We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Meng Chu Huang ("MCH").
Meng-Chu Huang is a recent graduate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), holding a BFA in Visual Communication. As a multidisciplinary designer, she harbors a profound passion for leveraging branding and art direction to forge connections between people and ideas. She firmly believes in the potency of creativity as a means for effective communication and problem-solving, continually seeking innovative approaches to push the limits of design. Recently, Meng-Chu clinched the Silver and Bronze awards at the 2023 International Design Awards for her exceptional branding designs. Her ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between society and the beauty of design, fostering greater appreciation and engagement with the creative process.
Meng Chu Huang Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Meng Chu Huang.
Meng Chu Huang Design - The National Gallery Visual Identity
Designer Interview of Meng Chu Huang:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
MCH : My journey into the world of art and design began in the colorful corridors of my elementary school, where I first dipped my brush into the vibrant world of drawing and painting. Each stroke on the canvas was like a new adventure, making me feel unique and alive. Art class wasn't just a subject; it was a realm where my imagination could run wild. As I moved into middle school, I continued attending art classes, but the experience started to change. In Taiwan, getting into advanced art classes required rigorous testing, and the pressure was immense. The joy I once found in art began to fade as it turned into a series of technical exercises. My creative spirit felt stifled, and I started questioning if art was truly my passion. Then, a glimmer of hope appeared in an unexpected place: a special class focused on creating inspiring and imaginative art pieces. Here, I could finally let my creativity soar again. It was in this class that I discovered my love for design—a field where ideas could transform into tangible reality. This revelation planted the seed of a new dream: to become a designer. Despite this newfound passion, I decided to step away from formal art classes in high school. I yearned to experience the broader spectrum of education that my peers were enjoying. Delving into subjects like Chinese and math opened my eyes to a world full of diverse possibilities and broadened my understanding of what I might want to do in the future. After surviving the intense preparation for Taiwan's General Scholastic Ability Test, I initially set my sights on studying business. But deep down, my heart wasn't in it. I realized that my true calling was in art and design. With renewed determination, I applied to art schools in the US, ready to embark on a new chapter of my creative journey. Once in art school, I found myself drawn not just to the act of creating art, but to the challenge of solving problems in innovative ways. This blend of creativity and practicality solidified my desire to become a designer. Every project was an opportunity to merge imagination with functionality, and I knew I had found my true path. Looking back, my journey in art and design has been a winding road of discovery, challenges, and revelations. I didn't always know I wanted to be a designer, but each step along the way has brought me closer to this realization. Now, I am more confident than ever that design is where my heart belongs.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
MCH : I'm a recent graduate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where I studied Visual Communication. At SAIC, we have the freedom to explore various disciplines without being confined to a strict major. This flexibility allowed me to immerse myself in both art and design throughout my undergraduate years. The broad curriculum provided numerous opportunities to engage with different forms of art, which balanced the intense problem-solving mindset required in design with moments of self-expression. This environment fostered creativity and inspiration, enabling us to take breaks from design challenges and explore personal artistic expression. The diverse experiences and skills we acquire at SAIC shape us into unique designers. Each designer's journey is distinct, and the knowledge gained along the way forms our individual identities within the industry. This holistic approach to education has been invaluable in developing my creativity and versatility as a designer.
DI: What is "design" for you?
MCH : For me, design is fundamentally about storytelling, but it goes beyond just telling a story. It involves using our maximum creativity and skillset to solve problems and create meaningful experiences for our audience. Design requires a balance between personal expression and functional problem-solving. The collaboration between these elements—problem-solving and artistic self-expression—is what makes design so exciting and satisfying.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
MCH : I especially enjoy designing branding projects. Guiding a company from an initial idea to a fully realized brand is both fascinating and challenging. The opportunity to delve into different industries and understand what they truly care about makes branding projects particularly fulfilling for me.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
MCH : It’s a website landing page for a UI UX company, it’s the first internship I got in my freshman year. I’ve learned a lot from it because it’s an area that I never touched before.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
MCH : My favorite materials are still pencil and paper. They allow me to quickly jot down ideas and iterations. I also enjoy sketching on paper; there's a unique beauty to hand-drawn illustrations that I find captivating.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
MCH : Whenever I'm exposed to different art pieces, I feel deeply inspired and energized, which fuels my creativity.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
MCH : I primarily focus on aesthetics during the design process. Without strong aesthetics, it's challenging to create an attractive and effective design. While good storytelling is important, it becomes less compelling without visually appealing elements.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
MCH : When I design, I experience a mix of calm excitement and a surge of creative energy. It's a fulfilling process that allows me to explore and express my creativity deeply.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
MCH : When my designs are realized, I feel a blend of excitement and fulfillment. Seeing my ideas come to life brings me joy, especially knowing that they are being shared and appreciated by others. If there are areas for improvement, I view it as an opportunity to grow and refine my skills further.
