We were lucky to catch up with Jean He recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jean, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Presently, I serve as the User Experience Lead at Fantasy Interactive, a globally acclaimed design agency. It’s an honor to collaborate on product design ventures with industry titans like Amazon, Microsoft, Alibaba, Snowflake, Vimeo, and many other tech front-runners. In this role, I’ve had the distinction of spearheading a team of adept designers, researchers, and producers. Together, we craft user-centric products that not only address specific challenges but also significantly propel the successes of our esteemed clients. From the moment I stepped into design college, my life has been inextricably intertwined with design. Each day since has been dedicated to honing my skills and immersing myself in the intricacies of the craft. A pivotal factor that has contributed to my journey’s success is the emphasis I’ve placed on establishing a robust design process. This involves continuous learning, curating a repository of intriguing design concepts and inspirations, and periodically introspecting both as a designer and an individual. This methodology has been instrumental in refining my design perspectives and accelerating the ideation phase. If I were to reflect on shortcuts, perhaps I might’ve fast-tracked some experiences, but then again, every step has been invaluable to my growth.

Jean, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a UX (User Experience) Lead Designer at Fantasy Interactive, a premier global design firm celebrated for its innovative spirit and high-impact solutions. At the heart of my role lies the opportunity to collaborate with tech behemoths like Amazon, Microsoft, Alibaba, Snowflake, BP, and many others. My team and I breathe life into intuitive, user-focused designs that transcend mere problem-solving; they amplify our business partners’ successes.

Every project under my watch unfurls with an articulated vision. The roadmap we set — from the initial site structure and wireframing to the final design touches — aims for impeccable user engagement and satisfaction. I take pride in my commitment to precision; every pixel, and every design component must align with our vision. Moreover, my work isn’t just about designing visually appealing interfaces. It’s about architecting new interaction paradigms and frameworks. By reshaping digital channels, we have the power to redefine user experiences, leading directly to heightened business value.

The journey has had its share of bumps and setbacks. But in them, I found invaluable lessons, opportunities for personal growth, and a renewed vigor to strive for excellence. When potential clients or followers think of me, I want them to recognize a designer who is as relentless in pursuit of perfection as they are dedicated to delivering tangible business outcomes.

Beyond my role as a UX Lead Designer, I wear the hat of a Creative Director, steering multiple successful ventures. My endeavors have garnered recognition, winning esteemed accolades from industry stalwarts like the A’ Design Awards, International Design Awards, and Awwwards. Such distinctions are not just badges of honor; they’re a testament to the caliber of success and innovation I’ve brought to the design landscape.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Throughout my creative odyssey, I’ve established various goals, each tailored to different phases of my life. Some objectives are straightforward and pragmatic, like earning a stable income or securing a job. Yet, beyond these immediate aspirations, I’ve always nurtured a broader vision for my design career, one that I reflect upon especially during challenging times when I find myself navigating complex stakeholder communications or drowning in tasks. “What kind of designer do I aspire to be?” This question continually resonates in my mind.

Over the years, numerous individuals and designers have left a mark on me. Yet, a certain archetype of designer profoundly resonates with my core beliefs — one who truly comprehends the essence of design and can seamlessly communicate its value to a wider, non-creative audience. I ground myself in moments of doubt or confusion by revisiting this vision. It helps me cut through immediate challenges, discern the more profound significance behind hurdles, and realign my priorities. This way, I ensure that each step solidifies my path towards that overarching, lifelong goal.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being a creative offers multifaceted rewards, and I see them existing on three distinct levels.

1. Personal Fulfillment: At its purest, the joy of creating is a profound reward in itself. I often think of children, naturally brimming with creativity. Their sketches might seem whimsical or abstract to us, but they derive immense happiness from simple acts like drawing a delightful puppy. As we age, we sometimes lose touch with this innate joy. Yet, as a creative, I’ve been fortunate to retain and relish these moments of pure, child-like happiness.

2. External Recognition: There’s an undeniable thrill in having one’s work acknowledged and celebrated. Accolades, recognition, and public appreciation serve as markers of achievement and validation. I’ve been privileged to experience this elation firsthand when my projects were recognized by esteemed platforms like the A’ Design Awards, International Design Awards, and Awwwards. Such moments fuel my passion and drive me to reach even greater creative heights.

3. Team Achievements: UX design, unlike some other creative disciplines, is inherently collaborative. It demands engaging with a spectrum of stakeholders, teams, and individuals. My role involves distilling vast volumes of information from myriad sources and making decisions that enhance user satisfaction while elevating a product’s business value. The shared sense of accomplishment when a team’s collective efforts bear fruit is immensely gratifying. It’s not just about individual success; it’s about uplifting and celebrating the entire team’s triumphs.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jeanxhe.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanxhe/

Image Credits
Jean (Xincong) He