We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jacey (pinxuan) Chen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jacey (Pinxuan), looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To me, the most important ingredients for success are determination and an unyielding spirit. My belief in this stems from my experience studying fine arts in high school. Back then, many of my peers were far more talented than I was. They had stronger foundations and greater natural ability, which led others to doubt my potential. I was often compared to them, and some even suggested that I lacked the talent to succeed. However, I firmly believed that effort could make a difference. Instead of letting the pressure and doubts overwhelm me, I doubled down on my goal. I practiced late into the night, refined my skills, and sought guidance from teachers and my talented peers. Over time, I began to see progress. My work started to gain recognition, and I discovered my own artistic style. This experience taught me that while talent is important, the ability to push through challenges and work hard is what ultimately determines success.

Transitioning from fine arts to design was my next breakthrough. When I began my undergraduate education at Parsons, I decided to shift my focus from fine arts to design. It was a difficult decision because design required more than creativity and aesthetics—it demanded technical proficiency, logical thinking, and a deep understanding of user needs. This new field posed unique challenges, and I initially struggled with mastering software tools, clarifying design logic, and adapting to these new demands. However, I relied on the persistence I had cultivated in high school to overcome these obstacles. I spent hours learning new tools, analyzing outstanding design work, and seeking feedback from professors and peers. Slowly but surely, I grew from someone who barely understood design to someone capable of developing comprehensive and cohesive design solutions. This transformation showed me that as long as you are willing to embrace challenges and work hard, you can carve out a path in any field.

This mindset has stayed with me throughout my journey. During my time at the School of Visual Arts for my graduate program, I was responsible for multiple projects simultaneously, and my determination helped me navigate various challenges. For example, my thesis was a completely independent project where I handled everything from topic selection to final design implementation. While I faced numerous technical obstacles and time pressures, I never gave up. In the end, I delivered a high-quality project that received high praise from my advisor. This experience reinforced my belief that with unwavering focus, any problem can be overcome.

Determination and persistence also played a key role in my teamwork. In one of my graduate school team projects, where my team was designing a skateboarding shoe, I was responsible for the brand strategy. The team initially had disagreements about the brand positioning—some wanted a retro aesthetic, while others pushed for a more performance-driven direction. Instead of avoiding the conflict, I worked to resolve it using data and logic. I conducted market research, analyzed trends, and considered the needs of our target audience—young skateboard enthusiasts. I proposed a strategy that combined both elements: functional yet stylish, appealing to both performance-driven and trend-conscious customers. To ensure alignment, I facilitated discussions where every team member could share their perspective, and I used data to validate the feasibility of our approach. This persistence not only resolved the conflict but also led us to a clear, cohesive brand direction. The final presentation was well-received by evaluators, and this experience taught me the importance of balancing different perspectives in a team while staying committed to the project’s goals.

Similarly, my perseverance helped me stand out in branding a collegiate esports organization. This project overlapped with my graduate studies, and at the time, the organization was just starting out and lacked a clear brand identity or guidelines. My role was to create a comprehensive brand strategy and visual framework from scratch. While the logo design was handled by another team member, I developed the visual guidelines, including color schemes, typography, and design standards. I prioritized understanding our audience and defining a brand voice that reflected the values of esports—youthfulness, professionalism, and innovation. Despite tight deadlines, I ensured that the core elements of the brand were completed first, allowing the team to move forward efficiently. I also facilitated multiple discussions with team members to ensure alignment and understanding of the brand strategy. The final branding guide was well-received by both our team and external collaborators, significantly enhancing the organization’s credibility and recognition. This experience taught me the value of structured thinking and effective communication in leading a project to success.

To me, success isn’t about instant achievement but about choosing to keep moving forward in the face of challenges and setbacks. From my journey in fine arts during high school to transitioning into design at university, and later managing multiple complex projects in graduate school, determination has been the key driver of my growth. It has allowed me to tackle any starting point without fear and has driven me to continuously improve. I truly believe that as long as you keep striving, every bit of effort will eventually become the foundation for future success.

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

I am a designer and creative strategist with a background in fine arts and branding, and my work spans across multiple disciplines including brand strategy, user experience design, and creative direction. My journey began in high school, where I first fell in love with the process of visual storytelling through fine arts. While I was surrounded by peers with stronger foundational skills, I embraced the challenge of improving myself every day. That early experience taught me the importance of determination, and it became a driving force behind everything I do.

My transition into design came during my undergraduate studies at Parsons School of Design, where I shifted from fine arts to focus on design. It was an exciting yet demanding leap, as I had to master new technical tools, develop logical design thinking, and understand user needs—all while retaining my creative instincts. Over time, I grew into someone who could blend creativity with strategy, crafting designs that weren’t just visually compelling but also purposeful and impactful.

Today, I specialize in branding and design that solves real-world problems for organizations and users. Whether it’s creating a cohesive brand identity for a collegiate esports organization or developing a compelling brand strategy for a skateboarding shoe project, my work is rooted in finding the perfect balance between aesthetics, functionality, and strategic thinking. I strive to help organizations define their unique voice, engage their audiences, and stand out in their respective markets.