DI: What makes a design successful?
MCH : Successfully delivering your message with a compelling story and visually appealing elements is key to achieving success in design.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
MCH : I prioritize visual appeal as the initial consideration when evaluating a design. Subsequently, I focus on understanding the message the design intends to convey. If the message remains unclear, regardless of visual quality, the design fails to communicate effectively. Therefore, I believe both aspects—visual appeal and message clarity—are crucial when assessing the quality of a design.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
MCH : From my point of view, the responsibilities of a designer for society and the environment include bringing good design to the public and elevating the average aesthetic standard. By doing so, designers can help create a more efficient and beautiful world, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for everyone.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
MCH : I believe the design field is evolving towards greater integration of technology and sustainability. Designers now have more resources at their disposal to create exceptional designs, such as advanced software, AI, and VR tools. The future of design will likely focus on creating more user-centered, environmentally friendly solutions. As designers, we'll increasingly use these advanced tools to enhance our creative processes and deliver innovative, impactful designs.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
MCH : My last exhibition was my BFA show, held in Chicago. I hope to organize my own solo exhibition next year.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
MCH : The more art and design pieces I expose myself to, the more inspired I feel. These artworks are the source of my creativity and inspiration.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
MCH : I would describe my design style as vibrant and unpredictable, yet elegant and rich in color.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
MCH : I was born in Taiwan and currently live in the US. The cultural heritage of Taiwan deeply influences my design journey, infusing my work with rich inspiration and unique perspectives. Living in the US adds another layer to this creative mix, sparking fascinating ideas at the intersection of these two worlds. The advantage of this cultural blend is the diverse mindset it brings to my design process, enriching my work with depth and resonance. However, navigating between these influences also challenges me to ensure my designs remain fresh and distinct, avoiding the pitfalls of cliché. This dynamic cultural interplay not only shapes my designs but also fuels my passion for creating meaningful and impactful visual experiences." I born in Taiwan, I do think the culture affects some of the topic I want to create. And these cultural heritage are some really good inspirations for me as a designer to think about. Since I’m currently based in US the difference between two cultures can collapse some interesting sparks. The pros is there are different mindset supporting your design, but the cons will be if you don’t explore different styles or topic it might be a bit clishe cuz your design will be similar to other’s.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
MCH : My design process usually starts with brainstorming keywords that serve as the initial spark of inspiration. These keywords help set the tone and direction for the design journey ahead. As I immerse myself in the project, I conduct thorough research on existing designs within the field, seeking insights and understanding which approaches resonate best for solving the problem at hand. With a clearer vision in mind, I begin crafting initial iterations of the design. This stage is crucial, as it allows me to explore various possibilities and refine my concepts. Throughout this iterative process, I actively engage with peers and mentors, eagerly seeking their perspectives and feedback. Their insights play a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of the design, ensuring it not only meets but exceeds expectations. Ultimately, my design process is a dynamic journey of exploration and refinement, driven by creativity, research, and collaborative insights.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
MCH : The scent diffuser, coffee machine, bookshelf, York ghost merchant collections, 365calendar
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
MCH : In the morning, I start by brushing my teeth and doing my makeup, while planning my outfit for the day. I prepare a quick breakfast and enjoy a cup of coffee before heading to the office, where I dive into exciting branding projects. At lunchtime, I join my foodie colleagues for a break. After work, I walk home, using the time to exercise and clear my mind, often sparking new ideas. Back at home, I relax on the sofa, browsing design references and watching short videos. I also dedicate time to video editing for my vlog—a creative outlet that adds to my day's routine!
