We were lucky to catch up with Chester Huang recently and have shared our conversation below.
Chester, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Serving in the Marine Corps for a year has profoundly shaped my resilience. The rigorous training and challenging environments fostered a mindset of adaptability and strength. Each obstacle, from physical endurance tests to teamwork in high-pressure scenarios, taught me to embrace discomfort and push through adversity. The camaraderie built among fellow service members reinforced the importance of support and collective resilience. I learned to approach challenges with a strategic mindset, finding solutions rather than dwelling on setbacks. This experience not only strengthened my mental fortitude but also instilled a sense of purpose that I carry with me in every aspect of life.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a graphic designer with a decade of experience, I’ve cultivated a deep passion for visual storytelling and creativity. Over the years, I have honed my skills in various design disciplines, from branding to digital illustration, enabling me to bring concepts to life in unique and engaging ways. My journey as a designer has allowed me to work with diverse clients, each project challenging me to think outside the box and push the boundaries of my creativity.
In 2023, me and wife decided to channel our love for design and creativity into a new venture by founding a custom gift shop that specializes in Lego minifigure frame building. This concept was inspired by our love of Lego and nostalgia for childhood creativity. We envisioned a space where people could express their individuality through custom-designed framed displays featuring their favorite Lego minifigures.
Our shop offers customers the opportunity to design personalized frames that showcase minifigures of themselves, turning them into unique works of art. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted, highlighting not just the figures themselves but also the stories and memories they represent. The process involves collaborating closely with customers to understand their vision, and applying our design expertise to create stunning visuals that resonate with their experiences.
Running this custom gift shop has been incredibly rewarding. It allows me to merge my graphic design skills with my passion for Lego, creating a niche in the market that resonates with fellow enthusiasts and the general public. The joy of seeing customers light up when they receive their custom displays fuels my creative drive. As we look to the future, we aim to expand our offerings, introduce new design elements, and continue building a community around creativity and personalized gifting. This journey has transformed not only my career but also my commitment to celebrating the joy of creativity in all its forms.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities stand out as particularly impactful: creativity, adaptability, and effective communication. Creativity has been the cornerstone of my career as a graphic designer, driving me to explore innovative solutions and push the boundaries of visual expression. To cultivate creativity, I advise early-career individuals to engage in diverse experiences, explore various artistic styles, and find inspiration in everyday life.
Adaptability is crucial, especially in a fast-paced industry that constantly evolves. Embracing change and being open to new ideas and technologies has allowed me to stay relevant. My recommendation is to remain curious, seek feedback, and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Effective communication has been vital in collaborating with clients and colleagues. Clear, concise communication fosters understanding and enhances teamwork. To improve in this area, practice active listening, seek to understand others’ perspectives, and refine your ability to articulate your ideas.
Overall, focus on these three qualities through continuous learning and practice. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who inspire you, and don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone. This proactive approach will lay a strong foundation for your journey ahead.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
In my view, it is more beneficial to go all in on our strengths rather than spreading ourselves too thin by trying to improve in areas where we are not as strong. Our strengths represent our natural talents and passions, which, when fully developed, can lead to exceptional results and fulfillment in our careers and personal lives. When we focus on what we do best, we can leverage those abilities to achieve a higher level of expertise, which often translates into greater opportunities and success.
While there is value in being well-rounded, I believe that we can often achieve more significant impact by excelling in our areas of strength. When we concentrate our efforts on what we are passionate about, we not only distinguish ourselves in our fields but also find joy and fulfillment in our work. It’s important to recognize that by investing deeply in our strengths, we can also naturally develop complementary skills along the way without overwhelming ourselves.
Ultimately, I encourage people to identify their unique strengths and go all in on them. Focused investment in these areas can lead to mastery, satisfaction, and the potential for unique contributions that are difficult to replicate. While it’s beneficial to be aware of and improve on weaknesses, prioritizing our strengths fosters an environment where we can truly shine.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jomobrickstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jomobrickstudio
- Other: Graphic work: https://www.instagram.com/chester_is_a_designer/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
