We were lucky to catch up with Yaheng Li recently and have shared our conversation below.
Yaheng, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism as a creative designer and sports fan comes from the joy of creation and the constant flow of possibilities in both worlds. In design, every project is a chance to innovate, solve problems, and bring something new to life, which always keeps me excited about what’s ahead. In sports, watching athletes push themselves and overcome obstacles inspires resilience and perseverance, qualities that I apply to my own challenges. Both fields involve continuous growth, learning, and improvement, which keeps me engaged and optimistic. The collaborative nature of design and sports also fuels this positivity. Working with others toward a common goal brings a sense of shared purpose and energy that drives me forward.
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?
I am a creative designer specializing in offering design services for branding, visuals, and digital products. My work revolves around transforming ideas into visual experiences that resonate with clients and their audiences. One of the most thrilling aspects of this profession is taking the abstract concepts that clients have in mind and bringing them to life. Often, clients come with vague ideas or emotions they want to convey, and it becomes my role to interpret these and turn them into something tangible, visually compelling, and impactful.
What makes this process so exciting is the sheer potential for creativity and innovation. Every project holds endless possibilities, from experimenting with new design styles to pushing boundaries with technology. Being involved in the entire creative journey—whether it’s crafting a brand identity from scratch, designing engaging digital products, or developing cohesive visual strategies—is immensely rewarding. It’s more than just creating something visually appealing; it’s about telling a story, solving problems, and elevating a brand’s message.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Qualities like humility, inner peace, and enthusiasm for sports can have a profound impact on my designer’s journey. Humility keeps a designer open to feedback and growth. It allows me to recognize that design is a collaborative process and that the best ideas often come from working together, rather than holding on to personal preferences. By embracing humility, a designer remains adaptable and focused on delivering the best outcome, rather than letting ego get in the way.
Inner peace, on the other hand, brings a sense of balance to the often chaotic and fast-paced nature of design work. With a calm mind, a designer can think more clearly, make better creative decisions, and manage the pressures of deadlines and client expectations with grace. Inner peace fosters patience and perseverance, essential traits when faced with challenges or revisions in design projects.
Enthusiasm for sports often translates into resilience and determination in the creative field, I am a life long support for a soccer team Man United. Just as athletes push through setbacks and stay committed to improvement, designers with a sports mindset are more likely to persevere through tough projects, setbacks, and creative blocks.
For those early in their journey, it’s essential to cultivate these qualities by embracing feedback, seeking balance in your life, and approaching every project with a mindset of learning and growth. Humility will open doors to learning, inner peace will help you manage stress, and enthusiasm will keep you pushing forward when challenges arise. Stay patient, remain open to new ideas, and always strive for progress, not perfection.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was providing a family full of love, generosity, and forgiveness. I was born in a small city in East China, but my parents took me to many different places to see a greater world when I was a child. Growing up in an environment where love was the foundation of everything gave me a sense of security and confidence. Their unwavering support made me feel valued and encouraged me to pursue my passions without fear of failure. The generosity they showed, not just materially but emotionally, taught me the importance of giving to others, whether through kindness, time, or empathy.
Perhaps most significant was their capacity for forgiveness. Whenever I made mistakes, they approached it with understanding, which gave me the space to learn and grow without the weight of judgment. This taught me the power of second chances, not only in my relationships with others but also in how I treat myself. Their forgiving nature has become a guiding principle in my life, reminding me that mistakes are part of the journey, and growth often comes through learning from them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yahengli.co/
- Instagram: yahengdesign
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/averach/
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