Meet Xiaodie Huang

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Xiaodie Huang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Xiaodie, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
From the very beginning, my approach to work has been shaped by my unwavering pursuit of excellence and my fervent dedication. I make it a point to stay grounded and receptive to feedback, and I view every project as an opportunity for growth. By staying self-aware and proactive, I am able to thrive as a collaborative team member, effortlessly balancing multiple tasks and improving my time management skills. My consistent delivery of top-notch work that aligns with the team’s objectives has earned me the respect and admiration of my peers.

However, as a perfectionist, I have realized that my pursuit of perfection can sometimes prove to be counterproductive. Therefore, working alongside a supportive and empathetic team has helped me to cultivate a healthy and optimistic mindset as a team player. Despite working remotely, I have not encountered any communication barriers with my colleagues. The feedback and suggestions provided by my manager have been instrumental in keeping me on track and assessing my progress. I am grateful for the considerate and supportive nature of my coworkers, and I value the transparency that we share. Being part of an exceptional team has allowed me to enhance my communication skills and become more self-assured.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a graphic designer coming from China and now based in sunny Los Angeles, my focus lies in creating brand identities, editorial designs, and spatial designs that leave a lasting impact. I have a true passion for using powerful imagery, simple language, and refined color palettes to convey a compelling narrative. I strongly believe that my designs are universally appealing and can resonate with a broad audience. Currently, I am an Associate Creative and UI Designer at Elephant – a top-notch creative agency that works alongside high-achieving brands in a digitally connected world. Our impressive portfolio features the likes of Apple, Dominos, Comcast, and many others. Our approach centers on crafting brand experiences that are both intuitive and visually stunning.

I had the privilege of being a vital part of a team that executed a project that I am exceptionally proud of. The project entailed launching a novel appearance and optimal strategy for XD Academy 2023 – an educational program free of charge and exclusively designed for individuals associated with the 4A’s Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP). During the design phase, I played a crucial role in collaborating with other designers to create a new logo and website. The task wasn’t limited to just creating visually appealing designs; it was a complex process of conceptualizing and crafting a visual symbol that could encapsulate the essence of the program. We aimed to translate the program’s creative and inspiring ethos into something tangible, which we achieved by designing a line element that illustrated each individual’s unique design journey. Additionally, I developed a set of assets to enhance the Academy’s presence across multiple platforms. As a speaker in the workshop, I provided the students with valuable guidance and feedback, encouraging them to think outside the box. It was a rewarding experience to share my design knowledge with the younger generation. I am delighted to mention that the Elephant XD Academy website design, which we created, has been nominated for an award.

Being a part of XD Academy has opened up new paths in my design career, and I have been fortunate to experience a diverse range of opportunities in exciting and fulfilling directions. I never imagined myself sharing insights and offering feedback to younger individuals. This project has been a testament to my abilities and a source of personal fulfillment. I hope to continue sharing my design expertise and insights to inspire and motivate others.

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?
As I reflect on my journey in the field of design, I am filled with a sense of wonder and excitement at the many unknown possibilities that lay ahead. Although I have had a fascination with art and design from a young age, I never envisioned myself becoming a Graphic Designer and pursuing it as a career. However, as I immersed myself in the intricacies of design principles and discovered the captivating allure of Graphic Design, I began to set clear goals aimed at ensuring that I succeed in what I am most passionate about. I have come to understand that everyone’s approach to achieving success is unique and is often shaped by their individual circumstances. During my own journey of learning and goal-setting, I have encountered numerous challenges, obstacles and moments of uncertainty. But through it all, I have managed to develop three key qualities that have helped me stay focused, open-minded and calm, even in the face of adversity.

As a diligent and imaginative individual, I have always sought opportunities to expand my skills and knowledge beyond the confines of traditional academic curricula. One such instance was when I collaborated with the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) on a project for the Pasadena city event in 2021. Our objective was to create an engaging and interactive design space that would facilitate connections between local attendees. Beyond the creative visual design, my team and I actively participated in PPHD’s internal meetings to share our unique perspectives and plans. We also liaised with outside vendors to ensure that all the print specifications were met. From the initial preparation stages to the final installation, I honed my critical thinking and event management skills, which are difficult to cultivate in a classroom setting. Keeping an eye out for diverse opportunities in the real world has been instrumental in my growth as a person.

Furthermore, remaining composed and level-headed has been pivotal in my ability to handle a range of situations with a positive mindset. Each project is distinct, with its own set of challenges. For example, while working with Apple Newsroom, a press platform for Apple’s latest news, I completed multiple Apple official events with the team and delivered valuable Apple-related news to a global audience. I approach problems in real time, with a sense of urgency and an acute awareness that time is of the essence. Hence, maintaining a calm demeanor during challenging situations has been instrumental in my ability to execute high-quality work and handle tasks under intense pressure.

Whenever I face stress and obstacles, I remind myself of the importance of staying focused, open-minded, and composed. These three unique qualities have helped me grow and evolve as a designer and a reliable team player, and I am confident that they will continue to be invaluable assets in my future endeavors.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
As the year 2023 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the growth I’ve experienced in my work as a designer. Over the past year, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the differences between being a design student and a design professional. While working as a student allowed me to focus solely on the final result based on my own desires, my work as a professional has taught me the importance of working in a team, managing strict deadlines, and meeting the expectations of clients.

As I’ve gained more experience, I’ve learned to adapt to emerging technologies and cultivate a positive work ethic that enables me to exceed the needs of my team. Each project I work on presents a new opportunity to discover something powerful and magical. I’ve found that taking the initiative and assuming ownership of challenging projects has allowed me to expand my vision and explore multiple perspectives.

While I thoroughly enjoy working in a creative team environment, surrounded by talented designers, I remain committed to continually enhancing my overall skills to match the expectations of my team. In this manner, I hope to keep pushing myself to new heights while delivering exceptional results for clients.

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Xiaodie Huang

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