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
MCH : 1.Embrace Diverse Knowledge: Explore a wide range of subjects beyond design, such as biology, business, and psychology. This broad understanding will fuel your creativity and inspire fresh ideas. 2.Seek Inspiration Across Art and Design: Immerse yourself in various artworks and design pieces. This exposure will enhance your aesthetic sensibilities and broaden your design perspectives. 3.Connect with Nature: Regularly engage in physical activities and spend time outdoors. The natural environment can rejuvenate your energy and provide unexpected sources of inspiration. 4.Stay Curious and Open-Minded: Always be eager to learn and experience new things. Embrace different knowledge areas and diverse artistic expressions to enrich your creative toolkit. 5.Allow for Serendipitous Discoveries: Be open to unexpected inspirations that arise from your learning and experiences. Sometimes, the most innovative ideas come from seemingly unrelated sources. 6.Network and Collaborate: Build relationships within the design community and beyond. Collaborative projects can offer new perspectives and opportunities for growth in your career. 7.Trust Your Creative Instincts: Develop your own unique design voice and trust your creative instincts. Your personal perspective is what makes your designs authentic and compelling. 8.Practice Reflection and Adaptation: Regularly reflect on your design process and outcomes. Adapt to new challenges and technological advancements to stay relevant in a dynamic industry. 9.Seek and Learn from Feedback: Embrace feedback as a catalyst for improvement. Constructive criticism helps refine your skills and push your designs to new heights. 10.Enjoy the Journey: Designing is a journey of exploration and self-expression. Embrace the joy of creating and making a positive impact through your designs.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
MCH : Positives: Designers have a unique ability to transform ideas into visual realities, which is incredibly fulfilling. I've always been drawn to the creative freedom that design offers—a chance to shape and enhance the world around us through innovative and aesthetic solutions. One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing my designs come to life and positively impact others. Whether it's creating a brand identity that resonates with audiences or designing user-friendly interfaces that improve experiences, each project brings a sense of accomplishment and personal fulfillment. Beyond personal satisfaction, being a designer allows me to contribute to society's visual landscape. By elevating aesthetic standards and solving complex problems through design, I believe we can make meaningful changes that improve people's lives. It's a constant journey of exploration and creativity, where each project presents new challenges and opportunities to innovate. Negatives: However, not everyone understands the depth and complexity behind design. There's a common misconception that design is easy or purely subjective, which can be frustrating. Design involves meticulous planning, research, and iteration—all of which require years of learning and skill development. Navigating these misconceptions and educating others about the value of design can be a challenge. Moreover, design is inherently subjective, and feedback can vary widely. Balancing client expectations, artistic vision, and practical considerations often requires compromise and adaptation. Tight deadlines and high-pressure environments are common in the design industry, adding to the challenge. Yet, these challenges also fuel my growth as a designer, pushing me to innovate and refine my skills constantly. In essence, being a designer is a journey of passion, creativity, and resilience. It's about embracing the highs and lows, learning from each experience, and continuously striving to make a meaningful impact through design.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
MCH : My approach to design doesn't rely on specific golden rules. However, I strongly believe in the importance of being adaptive and remaining open to receiving advice and feedback throughout the design process. This flexibility allows me to continuously evolve and improve as a designer.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
MCH : I think having the aesthetic on design and the storytelling and communication ability are most important skills for designers. Without asethtic you can barely create an appealing and attractive design. Without storytelling you can’t really deliver the message you want to present. Lastly is the communication skills, I think is the most important skills among the all, having a good communication with your client with your audience and your peers is necessary to sell your ideas.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
MCH : Mainly Adobe creative suits, and any kind of design or art related books.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
MCH : I'm not the best at planning my time, so I often rely on timelines provide by the client, which isn't always ideal.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
MCH : It mostly depends on the timelines and the client's requests, which can range from weeks to months.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
MCH : Can designers really make money, or is design so easy that learning it isn't necessary?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
MCH : My most significant job experience was at Apple, where I found the environment and the people I worked with incredibly inspiring and nurturing.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
MCH : I enjoy working on branding the most, particularly crafting visual identities. The holistic design process—from ideation to the final design outcome—really appeals to me.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
MCH : I plan to continue developing my personal projects, aiming to refine them further. Eventually, I hope to launch them to the public, marking the next step in my journey as a designer.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
MCH : I often develop my designs independently, refining them through discussions with classmates and professors during classes. However, I also enjoy working as part of a team and find collaborative environments to be rewarding and effective for creative projects.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
MCH : Currently, I'm working on a project that aims to bring happiness to our daily lives. My hope is that this project will add fun and interesting moments to our stressful or monotonous routines.
DI: How can people contact you?
MCH : Through email or linkedin will be the best way to reach out!