We were lucky to catch up with Winter(Hanxiao) Sun recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Winter(Hanxiao), thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
I’ve always been the kind of person who knows their direction, but there was a period of time in college when I suddenly couldn’t see where things were going. I felt anxious about losing that clarity and frustrated by how slow I was moving. It became a bad loop; the more I worried, the more drained I felt. Eventually, I grew so tired of creating in the way I used to that even picking up my pen felt unpleasant. Nothing looked good enough, and I didn’t know who could help.
When college ended, I decided to return to my hometown to start working but also to take a break. Being closer to home eased the pressure. After a few months of not overthinking, just doing my job, I finally had a moment to reflect calmly. Growing up, art had always been part of me. I couldn’t remember a time when I thought I’d ever give it up. But I recalled someone in my family once saying, “You can’t do this for a living. A hobby is always a hobby.” I’d always believed they were wrong, but at that moment, I decided to entertain the thought, to imagine putting art aside and pursuing a “stable lifestyle.” Within five minutes, I realized it was impossible. Doing creative work is part of who I am; it’s like breathing.
Still, I knew I couldn’t keep creating the same way as before, at least not for a while. So instead of forcing an answer, I decided to just let life happen. I kept my day job and signed up for an online class to learn a new tool, partly to raise my skills for work but also to test if I could still adapt and find joy outside my comfort zone. It wasn’t easy. I had to trick my brain into thinking it was just a game. But as I put in the hours, I laid the foundation for something new.
One day, a friend asked for help on a project that needed someone who knew the exact tool I’d just learned. I took it, and even though I was still figuring things out, I felt my passion return. Creativity started flowing again, just in a different form. That sense of relief and joy was unforgettable.
From then on, I began making things with this new tool, moving from drawing to design. People often complain about how much designers are expected to know and how many programs we have to master, but for me, every new tool brings a new wave of excitement. That curiosity and adaptability have continued to shape and support my creative journey ever since.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m Winter Sun, a multidisciplinary designer who bridges storytelling, strategy, and emotion through design. My background is in illustration, which taught me to see everything through a narrative lens, and over time I’ve expanded into brand design, motion, and UI/UX. I love crafting systems that don’t just look cohesive but feel alive, that translate an idea into an experience people can connect with.
Right now, I support global veterinary health brands, creating visual content that lives across platforms, from stills and motion to social campaigns. I’m also the founding designer for a tech startup, where I’m building their full visual identity and product design system from the ground up. What excites me most about design is that it’s both expressive and problem-solving; it can touch emotions while making everyday interactions easier or more meaningful.
Outside of client work, I’m continuing to grow my personal project, BAMA, which explores how design can support women going through menopause and major life transitions through nutrition and community. It’s a topic that’s both personal and culturally important to me, and I’m hoping to evolve it into a platform that merges education, empathy, and design storytelling.
Ultimately, my work is about connection, finding beauty in systems and meaning in visuals, and using design as a way to make people feel seen, understood, and inspired.
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, I think the three qualities that have shaped my journey the most are confidence, adaptability, and the willingness to keep challenging myself.
Confidence doesn’t mean always knowing you’re right; for me, it’s been about trusting my instincts and being brave enough to share ideas even when I’m not sure how they’ll land. Creative work often lives in uncertainty, and learning to believe in my perspective gave me the courage to experiment and grow.
Adaptability has been essential. Design tools, trends, and even industries evolve so quickly, and staying open to change keeps things exciting. I’ve learned to see new tools or unfamiliar projects not as obstacles, but as opportunities to expand what I can do.
And finally, challenging yourself — that’s where growth really happens. The moments when I’ve felt most uncomfortable were often the ones that pushed me into new directions. Whether it’s learning a new skill, collaborating with people who think differently, or just saying yes before I feel ready, those experiences have always led to breakthroughs.
For anyone starting out, I’d say: trust your curiosity, stay flexible, and don’t be afraid to step into the unknown. Growth rarely feels easy, but that’s what makes it meaningful.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
I think the most impactful thing my parents did for me was teaching me respect and trust, both for others and for myself. They always believed that I would find my own way, even when I had no idea what I was doing. Sometimes I joke that maybe they were just being lazy in a smart way, but deep down I know it came from a place of confidence in me. They never tried to control my path or push me in a specific direction; instead, they gave me space to explore, make mistakes, and figure things out on my own.
What’s funny is that when you grow up with that kind of quiet trust, it becomes part of you. You start to build your own sense of direction and self-belief without even realizing it. That foundation has shaped who I am today, someone who moves through life with confidence, curiosity, and purpose. Even though they weren’t always hovering, they were always there when I really needed them. That combination of freedom and support is something I’ll always be grateful for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://winterxsun.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winterpalette_?igsh=MWZhbWtrOHFmb215eg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/winter-sun
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
