We were lucky to catch up with Fei Mai recently and have shared our conversation below.

Fei, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One project that truly resonated with me was ‘The Human Experience.’ During my time at ArtCenter College of Design, a personal experience sparked a desire to explore the topic of death. Losing my grandparents far away during the pandemic left me feeling unprepared and confused. There weren’t any resources to guide me through such a difficult experience. This personal connection fueled my passion to create a project that could help others facing similar situations.”

“The Human Experience’ became a research-heavy print project designed as an exhibition. It utilized booklets of various sizes contained in a folder, allowing me to showcase my skills in layout, information hierarchy, and visual storytelling. I explored the concept of death through the lens of different cultures, aiming to create a sensitive and informative resource.

To evoke a sense of life and death, I incorporated X-ray flowers throughout the design. The project also included an interactive installation, ‘The Afterlife Post Office,’ which provided a safe space for people to remember loved ones. It allowed me to combine my design skills with user experience principles to create a meaningful experience.

This project exemplified my ability to connect with a sensitive topic in a creative and respectful way. It showcased how design can facilitate important conversations and emotional connections, something I strive for in all my work.

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

My design journey began as a vibrant symphony in Guangzhou, China. Surrounded by the bustling city life, I was particularly captivated by the traditional calendars adorning our home. Each one was a masterpiece, their intricate designs blending ancient stories with bold illustrations. These calendars weren’t just functional; they were portals to fantastical worlds, sparking my lifelong fascination with visual storytelling.

As a child, I didn’t have a clear vision of my future career, but I was drawn to both the stories within and the layout of newspapers and magazines. Witnessing the city’s rich cultural heritage fade over time instilled in me a deep appreciation for craft and the stories embedded within them.
The arrival of the technology era opened a new chapter in my story. Armed with my trusty phone camera, I started capturing layouts and moments that inspired me. This passion for design blossomed further with my love for K-pop. Fans’ enthusiastic creation of visual content to support their idols resonated deeply with me. I started with simple editing apps, gradually graduating to more complex design software.

Later, moving to Ottawa for high school provided a quieter interlude. Here, I connected with online communities, which led to design collaborations. I worked with diverse creators, from authors and artists to small teams, contributing visuals like book covers, album covers, and VJ loop videos. Another exciting avenue was collaborating with fandoms across Asia, designing custom visual support for their idols, including fan-made merchandise and promotional designs.

These experiences ignited a fire within me. I knew I wanted to delve deeper into graphic design, leading me to ArtCenter College of Design. There, I discovered my passion for transmedia brand identity. I’m fascinated by the exploration of different materials and media to create interactive visuals for brands and events. Every brand story holds unique potential, and I love uncovering those possibilities through cross-connecting different media.

Throughout my design journey, I’ve cultivated a philosophy of weaving unexpected connections and leveraging diverse media. Each element, be it color, material, or interactive technology, becomes a unique thread in the tapestry I’m creating. This approach allows me to tell stories in a way that resonates on an emotional level.

Whether I’m crafting brand identities that capture a company’s essence or designing captivating exhibitions that spark conversations, my ultimate goal is to create design experiences that leave a lasting impression.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My design mission is to create “aha moments” through unexpected connections. I use color, material, and media in surprising ways to tell stories and challenge perspectives. Imagine encountering a brand identity where a bold color choice reflects a social issue, or an interactive exhibit where texture connects to a historical event. These moments of discovery spark curiosity and ignite conversations. My goal is for people to say, “Wow, that’s interesting! I never thought of it like that.” My designs aim to be both aesthetically pleasing and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression that goes beyond the surface.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Growing my clientele thrives on a two-pronged approach: fostering genuine connections and consistently exceeding expectations. First, I prioritize building trust with clients. This means actively listening to their unique needs and concerns, establishing open communication, and being transparent throughout the design process. A professional demeanor, of course, is crucial, but I strive to create a collaborative environment where clients feel comfortable expressing their ideas. By exceeding their expectations with high-quality work and delivering exceptional service, I aim to not just meet their needs but create a positive, memorable experience. This combination of trust, strong relationships, and exceptional results leads to happy clients who become advocates for my work, often recommending me for future projects and opening doors to exciting new possibilities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fei.works
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsokayfei/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fei-mai/