We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Quinta Yu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Quinta, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from understanding that pessimism doesn’t really serve any purpose—it only drags you down with more negative energy. I see life as a journey to be experienced, like the creative process in design, where the focus is on the path rather than the outcome. I believe our mindset shapes whether the ride is enjoyable or miserable. I have a lot of things I’m dissatisfied with, but rather than wasting energy on things I can’t change, I choose to face them with optimism. I see what some might call “failures” as stepping stones to future success. So, instead of falling into the endless pit of pessimism, I choose to stay optimistic, because that’s what fuels personal growth.
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’m an art director based in LA, and my work revolves around storytelling through visually compelling designs. For me, design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating narratives that connect with people in a meaningful way. Whether I’m working on branding, digital campaigns, or something more experimental, I’m always thinking about the story behind it. My portfolio focuses on crafting interesting visuals that evoke emotion and invite viewers to look closer. I think what’s most exciting about this work is the endless possibilities—I can approach the same concept in countless ways, and every project allows me to dive into a different world and push the boundaries of how stories are told visually.
Beyond the visuals themselves, I pay a lot of attention to how design impacts people. I believe design has the power to shift perspectives, influence emotions, and even change behaviors. I’m always looking for ways to layer deeper meaning into my work, blending thoughtful design with purposeful storytelling. Whether it’s creating a brand identity that resonates with people or a digital experience that leaves a lasting impression, I’m passionate about using design to communicate something greater than just what’s on the surface.
In addition to my professional work, I’m deeply involved in the dog community—my Border Collie, Bunbun, has quite the following on social media! He uses buttons to communicate, and this journey into canine cognition has been fascinating. Editing Bunbun’s button and vlog videos has unexpectedly improved my editing skills, which has been a great benefit professionally as well. The technical and creative overlap between these projects and my design work keeps me sharp and constantly learning.
My husband and I, both with design backgrounds, are excited about starting our own business in the near future, likely in the pet product space. It’s an exciting new chapter for us, and we’re looking forward to seeing where it leads!
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?
Looking back, I think the three most impactful things for me have been adaptability, creative problem-solving, and understanding storytelling.
Adaptability has been huge because the creative field is always changing. You’ve got to be open to new ideas, feedback, and even learning new tools. My advice? Stay curious, don’t be afraid to try new things, and get comfortable with the unexpected—it’s how you grow.
Creative problem-solving is essential because design isn’t just about making things look good; it’s about solving problems in a way that’s both functional and visually interesting. To get better at this, push yourself with projects that challenge you to think outside the box. Look at how others solve problems too—there’s a lot to learn from what’s already out there.
And storytelling has been at the heart of everything I do. It’s what takes design beyond just visuals and gives it meaning. If you want to improve here, focus on the story your work is telling. Ask yourself: what’s the message? How will people connect with it emotionally? Also, take inspiration from other forms of storytelling—whether it’s books, movies, or other art forms.
For anyone starting out, my advice is to take your time. Don’t rush to master everything right away. Enjoy the process, stay open to learning, and let your style develop naturally. Every project is a chance to improve and grow.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
I’m a big believer in going all in on your strengths. When you focus on what you’re naturally good at, you have the potential to grow those strengths into something even bigger and more impactful. For me, storytelling has always been my strongest skill. I started in the design world, using visuals to tell stories in a way that resonates with people. But that skill didn’t just stay in the design realm—it expanded into other areas of my life.
Take social media, for example. I leaned into storytelling with Bunbun’s short videos, and they’ve become really successful. What started as a way to share our journey turned into something that captivated an audience. It’s a great example of how doubling down on your strengths can create opportunities in areas you might not have even expected.
Of course, it’s important to work on weaknesses just enough so they don’t hold you back. But overall, I think putting your energy into what you excel at can open more doors and allow you to stand out in a way that feels natural and powerful. That’s why I feel it’s better to focus on what makes you unique—because those strengths can evolve and branch out in ways you might not initially see.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinta-yu-731785134/
- Other: [email protected]
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