Meet Heidi Minghao He

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Heidi Minghao He a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Heidi Minghao, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

I keep my creativity alive by staying immersed in the world of creative technology and new media art through various resources and media subscriptions. I maintain a personal database where I categorize and store inspiring works I come across. Engaging with people from different fields is another key source of inspiration, as interdisciplinary collaboration often sparks new ideas. I also practice meditation to clear my mind, enabling active and focused thinking. Lastly, I believe in the importance of consistent practice to keep my creative skills sharp and evolving.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am an award-winning creative technologist with a strong foundation in both computer science and art. My journey began with a bachelor’s degree in these fields from Colby College, followed by an MS in Information Systems with a concentration in Connective Media from Cornell University. Throughout my career, I’ve had the honor of receiving the Cornell Tech \Art Fellowship and being selected as an artist in Snap Spectacle’s creator program. My work in digital communication was recognized with Gold award at the dotCOMM Awards and Gold at Muse Creative Awards.

My artistic practice has been exhibited at venues such as :iidrr Gallery in New York, and LikeLike Gallery in Pittsburgh. What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to merge technology and art in ways that not only captivate audiences but also foster a deeper connection between people and the digital world. I’m deeply committed to integrating human-centric values into the tech world, a vision that has guided my creation of permanent installations for influential tech companies like the TikTok Transparency Center and Safer with Google.

Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding this vision of “Tech for Human” by continuing to explore new ways to blend art and technology. My upcoming projects include further development of interactive installations that push the boundaries of audience engagement and immersive experiences. Through my work, I aim to create spaces where technology serves as a bridge to deeper human connections, and I’m excited to share more as these projects unfold.

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?

Looking back, three qualities or skills have been most impactful in my journey:

1. **Brave, Not Perfect**: This mantra, which I learned from Reshma Saujani, has been a game-changer for me. I used to strive for perfection, often hesitating to launch or share my work until it felt flawless. But I realized that putting my ideas out there, even when they’re not perfect, fosters communication and opens up new opportunities. Designing my own career path and continuously launching projects has been crucial to my growth.

2. **Computational Thinking**: As a creative technologist, I’ve found that it’s not the technology itself that drives my work forward, but the computational thinking behind it. The ability to plan, execute, and solve problems systematically has been key to creating meaningful, tech-driven art.

3. **Building MVPs**: The concept of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) has profoundly influenced my creative process. Instead of aiming to build the whole “car” right away, I start with simpler versions—a skateboard, then a bicycle—gradually refining the project. This iterative approach helps break down complex goals into manageable steps, maintaining momentum and encouraging continuous learning. Whether tackling career challenges or developing new artistic concepts, the MVP methodology has been essential in fostering resilience and creativity.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace imperfection, develop strong problem-solving skills through computational thinking, and approach your goals with the MVP mindset. These practices will help you navigate challenges, maintain momentum, and open doors to new possibilities.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to rock climbing. It’s completely different from my tech or art practice, which helps clear my mind and keeps me positive. After a climbing session, I find that I return to my work with renewed energy and greater efficiency. My advice is to find an activity that allows you to step away from your work and reset; it can make a big difference in managing stress and boosting productivity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heidihe.com

Image Credits

“next23.jpg” credit to Deeplocal
“about5.jpg” credits to Christie Neptune
other pictures belongs to me