We recently connected with Hyning Gan and have shared our conversation below.

Hyning, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

As a current design student at Parsons School of Design, pursuing a degree in Communication Design, and living in New York City- I’ve found that the educational experiences that emphasises real-world application and direct industry connections are crucial for developing a fulfilling life and career. During my time in school, working on projects that integrate professional guidance and genuine client feedback has been transformative. Engaging with industry experts, particularly through internships and collaborative projects, have not only broadened my understanding of design but also sharpened my practical skills. These experiences have allowed me to see the tangible impacts of my work.

This real-world exposure in tandem with a formal design education has directly contributed to my achievements and growth as a designer. For instance, my current role as an academic year creative intern at NBCU Cable Entertainment, alongside involvement with professional communities in NYC, such as Friends of Figma and Designpreneurs Hackathon, has opened doors to connecting with professionals I wouldn’t have met otherwise. Working on projects with industry mentors and seeing real-time feedback on my designs has also accelerated my career development in ways a classroom alone cannot. I believe the art education system could benefit greatly from prioritising these kinds of experiences, offering students a deeper connection to their field and a richer sense of purpose in their work. It’s in these moments—when my ideas translate into user-focused solutions with real impact—that I feel truly inspired to pursue a meaningful career in the creative industry.

Hyning, 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?

I am a Singaporean-Malaysian creative, raised in Hong Kong and currently based in New York City. My work blends design, photography, and a culturally informed perspective rooted in my international background, allowing me to bridge worlds and craft visual narratives that sit at the intersection of community-centred design and human experience. To me, design is one of the most powerful forms of storytelling—one that transcends traditional boundaries and connects with people in ways that are both authentic and resonant.

My creative journey began over five years ago with the launch of my freelance photography business, where I developed a distinctive, colourful and confident visual style across campaigns, editorials, e-commerce, and look-books. Then, my move to New York marked a pivotal moment, inspiring me to expand my practice into design, broadening the range of what I could communicate visually. This evolution has allowed me to merge interdisciplinary influences—from mental health to fashion—to craft transformative narratives that leave lasting impressions on both clients and collaborators.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative practice is driven by a profound commitment to fostering human connection through design. Growing up across diverse cultural landscapes—I’ve come to see design as a universal language, one capable of bridging divides and celebrating the distinct beauty of varied experiences. In an increasingly interconnected digital world, I approach each project with a mission to bring cultural nuance and sensitivity to the forefront, creating work that speaks across borders while respecting the depth of each unique culture. For me, design is more than visual appeal; it’s a catalyst for connection and understanding. By drawing on an internationally informed perspective, I aim to create work that resonates with most, yet remains deeply personal and authentic—design that honours the shared humanity beneath our differences and speaks to something both timeless and relevant.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One aspect that non-creatives often overlook about a designer’s journey is just how much calculation, intention, and almost scientific precision goes into crafting our visual world. People tend to think of art and design as spontaneous or purely artistic, but the reality is that every choice—from colour to spacing, from typography to layout—is deeply rooted in well thought out intention, whether that is informed by cultural understanding or behavioural science. We live in an intricately designed world, where the work of creatives influences nearly every aspect of our daily lives, often in ways we barely notice.

Consider the colour of a public restroom sign or the layout of a subway map. These are not arbitrary choices; they’re thoughtfully designed to reduce confusion, maximise legibility, and ensure accessibility for people from all walks of life. Even something as simple as the placement of a button on a website or the curvature of a handrail in a public space is meticulously crafted by designers who understand how these elements impact usability, comfort, and human experience- all the while still making it beautiful.

Additionally, with this understanding, I challenge the outdated notion that an art or design education lacks the value or rigour of a traditional degree. Today, creative roles intersect with fields like technology, business, and psychology, making cross-functional insights invaluable. In a world that increasingly requires innovation and adaptability, the skill set of a designer—balancing aesthetics with utility, empathy with strategy—is more relevant than ever. Creative work doesn’t just make things “look nice”; it improves functionality, accessibility, and inclusivity, shaping how we interact with the world on a fundamental level.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hyninggan.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hihyning/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hyninggan/

Image Credits

Comcast NBC Photo: Christabelle Tan
All other photos original work by me