Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stella Chen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Stella , thanks for joining us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?
For this challenge, I feel that, especially in the creative industry, the market is flooded with similar designs and clear trends, which can sometimes lead to confusion. With the overwhelming amount of information available, it becomes increasingly difficult to create something truly unique, especially given the vast number of artists competing in the same space. Sometimes, I find myself questioning whether I have the talent or if I should consider a different industry, but deep down, I know that I love design—there’s nothing else I’d rather do. While I don’t have a definitive solution to this challenge, I believe in trusting myself and continuously learning and improving along the way. Believe in yourself.
At present, I’m working as a freelance motion/visual designer, and to keep my passion for UI/UX alive, I’m also learning different software. In fact, I’m building one of my UI projects into a real app, a process that’s still ongoing. This dual focus allows me to balance both motion design and UI/UX development, pushing myself to keep growing and evolving as a designer.
In addition to these pursuits, the rapid advancements in technology have significantly impacted the design industry as a whole. I spent decades learning traditional art, but my journey has since evolved. I transitioned into motion design, and more recently, I’ve started learning UI/UX design. Back in high school, I recognized the importance of coding and gained a basic understanding of programming languages. Now, as I learn UI/UX, I aim to see my designs move and come to life in a meaningful way—just like when I began working digitally and wanted my illustrations to animate. This drive continues to inspire my work today, as I explore new ways to bring my creations to life and make an impact.
Stella , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hi, I’m Stella Chen—a Motion Designer, UI/UX Designer, and Illustrator. My work thrives on embracing contradictions. I love blending technology with spontaneous creativity, diving into the unknown with excitement. I’m always balancing logical analysis with playful experimentation, which keeps my work evolving in this fast-paced creative world.
My journey began with traditional art and eventually led me to motion design. That shift changed everything—I could finally bring illustrations to life. Now, as a freelance motion/visual designer, I’m focused on pushing design beyond visuals to solve real-world problems.
One project I’m especially proud of is AmpZone, a Deaf-friendly music platform. It’s designed to make music accessible through sensory experiences like vibration and visuals. AmpZone deepened my belief that design should be not just aesthetic but inclusive, a lesson that’s stayed with me.
Besides freelancing, I’m also building a personal UI project into a real app. I’m always in learning mode, expanding my skills in software and UI/UX game design. Back in high school, I realized how coding could make my designs come alive. Ever since, I’ve combined tech and design to ensure my work moves—both literally and emotionally.
To explore more of my projects, please visit my website, stellachen.info. I find beauty in balancing opposing forces, and that balance shapes my unique style, reflecting the contrasts within my inner world and the future I envision.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Initially, my focus as a visual artist was primarily on creating beauty and comfort for the audience. It was all about following my heart and expressing myself artistically. However, as I started working on branding and interactive communication design, my perspective shifted. The research and interviews I conducted during the early stages of these projects made me realize that design could be much more than aesthetics.
As I transitioned from the role of an artist to that of a designer, I began to develop a new workflow that extended beyond the visual. I started paying closer attention to marketing and audience research, understanding how deeply design is intertwined with functionality and impact. This shift inspired me to give my designs more meaning and purpose, focusing on how they can serve a function and even change behavior or create experiences that resonate with users on multiple levels.
Ultimately, my goal is to create designs that go beyond just looking good. I want to bring meaningful, functional solutions through design—solutions that can have a tangible, positive impact on people’s lives, whether through accessibility, interaction, or storytelling.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Throughout my creative journey, I’ve had the privilege of participating in many different art programs, but one that stands out as particularly rewarding is the international program called Safe Ninos. This initiative was designed for a local hospital in Chile, primarily focused on treating children who had suffered severe burns. My role involved working on an interactive game for children in the hospital’s waiting room, continuing the story of their mascot and its animal friends. This interactive experience was meant to provide the children with a sense of comfort and a way to momentarily escape their challenging reality.
Seeing the physical and emotional scars these children carried was heartbreaking. However, it was also a profound reminder of how powerful and healing art can be. The most rewarding part of this experience was knowing that our designs could provide comfort and emotional relief to these children. It wasn’t just about creating something visually appealing; it was about using creativity to bring them moments of joy and distraction, even if just for a while.
As a creative, being able to use my skills to help heal, support, and connect with others is incredibly fulfilling. The impact art and design can have on emotional well-being is something I witnessed firsthand through Safe Ninos, and it reinforced my belief in the power of creativity to make a positive difference. Knowing that my work can bring moments of joy, relief, and hope, especially for children in such vulnerable situations, is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stellachen.info
- Instagram: @stellacdesign
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/stella-chen-design
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@estellartie_design
Image Credits
Stella ( Ziyu) Chen