Today we’d like to introduce you to Yunqi Zhao.
Yunqi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My creative journey began with a fascination for the vibrant colors and imagery on labels, shoeboxes, and clothes, sparking my interest in design. I started drawing at a young age, laying a strong foundation for my design journey, which officially began in 2015. I pursued a master’s degree at SCAD Atlanta starting in 2019, where I also studied fashion as a second major, broadening my perspective and possibilities.
While fashion and graphic design complement each other in my creative vision, I ultimately chose to channel my passion into the graphic design industry. By immersing myself in continuous learning and applying aesthetic principles and technical skills to various projects, I cultivated a deep understanding of typography, logo design, packaging design, and illustration. Through deliberate practice and dedication, I mastered the art of brand design, which ultimately paved the way for a successful career as a graphic designer.
Today, I find immense fulfillment in translating ideas into visually compelling designs. Each day, I draw inspiration from the rich tapestry of design influences around me, always seeking to push boundaries and create meaningful experiences through my work. My journey continues to evolve, and I look forward to exploring new creative avenues and making a lasting impact in the vibrant creative community of Atlanta.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As an international student pursuing graduate studies in graphic design and fashion, my journey has been marked by a series of challenges that have ultimately shaped my resilience and determination.
Relocating to a new country, culture, language, and education system were the initial obstacles. I had to familiarize myself with the differences between the United States and China and find my place in the vibrant creative community of Atlanta. In addition, moving away from home and adjusting to a new lifestyle required significant adjustment and emotional fortitude.
Academically, balancing graphic design and fashion is a rewarding but demanding endeavor. Coursework, projects and internships in both disciplines required excellent time management and a persistent work ethic. I faced rigorous challenges, but these experiences served as catalysts for personal and professional growth.
Despite the bumps along the way, I am proud of the obstacles I overcame in academics and life, and I graduated and launched my career with very good grades, proving my dedication and passion for my chosen field of study.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in graphic design with an emphasis on branding, typography, logo design, packaging design and illustration. I am passionate about creating visually appealing and impactful designs that convey the essence of a brand or message. I am committed to continuous learning and keeping up with the latest design trends and technologies. I am constantly seeking new inspiration and exploring innovative approaches to design. This commitment to growth allows me to provide fresh and original ideas to my clients and bring a unique touch to each project I undertake.
In my work, I strive to combine aesthetics with functionality to ensure that my designs are not only visually appealing but also effective in communicating the intended message. I work with the R&D and marketing teams and have primary responsibility for international markets, providing creative and design for products and online/offline campaigns in the US, Singapore, and Dubai, while leading a team of six designers in China to do some design for the Chinese market.
Besides my own career, I have my own insistence on my fashion collections, I think it’s cool to express ideas through clothes and I’ve won awards in fashion and been featured in several magazines. One thing I am particularly proud of is my ability to adapt and work across different design disciplines. Having studied graphic design and fashion, I bring a unique perspective and a multidisciplinary approach to my work. This allows me to think outside the box and inject creativity into every project, no matter the industry or medium.
In addition, my international background and exposure to different cultures has influenced my design aesthetic and enriched my understanding of global design trends. This global perspective allows me to create designs that resonate with a wide range of audiences and cultures.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
As a creative professional, I believe that risk-taking is integral to personal and professional growth. While I may not consider myself a natural risk-taker, I recognize the value of embracing calculated risks to expand boundaries and achieve meaningful accomplishments.
One major risk I took was studying abroad. Leaving my familiar surroundings in Beijing and pursuing my educational journey in a foreign country required stepping out of my comfort zone. It involved facing cultural differences, language barriers, and identity issues on my own. Despite the challenges, this risk opened doors to a wealth of opportunities to be exposed to art and creativity, including access to school resources, museums, and a diverse community of inspiring individuals.
Another significant risk was pursuing my career dream in a foreign country. Transitioning from the stability of a traditional job to forging my own path in the creative industry demanded courage and resilience. It meant navigating uncertainties and challenges, adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the creative field. However, taking this risk granted me the freedom to work on projects that truly inspired me and to shape my own creative journey.
Ultimately, risk-taking is about pushing boundaries, embracing uncertainty, and unlocking new possibilities. It is through taking risks that we uncover our true potential, foster innovation, and achieve meaningful success in the dynamic and ever-evolving world of creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yunqizhaodesign.com/
- Instagram: Graphic Design: www.instagram.com/alexzhao0001design
Fashion: www.instagram.com/zhi_studio_official - Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yunqi-zhao-154b56191/
Image Credits
John Warner, Fangyu Ma, Cindy Dong, Rebekah Nadolny, Yanni
