Meet Hayley An

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hayley An. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hayley below.

Hayley, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

I would say I am still on the journey to becoming fully confident in myself. Confidence has been a challenge for me since I was young. However, as I progress slowly, I’m pleased to share that I’ve grown significantly more confident and feel much more comfortable in my own skin. How did I achieve this? Through my career and life experiences, I’ve been able to discover myself and gain a clearer understanding of my role. This has allowed me to recognize both my strengths and weaknesses. Actively engaging in activities that make me feel good, rather than just planning or thinking about them, has definitely helped a great deal.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am a brand designer, which means I specialize in the branding aspects of graphic design, encompassing both print and digital formats, as well as being a motion artist. I have a passion for creating abstract, experimental motion works as a form of self-expression. Until recently, I was a full-time motion designer with experience in both the U.S. and China. I earned my degree with a focus on motion design from Otis College of Art and Design, but I am now a full-time graduate graphic design student at ArtCenter College of Design. Studying at prestigious art schools has provided me with a solid foundation in creativity and skills. However, I’ve always considered myself a lifelong learner. Returning to graduate school after working has been challenging, but it has also served as a reset, allowing me to deepen my understanding of my professional skills. I know my strengths and the areas where I need further development. I am fortunate to have access to excellent resources, instructors, and peers throughout this journey. In graduate school, I have shifted my focus to branding, using my skills to support this area. My previous experiences in music broadcasting and media companies have fueled my passion for creating dynamic and abstract, self-explanatory artworks, and I hope to continue this path moving forward.

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

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are a strong work ethic, adaptability to change, and self-trust. Despite recognizing my talent in creative and artistic fields, I’ve learned that maintaining and expanding this talent requires consistent effort in practicing and learning. Over the years, it’s become clear that the landscape can shift unexpectedly, altering our paths significantly. Navigating these changes hasn’t always been easy; it has required me to pivot and adapt, which in turn demands a great deal of resilience and trust in the eventual positive outcomes of my efforts.

For those who are early in their journey, my advice is to cultivate these qualities early on. Develop a strong work ethic by setting clear goals and consistently working towards them, even when progress seems slow. Embrace adaptability by staying open to new ideas and willing to change directions when necessary. Finally, trust in yourself and your abilities. Believe that you can face challenges and come through them stronger. Remember, resilience builds over time, and trust in yourself can be your anchor through the changing tides of your career.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

I’m not sure if it qualifies as a challenge, but sometimes being in my early 30s can make me feel a bit behind compared to my peers, many of whom have well-established careers and families. Returning to grad school and being surrounded by younger students brimming with creativity and fresh ideas can sometimes be intimidating. It occasionally leads me to doubt my life decisions. However, after many internal conversations with myself and drawing on the support of family and friends, I’ve found significant comfort and encouragement. This support system has been instrumental in helping me navigate these feelings and continue on my path.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: newoahna
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-an-381458106/