We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amanda Chum. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amanda below.

Alright, Amanda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

Celeste Guarneri isn’t just my boss; she’s a mentor and a cherished friend who has profoundly shaped my understanding of what it means to be a leader. From her time at the School of Visual Arts to her current role as Director of Campus Life, Celeste often jokes that she’s “spent more of her life in college than out of it.” This wealth of experience has equipped her with a unique perspective that she generously shares with her team.

Our paths crossed at a pivotal moment in my life. Fresh out of high school and at the onset of the COVID pandemic, I found myself thrust into the intense, unfamiliar environment of one of the country’s most demanding art schools. During this period of significant change, Celeste chose me to be part of the school’s orientation program. This opportunity was more than just a recognition of my abilities; it was an invitation to explore and develop aspects of myself I hadn’t yet discovered. Under her guidance, I began to understand that becoming a leader wasn’t just about managing tasks or directing others; it was about self-reflection, personal growth, and empowering others to reach their full potential.

What sets Celeste apart as a leader is her ability to create a safe space for growth and experimentation. She encourages risk-taking and views mistakes as valuable learning opportunities. Her leadership style is a blend of mentorship and friendship, always balancing professional guidance and personal support. She has a remarkable ability to recognize and nurture the unique strengths of each person she works with.

As my time as her student worker comes close to an end, I feel incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with Celeste. She’s a remarkable woman who proves that education never truly ends—it just takes on different forms at every point in our lives!

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?

Hello, my name is Amanda Chum, and I’m a graphic designer and illustrator passionate about transforming ideas into visually compelling experiences that spark connections. I’m currently studying at ArtCenter College of Design, pursuing my BFA in Graphic Design with a minor in Business.

Coming from a refugee family, my life always felt like a paved path with predetermined expectations. At a young age, I discovered that crafting and drawing opened up a world of limitless possibilities, granting me the freedom to express myself. While I was introduced to dance and piano growing up, it was illustration that consistently challenged my skills and potential as a designer. Now as a packaging and UI/UX designer, I love combining analog techniques, research, and functionality in my designs.

I strive to use an infusion of whimsy and personality in my work while maintaining a clean, accessible aesthetic. I’m particularly proud of projects like “Click Clack,” where I combined my love for keyboards and gaming to create an informative experience concept; and the “VinFast” rebrand, which allowed me to promote sustainable transportation by positioning around Vietnamese pride and heritage.

I believe that good design has the power to make our daily lives more beautiful and meaningful, and that’s what drives me in my creative pursuits. My mission is to create designs that not only catch the eye but also tell a story and evoke emotion. Whether it’s through a carefully crafted logo, an engaging illustration, or a comprehensive rebranding, I strive to create work that resonates with audiences and helps my clients stand out in their respective fields. When I’m not designing, you might find me exploring new cuisines, building mechanical keyboards, and going to the gym.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I was groomed when I was 15. This event shattered my perception of people around me, and, worst of all, eroded my sense of self-worth. Initially, I struggled to define and process what had happened to me. I thought that labeling the experience was necessary to move past it. I came to realize that healing wasn’t about definition, but acceptance. Accepting that my experience, though deeply personal, was unfortunately shared by many others. Accepting that countless individuals have endured manipulation and abuse, often in silence due to societal stigma and victim-blaming. For me, acceptance meant acknowledging the pain without letting it define me and recognizing that my worth and potential extend far beyond this chapter in my life.

This realization sparked a question: How could I transform my experience into something meaningful? The answer came in the form of a publication project. I spoke about the realities of grooming and sexual assault, to empower survivors to share their stories, and to educate the public on recognizing and preventing these issues. It taught me the crucial lesson that growth is constant, whether we embrace it or not. I learned that every hurdle, no matter how daunting, can be overcome through our perception and the active choices we make.

Today, I stand not only as a survivor but also as an advocate and designer. It has fueled my passion for creativity and reinforced my belief in the transformative power of perseverance. It’s a continual journey, but one I’m proud to be on, that has deepened my commitment to using my voice to uplift others and create positive change.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Non-creatives often struggle to understand the depth and complexity involved in the design process. To the untrained eye, the world of design is often reduced to merely making “things look pretty”, but it’s so much more than that.

At our core, designers are problem-solvers. We craft solutions that convey messages, evoke emotions, and motivate actions. Every layout, typeface, and color choice carries intention and is rooted in strategic thinking, psychology, and cultural awareness. Another misconception is that design work is quick and easy. In reality, thorough study, conceptualization, iteration, and refinement define successful design. Design isn’t just about personal taste or following trends; it’s about understanding the client’s needs, interpreting the brand’s essence, and considering the broader context in which the design will exist. We have to balance aesthetics with functionality, innovation with familiarity, and creativity with practicality.

I hope that non-creatives can learn to appreciate the value we bring to projects and why good design is a long-term investment in meaningful solutions—not just an expense.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amandachum.art/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squishyfriedtofu/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-chum/