We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tiffany Tedy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tiffany below.
Hi Tiffany, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
Recently, I had a heart-to-heart with my mom that struck a chord. She shared something profound, “I just realized that all this time, what mattered most for you and your sister was prioritizing education.” For us, education wasn’t just about burying ourselves in books, it was about learning life’s values- how to be compassionate, considerate, appreciative, and how to navigate the realities of the world.
My family has weathered numerous hardships in the past years, yet my parents relentlessly and unintentionally emphasized the significance of education. Despite setbacks, they never allowed us to relinquish our pursuit of learning. There was a pivotal moment during my gap year in college, when I almost abandoned it all, education included. However, their unwavering support and persistence kept us on track. We held onto hope while persistently forging ahead.
Even in the midst of adversities, their commitment to education molded my sister and I into individuals who strive with unparalleled diligence, which have brought me to understand that hard work yields rewards in ways we might not force initially. What my parents got right wasn’t solely emphasizing education, but giving their all within their means for the family’s well-being. That’s a lesson I deeply cherish.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am originally from the beautiful city of Bandung, Indonesia, but my teenage upbringing was predominantly in the vibrant pulse of Singapore.
As a child, I harbored a profound desire towards creativity, yet the path I envisioned didn’t quite lead me to designing things and actually making them move myself. The idea of crafting and bringing designs to life was a surprise, one that unfolded unexpectedly in my journey.
But here I am. A senior pursuing Motion Design at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). I see myself as more than just a Motion Designer, I truly enjoy conjuring imaginative and unconventional concepts that exude sheer magic and implementing them to the unification of motion and design.
In my brief tenure within motion design, I’ve encountered remarkable and unforeseen events- from receiving awards, to engaging passion-driven projects with other creatives, as well as internship experiences. These impactful experiences have consistently reaffirmed my initial motivations for stepping into this field.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
My creative friends and I often discuss this. Being a creative isn’t just about doing what we love; it’s also about needing financial stability. We realized that there isn’t the ‘perfect’ world where we can have both. As international students, our dreams were tied to our passions. We wanted to do crazy and cool work, but the rules and laws often make it hard to chase those dreams. So, we often find ourselves coerced into prioritizing stability, and that can dim the fire that once burned brightly during our freshmen years.
The drastic disparity between how excited we were at the beginning of our studies and the pragmatic realities of our senior years is extremely jarring; presenting a disheartening reality we all must face. Internally, we cling onto the illusion of ourselves being as passionate as we once were, because perhaps that facade is the only thing that keeps us going.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is being surrounded by fellow creatives. It’s not just about the wow-factor in our work, but the deep sense of belonging within a community that resonates most with me. High school laid the groundwork for my teenage years, but studying a creative major among like-minded individuals in a creative environment has truly validated my sense of self. It’s not just about being seen as a creative, but feeling accepted as a person navigating the complexities of the real world.
During moments of uncertainty and indecisiveness, knowing that they grapple with similar challenges makes me feel understood. We share a common thread in our struggles and aspirations as creatives, which brings an unparalleled sense of camaraderie. Growing alongside these individuals into adulthood has been an incredible gift in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: tifftedy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tedymode/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-tedy/