We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Eleanor Yang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Eleanor, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I have a deep passion for beauty, and as a designer, I thrive on creativity and innovation. Staying current with trends and aesthetic preferences is essential in my work, so I make it a point to immerse myself in art and culture during my free time. Visiting museums, attending concerts, and exploring other creative environments are activities that bring me joy and inspiration. Through these experiences, I also meet fascinating people with unique tastes, which adds to my sense of fulfillment as a designer.

However, my career journey as a new designer isn’t always joyful. To succeed in this competitive field, I must take on a heavy workload, even if it’s challenging, to grow quickly and build a professional network. This often means sacrificing projects that I enjoy in favor of those that help me advance my career. As a designer, my work must align with market demands, which might not always align with my personal preferences. I’m willing to acquire new skills and adapt to market trends, even if they aren’t my favorite, because they offer the best opportunities for growth and success.

Despite my dedication to my career, I don’t see myself pursuing a conventional, permanent job. Growing up in an environment where most people had stable jobs and predictable lives, I realized that I wanted something different. I aim to embrace life’s possibilities and explore a variety of interests, rather than settling into a predefined path. With a basic level of financial stability, I want to experience as much as I can and carve out a career that reflects my unique aspirations and creativity.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a graphic designer brimming with vitality, imagination, and a strong sense of responsibility. For me, graphic design is more than a career—it’s a means of self-discovery that injects my life with vibrant passion and energy. As I embark on my professional journey, I aim to infuse the world with positive, avant-garde innovations through my work.

My aesthetic vision is a harmonious blend of retro and futuristic. I find inspiration in retro design elements, which carry deep historical significance and cultural depth. At the same time, I stay tuned to new and emerging design trends that reflect society’s evolution. I enjoy pushing the boundaries between the real and surreal by integrating multimedia into my designs. This approach allows me to creatively tell stories and define brands in abstract, intriguing, and unique ways that are grounded in reality yet transcend it.

What makes my design perspective unique is my fresh and irreplaceable approach to thinking. I constantly seek to improve not only my technical skills but also my creative mindset. My designs are driven by a combination of playful abstraction and meticulous attention to detail. By exploring diverse styles and integrating a range of influences, I create designs that are as much a reflection of my personal journey as they are a contribution to the wider world of graphic design.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Before diving into graphic design, I immersed myself in the study and creation of fine art, where my creative thinking was deeply rooted in artistic expression. My foundation in art was built over many years, relying solely on physical media to create my works. Through this traditional artistic approach, I could freely voice my thoughts and ideas, exploring and dissecting my perspectives on various subjects. I focused on expressing my views without external constraints or commercial considerations.

Transitioning to graphic design required a significant shift in my approach. Suddenly, I had to consider the ideas of others, understanding the desires of clients and the voice of consumer groups. This shift from pure artistic expression to a more collaborative and market-driven mindset was initially unfamiliar and uncomfortable for me. In the early stages of my graphic design career, I often started with what I personally enjoyed, without much thought about branding or specific meanings tied to a client’s needs.

Over time, however, through the guidance of my professors and by studying more about branding, I learned to adapt. I began to appreciate the importance of understanding the deeper meanings behind design choices and the value of aligning my creativity with the client’s vision and consumer expectations. This adaptation has been a transformative journey, helping me bridge the gap between pure art and graphic design, where my creativity now serves both my personal expression and the needs of the broader design community.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I have always believed in the philosophy of giving your best or not doing it at all. My connection with art began in childhood when I would scribble on paper, captivated by the freedom to create. This early interest led me to pursue a formal education in art, where I quickly found that the process came naturally to me. Art felt like a comfortable space where I excelled, reinforcing the feeling that I had a natural talent for it. This confidence and my persistent work ethic drove me to tell my mother before applying to art university, “Trust me—I excel in art, and I will give it my all.”

The guiding force behind my career is the desire for freedom. To me, freedom means being able to pursue what I love without compromising my quality of life. I aim to build a life where I can focus on my passions while leveraging my skills to improve my circumstances. I understand that to attain this kind of freedom, I need a solid foundation, including a stable income and a robust skill set. Therefore, I work hard to ensure that I have the resources to explore the world and experience the things that bring me joy.

This balance between passion and practicality shapes my approach to art and career. My goal is to immerse myself in the things I love, create meaningful work, and gradually enhance my quality of life. With a secure base, I aim to continue exploring my interests and pushing my creative boundaries while ensuring that I have the freedom to live my life to the fullest.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eleanoryang.net/
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/eleanor-yang-692775227