Meet Christina Xue

We recently connected with Christina Xue and have shared our conversation below.

Christina, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

My purpose as a graphic designer came into focus when I realized how impactful design can be in shaping the way people experience and connect with the world around them. While studying at MICA, I worked on a project that aimed to communicate issues through visual storytelling. It was during that process I discovered that design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about problem-solving, amplifying important messages, and creating experiences that resonate with people.

One of my core beliefs is that design can be a powerful tool for positive change, whether it’s creating a brand identity that truly connects with its audience or developing user-friendly experiences that improve accessibility. This purpose continues to drive me forward in my career and fuels my passion to use design as a medium to make a meaningful difference.

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?

As a graphic designer, my work revolves around creating impactful, visually-driven experiences that communicate ideas, tell stories, and solve problems. I’ve had the privilege of working on a variety of projects, from branding and marketing campaigns to user experience design, each offering unique challenges that push my creativity and strategic thinking.

What excites me most about design is its power to influence perception and behavior. Whether it’s crafting a brand identity or designing for an event, I’m constantly exploring how visuals can connect with people on a deeper level. One aspect of my work that I find particularly rewarding is collaborating with different teams and stakeholders to bring ideas to life, ensuring that every design decision serves a purpose.

Currently, I’m focusing on my role as a Marketing & Communications – Graphic Design Intern with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. It’s an exciting opportunity to combine my passion for community-driven initiatives with design, helping to amplify the festival’s cultural significance through creative visual campaigns.

In the near future, I plan to showcase a curated collection of my design work, reflecting my approach to problem-solving, storytelling, and creating impactful connections. I’m also excited to explore opportunities where I can continue using design to inspire and engage audiences.

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?

Looking back, three key qualities that have made the biggest impact on my journey are curiosity, attention to detail, and communication.

Curiosity has always pushed me to learn new things. Whether it’s trying out a new design tool or exploring user experience design, being curious has helped me grow creatively. I’d say: don’t be afraid to experiment and learn as much as you can. The more you explore, the more confident you’ll become.

Attention to detail is essential in design. Small things like choosing the right colors or making sure everything aligns properly can make a big difference. My advice is to focus on the details in your work and practice being thorough. Even the tiniest adjustments can make your designs stronger and more professional.

Lastly, communication has been really important in my journey. Being able to explain my design ideas and listen to feedback has helped me work better with clients and teams. Good communication leads to better collaboration and stronger designs.

Focus on staying curious, paying attention to details, and communicating well, will be setting up for success in design.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

I believe it’s important to strike a balance between honing your strengths and improving areas where you may not be as strong. Focusing on your strengths allows you to stand out and excel in what you do best, while improving your weaker areas helps you become a more versatile and well-rounded designer.

For example, I’m doing visual design and storytelling for a long time, but when I encountered projects that required coding, like the face recognition project I worked on using JavaScript, I realized that expanding my skill set would open more doors and make me a better problem-solver.

In design, specializing in your strengths helps you build expertise, but investing in skills outside your comfort zone—like user experience, project management, or even technical skills—makes you more adaptable and well-prepared for the challenges that come with complex projects. My philosophy is to focus on what you’re great at, but don’t shy away from learning something new when it can elevate your work.

Ultimately, this approach has made me more confident in my core skills while giving me the flexibility to take on challenges that I might not have been ready for otherwise.

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