We were lucky to catch up with Shuihan Ding recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shuihan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?
The journey of life brings with it numerous challenges and lessons, and in my case, the guiding star through this journey has been my mother. Her influence, both profound and multifaceted, has shaped not only my professional path but also my personal ethos.
As a young individual venturing abroad for studies and work, I faced the daunting task of navigating a foreign land. It was my mother’s unwavering support that made this possible. She shouldered the financial burden of my education and living expenses single-handedly, a testament to her extraordinary commitment and sacrifice. This act of love laid the foundation for my achievements, enabling me to pursue a graduate program and build a life in a new country.
What always strikes me about my mother is her visionary leadership. In her professional realm, she is more than a talented leader; she is a beacon of inspiration. Her recognition as an outstanding staff member and leader within her company is not merely a title but a reflection of her dedication and exceptional skill. Her approach to leadership is nuanced – fostering collaboration and unity rather than relying on authority. This leadership style, which I see as a form of servant leadership, creates a harmonious work environment and yields impressive results.
Breaking the mold of traditional Chinese parenting, she has always been an open-minded and understanding parent. Rather than imposing her views, she encouraged me to find my own path, to explore my interests, and to make independent choices. This freedom has been crucial in developing my own identity and decision-making abilities.
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?
My name is Shuihan Ding, and I am deeply immersed in the world of graphic design and art direction, aspiring to make a significant impact in the advertising industry. My ultimate goal is to work for an advertising agency, focusing on key art for film and television, crafting commercial campaigns for brand collaborations, and designing licensed lifestyle products.
My journey in this field began at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), where I pursued an undergraduate degree in graphic design. This program laid a strong foundation in commercial design and honed my skills in digital formats. To further my expertise, I am currently advancing my education at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), specializing in advertising. Here, I am developing not only my creative talents but also the practical leadership skills essential for my professional aspirations.
Prior to my graduate studies, I embarked on a significant professional experience at Recycled Karma Brands (RKB) in LA, California, a company renowned for its graphic and vintage t-shirts featuring iconic artists and bands like David Bowie, AC/DC, Joan Jett, and Pink Floyd. As a graphic designer, my role involved creating graphic art that resonates with our brand’s unique voice. This experience allowed me to flexibly adjust to varying brand needs and to refine my skills in composition and typography, guided by feedback from senior designers. My responsibilities also extended to liaising with licensors for design approvals and pre-production processes, gaining valuable insight into the operations of a licensing and licensee company in our industry.
Throughout both my academic and professional endeavors, I’ve come to understand that design is not merely the result of creative elements being brought together on a whim, but rather a meticulous process of research, thoughtful design thinking, and problem-solving. It’s this philosophy that I aim to bring to future roles in the advertising industry, addressing client and brand needs through impactful storytelling and design.
As I continue my journey, I am eager to translate the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired into innovative and effective solutions for future clients and projects. My vision is to not only create visually appealing designs but also to imbue them with a narrative that connects and resonates with audiences, distinguishing my work in the field of graphic design and advertising.
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 significant gap I’ve noticed between non-creatives and creatives, particularly in the field of design, revolves around expectations and value perception. A common misconception is that the work of designers isn’t as deserving of high compensation compared to more traditional professions. I’d like to address this by highlighting the unique nature of the creative process.
Firstly, it’s important to recognize that careers in design don’t usually follow a linear trajectory. Projects, inspiration, and opportunities can lead to unexpected directions and transformations. This aspect of creativity is often misunderstood by those outside the field.
To draw an analogy, consider how work in science, like computer science, typically results in objective, non-variable outcomes. It’s similar to solving a math problem – there might be various methods, but ultimately, there’s a single correct answer. In contrast, design work is highly subjective and variable. While a scientific problem has one solution, a design challenge can have myriad successful outcomes, each reflecting different aesthetics and functional considerations.
The process of designing goes beyond just creating visually appealing elements. It involves extensive research, an understanding of both the product and the customer, and the integration of rationality with aesthetics. This complexity is not always evident to those outside the creative industry.
In practice, designers not only need to be skilled in aesthetics but also must consider practical aspects such as product functionality and client requirements. This multifaceted approach is crucial for successful design but is often undervalued or oversimplified by non-creatives.
It’s essential to understand that the output of a designer’s work isn’t just a ‘pretty picture’; it’s the culmination of a complex process that balances beauty with functionality, client needs with creative vision. Recognizing and respecting this process is key to bridging the gap between creatives and non-creatives, and to appreciate the true value of design work.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a designer is the recognition of the hard work and creativity poured into each project. There’s an immense sense of satisfaction in seeing your ideas take form and come to life. This creative process – the act of self-expression and bringing concepts to reality – is deeply joyful and continually fuels my motivation.
A significant part of this journey is the constant learning and growth. Each project introduces new challenges and opportunities, pushing me to develop my skills and broaden my horizons. A recent personal milestone that encapsulates this feeling was winning three gold awards at the American Advertising Awards hosted by the American Advertising Federation (AAF) in art direction, illustration, and type design for my aviation-themed typographical playing cards. This accomplishment not only serves as a testament to the evolution of my craft but also highlights the broader impact my work has begun to make.
The recognition, especially for something I devoted much effort and passion to, is incredibly rewarding. It’s affirming to know that my work resonates with others and is contributing positively to the field of design. These moments of acknowledgment are not just personal victories but also reminders of why I chose this path – to make a meaningful impact through design and creativity.
