Meet Bea Cheung

We recently connected with Bea Cheung and have shared our conversation below.

Bea, 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?

Navigating the intersection of being queer, an immigrant, and a woman of color often means feeling out of place in many spaces I enter. I often experience an internal struggle: I must stand firm, be confident and resilient, and justify my right to a seat at the table while also being tender and empathetic to understand the core issues that creative problem-solving requires. In environments where collaboration and open communication are built on trust and solidarity, I can express my authentic self, which fosters my most playful and creative contributions. I’m very aware that I must work twice as hard to demonstrate my value, especially when negotiating for fair compensation. Leading with authenticity and curiosity has been crucial in my effectiveness, particularly when collaborating with new clients and cross-functional partners.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

With over 10 years of experience in artwork production and prepress technical skills, I am a Print Production and Design Consultant dedicated to helping consumer brands develop innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. I collaborate with clients across various industries, including alcoholic beverages and beauty and personal care, to create packaging that reflects their brand identity, values, and vision. My personal goals are not to only present options that are aesthetically appealing, but also accessible and inclusive for diverse customers and communities.

In addition to my work in artwork production, I have made significant contributions to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) councils and Employee Resource Group (ERG) initiatives. I am passionate about creating authentic and accessible creative spaces for marginalized individuals within my community. I now serve on the Board of Directors for a local nonprofit called Positive Images that provides supportive services and resources to LGBTQIA+ individuals. While stepping into this new role, I also co-founded Queer Life Drawing Collective, a monthly drawing practice dedicated to honoring and celebrating queer bodies and creative community.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Stay Consistent – Be consistent in how you show up for others and in your work ethic. While some may rely on favoritism to climb the corporate ladder, treating everyone with the same respect—regardless of their accolades or titles—will earn you a positive reputation in every room you leave. Avoid shortcuts in the creative process, especially early in your journey; take the time to be thorough and establish a rhythm that feels good to repeat.

Embrace Who You Are – The sooner you understand your unique working and communication styles, the more compassion you’ll have when facing frustrations and conflicts. It takes a high level of emotional intelligence to discern whether your impulses will lead to informed decisions or not. By being intentional with your words and actions, you’ll notice a shift in the level of respect you receive from those around you. As a child, I learned both Chinese and English simultaneously. However, when words fell short in conveying my inner thoughts, I turned to my creative outlets. This nurtured a deep-rooted ability to analyze the spaces between shapes, understand the emotional resonance of color, and make others feel really seen and heard.

Never Stop Learning – Art and technology are constantly evolving, so why stop learning once you consider yourself an expert? I prioritize nurturing my inner child through creative hobbies, no matter how trivial they may seem. On a deeper level, I really resonate with individuals who embrace mistakes and are committed to self-improvement. This involves seeking out new literature, learning new skills, exploring diverse cuisines, and genuinely trying to understand what it means to walk in another person’s shoes.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

I began my full-time freelance, contracting, and consulting journey in the fall of 2023, following a period of burnout and isolation during the lockdown. During my recovery last winter, I focused on developing a business plan, rebranding my style guide, and building my network. As a result, I’m now better equipped to work with prospective clients, with an established system for NDAs and invoicing, as well as a refreshed website and business cards to support referrals. In the past year, I’ve onboarded six new clients and each relationship has been pivotal in reinforcing the long-term potential of my business. I’m very excited to see what the future brings!

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Image Credits

Photo by Sarah Deragon

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