We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hannah Meng a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Hannah, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I began my design career at a studio that specialized in design for culture and the arts. While there, I progressed from being an individual designer to design director, managing a team that included content writers, architects, and designers. My role shifted from creating work to advocating for it.
Despite my success as a designer, I lacked confidence in my managing abilities and suffered from imposter syndrome. However, I recognized that being a manager is not just about design ability. I pushed myself to learn how to teach better and help others along the way. I accepted any challenge that came my way and always had open discussions to guide others in growing together with me.
After almost 7 years in my design career, I see my ability to self-teach and be genuine as strengths that distinguish me from others in my role. My advice for overcoming imposter syndrome is to focus on learning and growth, and not to be afraid to take on challenges that will help you develop your skills and build confidence in yourself.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a New York-based designer, creative director, and illustrator with a passion for branding, exhibition design, website design, and motion graphics. After graduating from Maryland Institute College of Art with a BFA in graphic design, I moved to New York City and started my design practice.
I have collaborated with leading cultural institutions, universities, tech companies, and nonprofits to reinvent the way they present themselves visually and strategically. I am an independent art director and brand designer at Notion. Previously, I was the Design Director at the New York-based design studio Isometric. In addition, I maintain an active freelance practice and explore my entrepreneurial ventures across the world.
For the past years, I have worked with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, AIA (American Institute of Architects) New York, Museum of the City of New York, Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, Center for Reproductive Rights, Princeton University, and many more. My work often address complex social issues, amplifying activism on gender equity, climate change, racial justice, and immigrant rights.
My work, interviews, and essays have been published in various media—Dezeen, Mindsparkle Mag, GDUSA, and I have received awards from Type Directors Club, Society of Experiential Graphic Design, Society of Typographic Arts, Graphic Design USA, A awards etc.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
**Concept Development**
Concept development occurs in the early stages of design when teams generate various ideas for a project to meet organizational needs. I frequently use this skill when creating ideas for a campaign, communicating with different departments, and coordinating creative production. Always adopt a mindset of brainstorming in the early stages and do not be afraid to think differently.
**A Variety of Design Skills**
Having a variety of design skills will broaden your future career choices. A great designer should have a good understanding of multidisciplinary design in today’s industry. As a creative leader in the tech industry, you will be more valuable if you have experience in product design, visual design, branding, motion graphics, and web presence.
**An Outstanding Portfolio**
Your body of work is more important than your resume. In the early stages of career development, it is important to accumulate high-quality project experience and maintain thorough documentation of everything.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have numerous mentors and colleagues who have helped me overcome challenges and develop the skills necessary for success. One person who stands out is my former boss at Isometric Studio. They gave me the opportunity to lead projects and build my confidence as a designer and manager. They challenged me to improve my leadership skills and provided valuable feedback and guidance, which helped me grow in my role. In addition, I have learned a great deal from my peers in the design community. Through online blogs, workshops, and conferences, they have shared their knowledge and experiences with me. I believe it is essential to surround oneself with supportive and knowledgeable people who can help one learn and grow as a designer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hannah-meng.com/
- Instagram: mengwaiwai
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-meng-672b4a13b/
Image Credits
Hannah Meng; Isometric Studio.
