Meet Stella Chen

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

Hi Stella, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.

Taking risks has been at the core of my creative journey, beginning when I transitioned from traditional art to digital motion branding and UI/UX design. For years, I honed my skills in traditional painting, which led me to pursue an illustration major in college. However, with the rise of digital technology and my desire to explore beyond the familiar, I chose to embrace the motion track. This decision was a leap into the unknown—a world of graphic design, branding, and 2D and 3D motion, areas I had little experience in at the time. But the challenge excited me. What started as a risk evolved into a passion, as I discovered joy in combining cutting-edge technology with my deep love for art. The transition required not only technical skill but also the ability to balance logic with spontaneity and research with intuition. Embracing the rapid changes in technology and pushing boundaries has become my creative playground, one where I’ve found my artistic voice by blending tradition with innovation. This risk-taking approach has allowed me to develop a unique style, one that reflects my love for solving creative puzzles and anticipating future design trends.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My professional focus spans motion design, UI/UX, graphic design, and illustration. I’m passionate about using design as a tool to make an impact, whether through commercial projects or solving real-world challenges. What excites me the most is how design can forge meaningful connections—whether it’s through an intuitive user interface, a visually captivating motion graphic, or a brand identity that resonates deeply with audiences.

One of my most significant branding projects has been the Evernote rebrand, where I focused on positioning the brand as both professional and user-friendly. This project allowed me to elevate Evernote’s identity by merging modern design elements with innovative motion graphics. Projects like these fuel my passion because they show how design can go beyond aesthetics to improve functionality and enhance the user experience. The challenge of blending branding, motion, and UI/UX design was incredibly rewarding, especially as I worked to highlight features that empower users in both their personal and professional lives. This project gave me the opportunity to explore how design and technology can transform user engagement.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue exploring new possibilities in motion branding and UI/UX, especially as technology evolves. Whether I’m working on branding, motion graphics, or interactive experiences, my goal is always to create designs that resonate with users and help shape the future.

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, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been adaptability, curiosity, and perseverance. These have shaped how I approach my work and helped me navigate the shift from traditional art to digital motion design and UI/UX.

First, “adaptability” has been key, especially as design evolves rapidly with new tools and trends. Moving from traditional illustration to digital branding and motion design required a willingness to embrace change and learn continuously. My advice for those early in their journey is to stay open to new experiences. Don’t be afraid to try new techniques or software, even if it feels uncomfortable at first—growth often happens outside of your comfort zone.

Second, “curiosity” has been my constant guide. I’ve always been driven by the thrill of exploration, whether I’m diving into branding strategies, motion graphics, or UI/UX design. Curiosity keeps the creative process exciting and allows me to discover fresh perspectives and solutions. For those just beginning their journey, I’d say: stay hungry for knowledge. Explore different disciplines, even those outside your immediate focus. The more you experiment, the more you’ll unlock creative opportunities that others might miss.
Finally, “perseverance” has played a huge role. There are always challenges along the way—whether it’s mastering a new tool or meeting a client’s vision. Staying persistent through setbacks has been essential to my growth. My advice here is simple: don’t give up. Challenges are inevitable, but they’re also an opportunity to refine your skills. Stick with it, and over time, you’ll see the progress.

By embracing these three qualities—adaptability, curiosity, and perseverance—you’ll be better equipped to navigate your creative journey with confidence.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I’m always open to connecting and communicating with people in the tech and creative industries. I’m particularly interested in collaborating with developers, technologists, and creatives who have experience in app development, AR/VR, and interactive media. As I’m currently transitioning into the field of interactive design and self-learning app coding while exploring AR and VR technologies, I’m eager to exchange ideas and explore potential synergies.

If you’re a tech professional or creative interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out via email at stellachen.design@gmail.com or through my website at stellachen.info. I’d love to connect and discuss how we can innovate together.

Additionally, I’m always looking for new opportunities to expand my work. Whether it’s through partnerships, freelance projects, or creative collaborations, I’m open to exploring roles that align with my passion for merging technology and design. If you’re looking for a creative designer with a focus on interactive design, motion, or UI/UX, I’d love to hear from you.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Stella (Ziyu) Chen

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