While the Reddit brand refresh project garnered significant attention for its association with a well-known brand, it also stirred some constructive criticism. Nevertheless, this project stands as a milestone in my career, representing my first major contribution to a brand refresh, and I take immense pride in the outcome.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When reflecting on three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that profoundly influence my journey, I emphasize the significance of originality, consistent hard work, and a commitment to ongoing learning.
Originality forms the bedrock of a thriving career in design. Embracing the challenge of creating unique work distinguishes a designer, setting them apart in a saturated market. Copying or imitating stifles growth and hinders the development of one’s distinctive ideas, making originality an essential trait that fuels innovation and success.
In tandem with originality, consistent hard work emerges as the linchpin for growth and prosperity as a designer. Beyond merely logging hours, it entails a perpetual commitment to self-improvement and skill development. The diligence to consistently push boundaries and refine one’s craft leads to continuous evolution and excellence in the field of design.
Furthermore, the skill of learning holds paramount importance in my perspective. A commitment to ongoing learning safeguards against falling behind the ever-evolving landscape, a critical consideration for designers like myself. Learning extends beyond acquiring new software skills; it encompasses understanding working methods, diverse modes of thinking, and problem-solving approaches across various industries. This holistic approach to learning ensures adaptability and a broader perspective, crucial elements for a designer navigating a dynamic professional landscape.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
I’ve been advised that an ideal design project or client should ideally fulfill two out of the three Fs: Fun, Fame, and Finance, and I wholeheartedly agree with this perspective.
Fun, in this context, refers to the satisfaction derived from enjoying the work done for the client and the project. It not only adds aesthetic value to your portfolio but also ensures a fulfilling and enjoyable creative process.
Fame, on the other hand, often comes with projects involving prominent clients or those with significant impact. Working with big names or contributing to impactful projects can swiftly elevate your reputation across diverse fields, contributing to professional recognition.
Finance is a critical factor as well. While it may not always be the most exciting project, if it involves a financially robust startup, it can be an ideal client due to the substantial financial support it provides. This scenario allows for a balance between financial stability and creative fulfillment.
Moreover, I hold the belief that an ideal client is someone who reaches out to me based on a genuine appreciation for my work or my working methodology. This ensures a more meaningful collaboration compared to someone who might approach me solely due to external factors like popularity or cost-effectiveness. Building a client relationship based on shared values and admiration for the work fosters a more satisfying and successful partnership.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.justinzhang.work
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/just1nzhang
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/justin-zhang19
Image Credits
Justin Zhang Pentagram Design
