We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jane Wu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jane thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I obtained the majority of my design skills through formal education at professional design schools. Although my interest in Fine Art originated in childhood, my formal introduction to graphic design occurred during secondary school. As a design student, I developed foundational skills in various design software during my academic years. However, I refined my proficiency in these programs through online tutorials afterward. Reflecting on my journey, I recognize that beginning my learning of design programs online from the outset could have accelerated my progress. The time saved from grappling with software in class could have been allocated to more valuable lessons, such as critique sessions, engaging in additional design projects, and delving deeper into design theories.
From my perspective, effective communication stands out as the most crucial skill in design. This involves translating ideas from clients’ perspectives to captivate the target audience or simply representing myself as a designer to clients. I believe the primary obstacle to learning more often stems from a lack of courage. Frequently, we miss out on various opportunities when we hesitate to venture into new territory, ask seemingly “simple” questions, or initiate conversations with new people.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am an interdisciplinary designer specializing in package and branding design, currently based in the United States with roots in Hong Kong. My design style is a fusion of Western and Asian cultures.
My passion for art and design began in my upbringing in Hong Kong, where I initially explored drawing in a local art studio. As I progressed through my education, attending a secondary school with a strong focus on art, I enrolled in my first design class during middle school. Despite uncertainty about my specific creative path, I remained determined to pursue a career in the creative domain. After completing high school, I seized the opportunity to study abroad in the United States, gaining admission to the esteemed School of Visual Arts. At SVA, I pursued majors in both advertising and graphic design, laying the groundwork for my creative journey. Subsequently, after earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree, I augmented my experience through internships at a fashion magazine and undertaking freelance projects. Motivated by a deep interest in 3-dimensional design, I pursued a master’s degree at Pratt Institute, specializing in Package Design, which seamlessly integrated my skills in both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional design, aligning perfectly with my aspirations.
Currently, I serve as the Creative Lead at a Nutritional Beverage company, overseeing all creative endeavors, including a recent comprehensive rebranding initiative spanning the brand, packaging, and online store. Concurrently, I actively pursue a variety of independent projects for clients not only in the United States but also internationally.
My approach to every creative challenge consistently aims to diverge from prevailing trends and competitors, delivering designs imbued with a distinctive essence or enhancements to established ones. I eschew conventional methods. In my package design endeavors, I prioritize integrating patterns and original illustrations. My fervor for typography and editorial design is unmistakable. Recently, I’ve broadened my expertise to encompass UI/UX design. Having grown up with a background in fine art, I find it enriches my design sensibilities significantly. For instance, it enables me to create compositional tension, employ patterns purposefully, and harmonize color schemes. Furthermore, drawing from my experience in photography and video editing enhances my capabilities. Embracing an interdisciplinary mindset, I am confident that my adeptness in navigating various disciplines, formats, and media positions me favorably to adeptly address complex challenges.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
As an interdisciplinary designer, I derive the greatest satisfaction from exploring diverse approaches to problem-solving. The creative industry’s flexibility is both liberating and intellectually stimulating, enabling me to develop a range of strategies to tackle challenges. Working with clients across various industries adds an element of fascination and inspiration, distinguishing this profession from others. Each new client or project presents an opportunity for me to delve deeper into their industry or narratives. The ongoing learning process ensures that I remain engaged and dynamic, as there is always something new to discover.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
In my experience, the most effective method for acquiring new clients has been through referrals. Building and nurturing strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and industry contacts has been invaluable. Numerous freelance projects and even my first full-time job after graduation were secured through recommendations from previous connections. This underscores the significance of treating individuals with respect and maintaining a polite demeanor in all professional interactions.
Contact Info:
- Website: Letjanedesign.com
- Instagram: Letjanedesign