We were lucky to catch up with Taylor Su recently and have shared our conversation below.
Taylor, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
My journey has been quite an adventure, especially in high school when I found myself marching to the beat of my own drum. Amid a sea of classmates focused on business, economics, or law, I stood out as the lone art and design enthusiast. Navigating this experience taught me valuable lessons about being effective and true to myself.
In situations like these, I’ve learned that embracing confidence, authenticity, and a proactive mindset can truly make a difference. Surrounded by classmates passionate about business, economics, or law, I questioned if their paths would genuinely bring me joy. They didn’t. So, I chose what made my heart happy, and that’s where the magic happened.
Authenticity, for me, meant staying true to my identity and embracing my uniqueness. I recognized that being different was not a drawback but a strength that could contribute diverse perspectives to any setting. This mindset allowed me to navigate peer pressure and remain true to my artistic pursuits, bringing unique perspectives to the table without reservations.
Continuous learning played a pivotal role in my journey. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, I’ve been diving into online tutorials since high school and still do. Staying in the loop with industry trends and soaking up new skills not only boosted my confidence but made me more effective in my creative endeavors.
Additionally, I’ve been exploring the design worlds of others, learning from their tricks and approaches. It’s like taking a journey through different cultures and perspectives right from my desk. This not only fuels my creative process but also creates a vibe of inclusivity and collaboration in my work environment.
In conclusion, these tips aren’t one-size-fits-all. Adapt them to fit your story and the vibe of your environment. And in those tough moments, always remind yourself, “You’re doing great!” It’s your unique experiences that shape the coolest journeys, after all.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Taylor Su is a dynamic designer hailing from Taiwan. Since graduating with a master’s degree from Parsons in 2021, she has embarked on a career journey at CNN in New York. With a wealth of professional experience, Taylor specializes in animation and illustration design, dedicating herself to visually assisting journalists, directors, producers, and brands in conveying profound messages and stories.
Her works have garnered international acclaim, receiving prestigious awards such as the Emmy Awards, the Society of Public Designers Award, Webby Awards, and the Red Dot Design Award. Taylor’s outstanding achievements in the field of animation art are evident, as she applies her unique visual thinking and exceptional skills to create visually stunning experiences. Transforming various themes into vivid and poignant artistic pieces, she stands out for her remarkable contributions to the world of animation.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Continuous Learning and Adaptability:
Remaining attuned to industry trends and consistently acquiring new skills has been instrumental in staying relevant and effective in the dynamic field of design. Exploring new subjects, even those seemingly unrelated to my primary field, has proven beneficial over time. For instance, delving into HTML, CSS, and Javascript during my grad school years, while not making me a professional coder, provided a foundational understanding that significantly improved my communication with developers and engineers in my career. My advice is to foster a mindset of continuous learning. Leverage online resources, tutorials, and educational platforms. Stay curious and adapt to evolving industry demands. Seek out mentorship and learn from the experiences of others.
2. Welcome Challenges as Opportunities:
Embrace challenges as gateways to personal and professional growth. Rather than seeing obstacles as daunting hurdles, approach them with a positive mindset. Each challenge unfolds as a unique opportunity to acquire new skills, adapt to unforeseen circumstances, and cultivate resilience throughout your journey. However, it’s equally crucial to prioritize self-care. Amidst tackling challenges, remember to take breaks and prioritize your mental health. Acknowledging the need for self-care ensures a well-balanced and sustainable approach to overcoming obstacles on your path to success.
3. Establish a Support Network:
Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and colleagues. Seek guidance from those who have walked similar paths and learn from their experiences. A strong support system can provide valuable advice, encouragement, and constructive feedback. vividly recall grappling with imposter syndrome when I first entered the industry. Despite securing a position in a prominent corporation, the fear of failure loomed large. In those moments, a reassuring colleague stepped in, saying, “You are good at what you are doing.” Though a simple sentence, it resonated deeply, providing a lasting boost of encouragement that continues to uplift me during challenging times.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The primary obstacle I’m currently grappling with is the experience of living alone abroad, distanced from my family. It is always hard when your parents or grandparents are aging and you are far away from them. I’m still trying to find a balance between my career and my family. But, all I would say for now is, “Remember to call your mom.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://taylorsu.info/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorsusart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-su-1865141a2/
Image Credits
image 01-05: Design & illustration: Taylor Su image 06-08: Design and Animation: Taylor Su Music: Youtube Audio Library
