We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aiqi Zhang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Aiqi below.
Aiqi, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
When it comes to maintaining creativity, I prioritize staying hungry and curious. In the dynamic field of design, constant learning and adaptation are a must. I seek fresh perspectives, embrace critical thinking in daily life, and believe that design thinking should extend beyond work tasks. Completing assignments doesn’t deter me; I remain open to new ideas, thinking innovatively, and finding inspiration in everyday experiences.
Additionally, diversifying projects and embracing new learning opportunities are vital for creativity. While expertise in my design field is crucial, engaging in various projects helps me tackle new challenges and incorporate diverse elements into my work. This involves stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing interdisciplinary projects, and expanding my skill set, including emerging technologies. This diversity broadens my creative perspective and fosters new experiences.
Moreover, I’d like to stress the significance of mastering the art of pausing and reflecting. In the fast-paced realm of design, acquiring the ability to pause, taking breaks, and stepping back to gain a broader perspective are all indispensable. These invaluable moments reinvigorate my creativity, allowing me to more effectively assess my progress and identify areas for enhancement.
In conclusion, the combination of staying hungry and curious, diversifying project experiences, and pausing and reflecting forms the core of how I keep my creativity alive. These factors enable me to continually progress, confront new challenges, and infuse my designs with innovation and depth.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a multidisciplinary designer obsessed with extreme medias and bold thoughts. Whether it’s about pushing boundaries in terms of scale, multiple dimensions, or complex concepts, I’m always seeking ways to extend my work beyond screens and pages.
Two years ago, I graduated from ArtCenter College of Design, where my design approach centered around extensive research, interpreting information into inspiration, and making thoughtful design decisions.
Presently, I’m part of the design team at TBWA\Media Arts Lab (MAL), an advertising agency renowned for its expertise in creating advertising and marketing campaigns for Apple Inc., and its exceptional design environment. Within MAL, as a designer, I collaborate closely with internal colleagues to gather insights and generate creative concepts for our exclusive client. I craft visual presentations for projects using diverse artistic techniques and theories, actively participating in presentations and work sessions to assist in explaining and substantiating design direction.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
First and foremost, problem-solving skills are paramount. As designers, our ability to craft design responses to various design challenges is essential for delivering effective and purposeful designs. We translate client needs into visual solutions, aiding them in overcoming creative obstacles, both practical and conceptual.
Furthermore, effective communication in collaboration involves the clear and concise exchange of ideas, information, and feedback among team members, ensuring that everyone comprehends their roles, objectives, and responsibilities. This entails designers actively listening, ensuring that we understand the entire mission. In this manner, we can express ourselves articulately and adapt communication styles to suit different team members and situations.
Last but not least, discipline is a vital quality for designers striving for success. Not to be confused with the act of waking up early every day, when I mention discipline, I’m referring to the commitment to wholeheartedly pursue what we’ve considered valuable. Discipline helps us set goals, stay organized, manage time effectively, and consistently perform at our best. It empowers us to overcome challenges, meet deadlines, and consistently produce high-quality work.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
I’ve spent approximately two years with MAL, and I’ve always been ambitious, eager to learn and advance in my career. During my first year, I successfully achieved my set goals, consistently displaying enthusiasm, passion, and strong execution. However, as time passed, I noticed my learning curve flattening, which led to anxiety about my progress.
About 12 months ago, I realized my understanding of “collaboration” had shifted since my school days. In school, I collaborated mostly with peers in my field, but at work, I engaged with professionals from diverse backgrounds to tackle complex projects.
To adapt, I learned the language and workflows of different fields, actively participated in cross-team meetings, and improved my communication skills. Seeking clarity during briefings enabled me to apply my design skills more accurately.
These experiences enriched my knowledge and enhanced my adaptability, fostering collaboration with professionals from different fields. This not only contributed to project success but also supported my career growth. In essence, both efficiency and collaboration are essential components of teamwork, driving me to strive for greater career goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: aiqi.me
- Email: hello.aiqi@gmail.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aiqi-zhang
Image Credits
Aiqi Zhang
