Meet Yenny Zhang

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

Hi Yenny, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

I believe my optimism stems from pursuing what truly brings me joy and fulfillment. When I was younger, my mom encouraged me to learn the piano, but I didn’t feel a connection to it. I found myself disengaged during practice sessions and lacking motivation. Eventually, I discovered my true passion for drawing and calligraphy. It was a challenging decision to negotiate and pursue my interests, but it was the right choice for me, and I’ve carried that lesson with me ever since. As I progressed from studying design in college to starting my career, I encountered moments of doubt and burnout. However, I’ve come to view these challenges as part of the journey. Each obstacle I overcome feels like leveling up, and that’s what keeps me optimistic and motivated, ready to tackle whatever comes next.

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 Yenny Zhang, currently serving as a retail designer at Nike Global Retail Design. My innovative approach to crafting immersive experiences has garnered attention, reshaping conventional perceptions. With a degree in Environmental Design from ArtCenter College of Design, I mix creativity, spatial expertise, and a bold spirit of experimentation. I’m passionate about infusing each environment with a playful essence, transcending mere shopping experiences to create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. Whether it’s contributing to Nike’s Women’s World Cup 2023 and Air Max Day 2023 campaigns or producing visually captivating music videos, my work seamlessly merges creative branding with spatial design, transforming retail spaces into immersive storyscapes.

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?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities stand out as instrumental to my growth:

  1. Embrace Creativity: I believe a creative mindset isn’t just about problem-solving; it’s about infusing every aspect of life with joy and innovation. Whether it’s experimenting in the kitchen with limited ingredients or tackling design challenges, creativity knows no boundaries.The key is to approach each task with an open mind and a willingness to explore unconventional solutions that surprise and delight.
  2. Stay Consistent and Goal-Oriented: While it may sound like a cliché, consistency and determination form the foundation of success in any field. For designers, this means persistently pursuing your passions while continuously refining your craft. Despite the inevitable challenges and moments of exhaustion along the way, remaining steadfast in your goals and aspirations is crucial. I’ve personally found great value in setting both short-term and long-term goals, breaking them down into manageable tasks, and scheduling them in my calendar.
  3. Embrace Courage: Success often awaits beyond the threshold of fear. Please don’t shrink from opportunities that look daunting. Instead, we should approach them with courage and conviction. I’ve encountered some career opportunities that seemed intimidating at first, but by pushing past my insecurities and seizing the moment, I’ve achieved good results. It’s natural to feel uncertain or insufficient, but what truly matters is to embrace the courage and at least try it first!

In summary, by embracing creativity, staying consistent and goal-oriented, and cultivating courage, I believe we would navigate our journey with humility and playfulness, unlocking new levels of growth and fulfillment along the way.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m always on the lookout for opportunities to partner or collaborate with creatives, especially when it comes to exciting freelance projects. I truly believe in the power of teamwork. It amplifies individual creative strengths and leads to more innovative outcomes. Collaboration is a cornerstone for designers, the key is to assemble the right team, establish efficient workflows, and ensure alignment with everyone’s expectations. I’m particularly interested in collaborating with emerging designers and artists who bring fresh perspectives and creative talents to the table.

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