We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Junrong (arving) Wu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Junrong (Arving), 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 consistently seeking out new experiences and embracing the unknown. I enjoy the thrill and surprise of experiencing novelty and fresh encounters, whether it’s exploring a new cuisine, discovering a favorite song, or walking down a familiar street while listening to a different tune. These seemingly small changes bring fresh perspectives and excitement that continually give me a sense of growth and continuous learning. Embracing the unfamiliar uncovers new perspectives on life—both good and bad—that inspire me to think differently. In these moments, I find unexpected inspiration, keeping my mind refreshed and energized, ensuring that my work remains innovative and engaging, pushing the boundaries of creativity, and being full of life.
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?
My name is Junrong (Arving) Wu. I am a multidisciplinary visual designer based in New York. I focus on visual storytelling, graphic design, motion graphics, and art direction. Through versatile design approaches that integrate cultural context, my work crafts compelling narratives that forge emotional connections with audiences in both physical and digital spaces. I am also passionate about creating immersive design beyond just being seen, which is more of a multi-sensory experience that blurs the line between the real and the imagined.
Working in the creative industry excites me the most because I see it not just as a job but as a hobby I deeply enjoy. The challenges that come with my studies and projects keep me engaged and constantly innovating. They offer opportunities to explore new techniques, discover fresh ideas, and even gain new perspectives on life. I love sharing these ideas with friends and colleagues, who bounce them back with even more inspiration, sparking a cycle of creativity. This cycle fuels my passion for design and keeps me energized by the limitless possibilities in the field.
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?
I believe that passion, perseverance, and empathy have been the most influential qualities in both my design journey and personal growth.
My passion for design is the driving force. It encourages me to push the limits of my abilities and challenge the boundaries of creativity. Perseverance reminds me to stay resilient when facing obstacles or setbacks. Each challenge has become an opportunity for growth, the key to producing meaningful and lasting work. Empathy allows me to connect deeply with others, giving me the ability to understand their emotions and perspectives. This emotional insight is crucial for crafting stories in my design that resonate with audiences and communicate to them with genuine emotional connections.
These qualities have profoundly shaped my perspective on life, my career, and my approach to design. I hope they can also serve as guiding principles for others navigating their own journeys.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I usually take a small pause and step outside for some fresh air. Sometimes, I even go to the riverside to watch the water for a while. The breeze, the soothing sound of the water, the gentle ripples, and the sunlight reflecting off the surface all help calm me. While the water can’t remove the obstacles, listening to its flow feels like it washes away my anxiety, burdens, and stress. Afterward, I always feel refreshed and recharged, with a clearer mind and more energy to tackle the tasks ahead.
So my advice is basically to slow down and take a short break when feeling overwhelmed—not to escape the problem, but to allow yourself a brief pause, even if just for a few minutes. Whether going for a walk, listening to music, or doing something that helps you disconnect, it allows you to clear your mind. This brief pause can help you return with renewed clarity, ready to tackle challenges more effectively.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://arvingwu.net
- Instagram: arvingng
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arving-wu-900659172/
Image Credits
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