Meet Fei Mai

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Fei Mai. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Fei, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

Creativity, to me, is like an ecosystem; it needs constant nourishment from various sources to thrive. I view design as a connector that brings together ideas, people, cultures, and even seemingly unrelated disciplines. In this sense, creativity itself needs to be constantly connected to the world around us. One of the best ways I’ve found to keep that connection alive is by being deeply attentive to the details in everyday life. Whether it’s the texture of materials, the way natural light changes throughout the day, or the stories hidden within objects or conversations, these details all carry inspiration waiting to be uncovered.

Another way I sustain my creativity is by keeping a mindset of curiosity, especially for the unfamiliar. I think a lot of people can feel intimidated by trying something new, but I see it as a source of fuel. I try to engage with different forms of art, current events, and the latest technology, letting myself absorb whatever sparks my interest. This openness helps me see the world as a constantly evolving canvas that adds new ideas, perspectives, and tools for my work. By approaching each day with curiosity and an appreciation for small moments, I’ve been able to keep creativity alive and bring fresh ideas into my designs.

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?

My design journey has roots in Guangzhou, China—a city filled with an eclectic mix of traditional heritage and modern innovations. Growing up in a place where the past and present coexist sparked my fascination with storytelling and visuals. Even as a child, I found myself drawn to the layouts of newspapers and magazines, sometimes spending hours studying the details. This fascination, combined with my interest in art, eventually led me to ArtCenter College of Design, where I honed my skills and found my passion for transmedia brand identity.

My design approach aims to create more than just visuals; I want to craft immersive experiences that resonate on an emotional level. One of my projects, The Human Experience, explores themes of mortality through design, using different-sized booklets to guide the reader through cultural interpretations of death. The project combines thoughtful material choices with delicate design elements, creating a physical and emotional journey for the viewer. Another project close to my heart is The Word Museum, a voice-activated language museum that brings language to life through interactivity. This project challenged me to think about how design can enhance our understanding of words, culture, and personal expression.

Each of my projects holds a unique story, and what excites me most about design is the possibility of bringing those stories to life in ways that people can see, touch, and experience. Right now, I’m working on new methods to bridge traditional craftsmanship and digital technology in my designs. I’m passionate about exploring how different mediums can complement each other to enhance the viewer’s experience, making every project a new and exciting journey of discovery.

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?

Reflecting on my journey, I believe three qualities have shaped my path significantly. First, an unyielding curiosity has been fundamental. Being a designer requires an insatiable drive to keep discovering, whether it’s diving into new trends or exploring the nuances of various industries. This curiosity fuels not only innovation but also resilience, pushing me to approach each project with fresh eyes and a readiness to experiment. For anyone just starting, I would say: cultivate this curiosity by continuously learning and exposing yourself to diverse experiences—everything can spark creativity.
Second, adaptability has been essential, especially in the ever-evolving design world. The ability to pivot, absorb knowledge quickly, and apply it across new areas is invaluable. As a graphic designer, I’ve often needed to dive into unfamiliar territory, be it cultural storytelling or interactive technology, and adapt swiftly. Building adaptability takes time, but with each project and each new field, you build your capacity to learn fast and think on your feet, which is crucial for growth in design.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, is the quality of care—both for others and for oneself. As designers, we often pour our energy into projects and clients, but taking care of our own mental and emotional well-being is vital to sustaining creativity. Self-care enables longevity in a demanding field, allowing us to bring our best selves to the work we do. For those starting out, it’s essential to build in moments to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with what drives you creatively. Design should be a journey that brings you joy and fulfillment, so prioritizing your well-being is just as important as honing your skills.

By nurturing curiosity, building adaptability, and making space for self-care, you’re setting a foundation that can carry you through even the most challenging parts of a creative career.

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

I think it’s important not to view strengths and weaknesses as opposites; instead, they should coexist in a balanced way. Strengths give you a reliable foundation and can help you stand out, but working on your weaknesses gives you flexibility and growth. In my experience, life’s challenges tend to naturally guide you toward what needs attention—sometimes that’s building on your strengths to tackle a project with confidence, and other times it’s facing weaker areas that require new skills or perspectives.

For example, when I transitioned from creating fandom designs to studying graphic design professionally, I had to adapt quickly to new software, client expectations, and even areas I wasn’t immediately strong in, like motion, creative coding and interactive installations. But over time, improving on those weaker areas gave me a deeper, more versatile approach to design. Now, I feel capable of handling projects that require both my core strengths in branding and new, experimental skills in interactive media.

Ultimately, I believe it’s about finding a balance and being adaptable in how you approach each situation. Embracing both your strengths and weaknesses allows you to develop holistically as a creative, and, more importantly, it prepares you to handle a wide variety of life’s challenges. Whether you’re in a position to play to your strengths or are pushed to tackle your weaknesses, both paths lead to growth and are essential to sustaining a meaningful design practice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fei.works