I believe my unique edge lies in my combination of creative artistry and strategic thinking. My background in fine arts gives me a strong foundation in visual communication, while my experience in branding and design has honed my ability to think holistically about a brand’s needs. I approach every project with a blend of analytical problem-solving and creative innovation, ensuring that the final product is not only beautiful but also meaningful and impactful. Additionally, my ability to work across diverse industries and handle multiple projects simultaneously—such as managing a graduate thesis alongside branding an esports organization—demonstrates my adaptability and strong time management skills.

Two projects stand out as milestones in my recent career. The first is my work with a collegiate esports organization, where I developed a comprehensive brand strategy and visual guidelines. Starting from scratch, I created a cohesive framework that unified the organization’s internal vision while significantly enhancing its external credibility and recognition. The second is a team project designing a performance skateboarding shoe named POP, where I successfully resolved team conflicts around brand positioning by leveraging data-driven insights and user research. These projects showcase my ability to lead, innovate, and deliver impactful solutions.

At the core of everything I do is the belief that design is a powerful tool for connection. Whether it’s helping a brand tell its story, improving user experiences, or creating visuals that resonate, my goal is always to bring ideas to life in a way that feels authentic and engaging. I want potential clients and collaborators to know that I am not just a designer—I am a problem-solver and storyteller who thrives on turning complex challenges into thoughtful, creative solutions.

In addition to my work, I am deeply passionate about continuous learning and growth. I see every project as an opportunity to not only help others succeed but also push the boundaries of my own creativity and expertise. For me, the ultimate reward is seeing how my work creates value, inspires others, and contributes to meaningful change.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

If there’s one resource I wish I had known the value of earlier in my creative journey, it’s having a great mentor.

Early on in my journey, I encountered many people who doubted my abilities or suggested that I wasn’t talented enough to succeed. Whether it was during my high school fine arts days or the early stages of my design education, I often felt the weight of comparison and criticism. However, everything changed when I encountered the right mentors during my undergraduate years and in two of my internships.

These mentors were not just knowledgeable—they were supportive, encouraging, and honest. They saw potential in me even when I struggled to see it myself. Instead of focusing on my shortcomings, they guided me on how to turn challenges into growth opportunities. They gave me constructive feedback while also reminding me of my progress and strengths, which was invaluable at moments when self-doubt crept in.

One of my college professors, for instance, had a way of pushing me out of my comfort zone while making me feel supported. He once told me, “The fact that you’re willing to try and fail means you’re already ahead of those who don’t try at all.” That simple reminder shifted my perspective on risk and experimentation in my creative work. Similarly, during two internships, my supervisors went out of their way to involve me in projects where I could grow and make meaningful contributions. They not only encouraged me but also provided platforms for me to shine, trusting me with responsibilities that built my confidence and allowed me the space to prove myself.

I personally put a lot of value in the word “mentor.” For me, calling someone a mentor is not something I say lightly—it signifies that this person has had a profound impact on my journey. The mentors I’ve been fortunate to have didn’t just teach me technical skills; they instilled in me the confidence to keep going when the path seemed unclear, and for that, I will always be grateful.

Looking back, I realize how much of my growth can be attributed to these individuals. Their belief in me taught me the value of perseverance and self-belief, especially in an industry that can sometimes be harsh and competitive. Having someone who both challenges you and uplifts you can make all the difference, particularly when the journey feels uncertain or overwhelming. It’s even more powerful when the same people also provide you with a platform to grow and thrive in the long term, creating opportunities that support your full potential.

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

Absolutely. My ultimate goal is to become one of the best in the design industry.

I’ve always been clear about my ambition, and I don’t shy away from it. I envision myself one day reaching the pinnacle of the design field, taking on roles like Creative director or art director. These positions represent the perfect blend of leadership, strategy, and creativity, and they align perfectly with my passion for guiding teams and creating impactful work.

This clarity about my goal solidified during one particular milestone in my journey—our skateboarding shoe team project during graduate school. As the brand strategist for the project, I played a key role in shaping the brand’s identity and direction. Through the team’s collective efforts and my contributions, the project went on to win six awards, a recognition that deeply reinforced my belief in my capabilities. It was during this time that I realized I didn’t just enjoy design—I wanted to excel, lead, and create work that inspires and influences others.

I come from an environment where openly expressing ambitious goals is often discouraged, with humility being a strongly valued trait. But I’ve come to believe that having ambition is a good thing. It gives me clarity about where I want to go and serves as the driving force that pushes me to move forward with purpose and determination.

What drives me is the constant desire to innovate and push boundaries. I see design not just as a craft but as a means of storytelling and problem-solving. My ambition keeps me striving for growth, seeking out opportunities to refine my skills, and aiming to leave a lasting impact on the industry.

While the journey to the top is undoubtedly challenging, I thrive on challenges and view them as stepping stones. Each project I take on, each team I collaborate with, and every lesson I learn brings me closer to this ultimate goal. For me, it’s not just about reaching the top—it’s about growing into someone who can inspire others along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jaceychen.com
• Instagram: @jacey_ch
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaceychen/