We recently connected with Huahua Liu and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Huahua, thanks for joining us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

When considering the necessary changes in the education system to better equip students for a more fulfilling life and career, several aspects warrant careful consideration. One significant alteration would involve shifting the focus from solely academic achievement to a more holistic approach that encompasses essential life skills, personal development, and career readiness.

In my own experience, I vividly recall the lack of emphasis on practical skills and real-world application during my schooling. The curriculum primarily centered around studying what others have done and adhering to industry norms, which is not inherently wrong. However, this approach poses a challenge in fostering creativity within the creative industry itself. As a result, many students, including myself, felt ill-prepared for the challenges and complexities of the world beyond the classroom.

Moreover, limited exposure to diverse career paths and a lack of comprehensive career guidance hindered our ability to make informed decisions about our futures. We were often steered towards traditional, pre-determined career paths without sufficient exploration or understanding of alternative options. This narrow perspective restricted our potential for personal fulfillment and impeded our ability to make meaningful contributions in our chosen fields.

Furthermore, the lack of emphasis on essential life skills, such as financial literacy, communication, emotional intelligence, and adaptability, left us ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of adulthood. These skills are paramount for personal growth, building meaningful relationships, and thriving in today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape.

To address these deficiencies, a revamped education system should prioritize a well-rounded education that includes experiential learning, real-world project-based assignments, and ample opportunities for the practical application of knowledge. Integrating career exploration programs, internships, and mentorship initiatives can provide students with firsthand exposure to various industries, empowering them to make more informed decisions about their career paths.

Additionally, incorporating life skills training into the curriculum can equip students with the necessary tools to manage personal finances, communicate effectively, solve problems, and adapt to changing circumstances. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, schools can nurture well-rounded individuals prepared to tackle the challenges of the modern world.

To illustrate the need for these changes, I recall a personal story from my own schooling. During my high school years, there was a noticeable absence of career counseling or exposure to different industries. Consequently, I entered college without a clear understanding of my interests and passions. It took several years of exploration and self-discovery to find my true calling. If I had received guidance and exposure to various career paths earlier on, I believe I could have made more informed decisions and pursued a more fulfilling path from the start.

In conclusion, transforming the education system to prioritize holistic development, career readiness, and essential life skills is crucial for preparing students for a more fulfilling life and career. By incorporating experiential learning, career exploration, and comprehensive life skills training, we can equip students with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world and lead fulfilling 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?

I am an experienced professional in the creative industry of advertising. With a passion for art direction, I have dedicated my career to delivering exceptional services and creative works to my clients.

I am a teacher at the university and with my experience I lead my students to study and experience creativity.

My journey into this field began at Savannah College of Art Design, I was study BFA in motion media and MFA in adverting. Through these experiences, I developed a deep understanding of the creative industry and honed my skills in design.

Regarding the creative works I provide, my focus is on art direction. Whether it’s graphic design, motion graphics, or photography, I strive to deliver excellence in every aspect, ensuring that my clients receive the highest quality and value.

One of the key problems I solve for my clients is how to connect with people and storytelling. I take pride in delivering innovative solutions that meet their specific needs and exceed their expectations. By combining my expertise with a deep understanding of their requirements, I am able to provide tailored solutions that drive success and deliver tangible results.

Overall, I am excited to continue my journey in this industry and look forward to connecting with clients who share a similar passion. Together, we can achieve remarkable things and make a positive impact on the world.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

With the best co-workers, managing a team and maintaining high morale is essential for a productive and harmonious work environment. There are some suggestions I think are very important.

As team managers, we need to fully understand the co-worker’s skill sets to put them in the correct place. Understanding others’ workflow and giving important advice. Encourage transparent and open communication within the team. Create a safe space where team members can share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas freely. Actively listen to their feedback and address any issues or challenges promptly. Clearly communicate expectations, goals, and objectives to your team members. Ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, as well as the broader team objectives. Celebrate individual and team achievements regularly. Recognize and appreciate the efforts and contributions of team members. Acknowledge their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments, both privately and publicly. Foster a collaborative and supportive team culture. Encourage teamwork, where team members collaborate, share knowledge, and support each other. Create opportunities for cross-functional projects or team-building activities to strengthen relationships and foster a sense of camaraderie. Delegate tasks and responsibilities to team members based on their strengths and expertise. Empower them to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Recognize the importance of work-life balance and encourage your team members to maintain it. Promote flexible work arrangements when possible and ensure that the workload is manageable. As a manager, lead by example. Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a positive attitude. Be accessible, approachable, and supportive.

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

For someone who may not naturally resonate with the concept of creativity, it can be challenging to grasp its true value and understand why it is worth investing in. It may even come across as something cliché or overrated. However, it is crucial to recognize that creativity extends far beyond mere artistic expression.

At its core, creativity encompasses the ability to generate and develop innovative ideas and solutions. It is about pushing boundaries, thinking outside the box, and finding unique approaches to various challenges. While creativity is often associated with the arts, its impact extends into business and everyday life.

One significant aspect of a creative worker’s role is honing the skill of brainstorming. Generating good ideas requires time, practice, and refinement. It involves nurturing, evaluating, and comparing different concepts until the best ones emerge. The value of a good idea cannot be underestimated. Whether in business or personal life, a well-executed idea has the potential to yield remarkable outcomes.

It is important to note that creativity is not limited to a select few. Anyone can tap into their creative potential by exploring their own unique stories and perspectives. Each individual has their own life experiences, insights, and viewpoints that can be transformed into creative ideas. By embracing and articulating your personal story, you open the door to a wealth of creative possibilities.

So, even as a self-proclaimed non-creative person, there is potential for creativity within you. By embracing your unique experiences and learning to articulate your story, you can unlock your creative potential and contribute valuable insights and ideas to various aspects of your life.

Remember, creativity is not limited to traditional artistic endeavors. It is a powerful tool that can drive innovation, problem-solving, and personal growth. Embracing creativity and nurturing your ability to generate fresh ideas can lead to boundless opportunities and rewards, both personally and professionally.    

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huahualiu/