Meet Chung Yu (Alex) Chen

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chung Yu (Alex) Chen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Chung Yu (Alex), so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?

I let things get a little messy. Instead of starting the workflow in the usual way, I slow down and keep it exploratory. I’ll create and execute random ideas—sometimes by hand, sometimes using tools I don’t normally use. I’ll put on an album I wouldn’t usually listen to, and remind myself: it’s okay to be inefficient, it’s okay to be imperfect.

From there, I try to generate quick, rough, half-baked ideas without worrying too much. The point is simply to enjoy the act of writing, drawing, or experimenting with layouts.

After a round of this, I like to go for a run—just two miles is enough. Running gives my brain space to digest what I just made. When I come back, I’ll take a shower and then review the work with fresh eyes, looking for pieces worth developing further. More often than not, something sticks.

And if it doesn’t, I’ll find a friend or colleague who’s happy to listen. Talking about the work out loud forces me to organize my thoughts differently than I would just turning them over in my head. That shift often helps me move forward.

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?

Hi readers, I’m Alex—a designer, creative director, and ceramist originally from Taiwan. These titles are useful shorthand, but they only hint at the range of my creative explorations. I try not to let labels define or limit the work I do.

Over the past decade, I’ve worked across many kinds of organizations—studios, agencies, consultancies, in-house teams, and even my own design practice. My focus has been on elevating digital experiences and building stronger communication through brand systems and product design. What excites me most is the variety: each context brings new perspectives, challenges, and opportunities to expand design’s impact. That ongoing curiosity keeps my practice fresh and evolving. Today, I’m a Design Lead at an AI startup.

Beyond the digital space, I dedicate time to ceramics—a slower, tactile process that requires no screens, just clay and hands. It connects me with people far outside the design industry, and that contrast keeps me both grounded and inspired.

I’m also passionate about sharing knowledge. I’ve spoken at design education organizations in both the U.S. and Taiwan, where I especially enjoy supporting students and early-career designers. Teaching and mentoring not only give back to the community but also bring me new insights and inspiration.

Most recently, I’ve been preparing to launch a design-focused podcast—a new chapter that will let me explore ideas, stories, and conversations about design in a more personal and accessible way.

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?

1. Be curious and keep learning.
Design constantly exposes you to new perspectives through different projects, clients, and challenges. It pushes you to listen, ask questions, and expand your knowledge and skills. In design, everything is connected—you can’t say, “that’s not my field.” To thrive, you have to be omnivorous: read different kinds of books, visit exhibitions, watch documentaries, and talk to people in fields outside your own.

Learning happens on two levels: going broad by exploring many areas, and going deep by polishing a few core skills and habits over time. When you have both—breadth and depth—they form a unique web of knowledge that helps you connect ideas, learn faster, and generate new insights. It’s like compound interest for your life and career.

2. Be kind and generous.
Paul Rand once said, “Good design is goodwill.” I believe that deeply. The intentions behind your work shape not only what you create but also how you act and make decisions. Rather than chasing popularity or short-term recognition, aim to create lasting value and contribute to the common good.

Share what you’re passionate about—your knowledge, your skills, your process. You’ll be surprised by how much you learn through teaching and sharing, and how often good things come back to you in unexpected ways.

3. Be respectful—to the work and to the people.
Respect your work by giving it your best effort in the moment. The time you spend on a project is the only chance you have to contribute that effort—so why not do it well? When you know you’ve done your best with the time and circumstances you had, you’re far less likely to look back with regret.

Respect also extends to the people you work with. Don’t say or do things you can’t take back. Treat others the way you’d want to be treated. A spirit of respect and dedication can motivate and inspire teammates. Offer support when you can, and always give credit where it’s due—even for small contributions.

At the end of the day, people won’t remember your title, how many projects you completed, or which awards you won. What they will remember is how it felt to work with you.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

First, no work or person is worth more than your health—mentally or physically. If you see what you do as a lifelong pursuit, then caring for yourself is part of the work.

When the work stops bringing you joy, achievement, or excitement—and instead leaves you with only pain, frustration, and cynicism—that’s a clear signal of burnout. In those moments, step back. Take a real break, and don’t be afraid to explore something different.

It’s natural to worry: “If I pause, I’ll fall behind,” or “If I step away, I’ll never succeed.” But taking a break isn’t giving up—it’s a reset. It’s a chance to refocus on yourself, to find small sources of happiness, and to prevent yourself from slipping further into that overwhelming hole.

Give yourself space. Ask for help if you need it. Prioritize the basics—eat well, get enough sleep, move your body. Improving your physical health often creates a ripple effect on your mental health. Without both, it’s nearly impossible to do meaningful work.

And remember: the work will always be there. If you choose to return to it, you’ll come back stronger. If you don’t, you may discover something you love even more.

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Image Credits

Chao Hsuan Wang

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