We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ling Chua a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ling, appreciate you joining us today. Do you take vacations? Why or why not?

I believe that vacations are a vital aspect of any job, especially for those in creative fields. Whenever I return from a break, I find that my vision is clearer and my skills are sharper. Stepping away from work also helps build confidence and perspective, making the time off an invaluable part of the creative process.

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 currently a Commercial Editor at Joint Editorial in Portland, Oregon. I started out as an intern at another post house in New York and I worked my way up as an Assistant Editor before becoming an Editor at Joint. At Joint Editorial, I collaborate with high-profile clients such as Nike, the American Indian College Fund, and Brand Jordan.

Recently, I completed editing a poignant short film about an Asian woman with dementia who begins learning Spanish as a way to cope with her condition.

One of my favorite aspects of being an editor is the collaborative process. Working closely with directors, producers, and agency creatives on commercial projects is both inspiring and fulfilling.

A key skill I’ve honed as a commercial editor is the ability to edit in real time. The fast-paced nature of the commercial industry demands quick turnarounds, and I recall how impressed the director was with the speed and efficiency of my editing on the short film project.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an editor is collaborating with brilliant minds to craft edits that push creative boundaries. The process of brainstorming and refining ideas together is incredibly exciting, and seeing the final product on TV or a brand’s social media always gives me a great sense of accomplishment.

Recently, I had the privilege of editing a short film alongside some of the most talented professionals in the industry. It was an honor to collaborate with them and grow both personally and professionally through the experience.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I believe one challenge non-creatives often face is not recognizing that creativity thrives on flexibility. Creatives need the freedom to adapt and evolve, and a rigid environment can stifle their creativity and lead to insecurity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lingchua.com
• Instagram: @privatehaven
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ling-chua-/

Image Credits
Main Profile Picture: Cheng Lee
Additional PIctures: Kim Blanck and Izzie Raitt