We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dana Choi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dana below.
Dana, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
My mission is deeply rooted in personal experience, having navigated the turbulent waters of creative burnout. This journey illuminated the pressing need to address systemic issues within the creative industry, particularly the undervaluation and exploitation of designers. Witnessing talented individuals being taken advantage of, whether through inadequate compensation or the appropriation of their ideas without proper recognition, fueled my resolve to instigate change.
To me, the mission goes beyond advocating for fair compensation and recognition for designers; it’s about redefining the narrative surrounding design. Designers are not merely creators of visually appealing content; they are problem solvers, strategists, and storytellers. Their work transcends aesthetics, shaping the way we interact with the world around us.
Furthermore, this mission is deeply personal because it aligns with my core beliefs about the inherent value of creativity and the importance of nurturing a supportive and empowering environment for designers to thrive. By championing this cause, I aim to empower designers at every stage of their careers, from newcomers brimming with potential to seasoned professionals seeking to reignite their passion.
Dana, 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?
My introduction to the industry was driven by a deep-seated curiosity and a desire to explore the intersection of art and functionality. I embarked on this path with a background in Advertising, coupled with a relentless drive to challenge conventional norms.
In my role as a design director, I provide a range of products, services, and creative content tailored to meet the unique needs of my clients–from brand identity development and visual storytelling to product design and user experience optimization.
At the heart of my practice lies a commitment to collaboration and communication — I firmly believe in the value of collective intelligence, recognizing that we’re all on a journey of continual learning and growth. Working together to tackle creative challenges has proven most fruitful, whether it’s navigating the ever-evolving landscape of digital technology or distilling a brand’s essence into visual narratives.
I am most proud of my ability to inspire and empower others through my work. Whether it’s mentoring aspiring designers or advocating for greater recognition and fair treatment within the industry, I strive to make a positive impact that extends beyond the realm of design.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Mentorship Programs: Having access to experienced mentors who can provide guidance, feedback, and support is invaluable for personal and professional growth. Looking back on my early career, I realize that I didn’t have the opportunity to benefit from mentorship programs within organizations or through industry associations. Without guidance from seasoned professionals, I often found myself navigating challenges alone. However, with the availability of mentorship programs today, younger professionals have the chance to tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience, accelerating their growth and development in ways that were not possible before.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Creating and maintaining a positive and supportive environment is paramount for nurturing creativity, boosting confidence, and ultimately, ensuring high morale within a team. Here are some pieces of advice based on my experience:
Cultivate a Collaborative Culture: Foster a culture of collaboration where team members feel valued, respected, and encouraged to contribute their ideas. Emphasize the importance of recognizing that diverse perspectives enrich the creative process.
Provide Clear Direction and Goals: Ensure that team members have a CLEAR understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and objectives. Set realistic goals and provide regular and CONSISTENT feedback to keep everyone aligned and motivated towards achieving shared outcomes.
Encourage Open Communication: Establish open channels of communication where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, concerns, and feedback. Encourage active listening and create opportunities for constructive dialogue.
Promote Work-Life Balance: Recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout and sustain long-term productivity. Encourage flexible scheduling, promote self-care practices, and lead by example by prioritizing your own well-being.
Celebrate Achievements and Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of individual team members as well as collective achievements. Recognize their hard work and contributions!
Provide Growth Opportunities: This is so so so important! INVEST in the professional development and growth of your team members by offering training, mentorship, and opportunities for skill-building. Empower them to pursue their passions and explore new areas of interest. After all, your team or the company’s success is a reflection of their contributions, so investing in their growth is investing in the success of the entire team/company.
Lead with Empathy and Compassion: Understand that every team member is unique and may have different needs, challenges, and aspirations. Lead with empathy, compassion, and humility, demonstrating genuine care and support for their well-being and personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/yaydana
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/danachoi
Image Credits
Nicole Pagan, Maria Be