We were lucky to catch up with Xianghan Wang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Xianghan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I have always been interested in aesthetics, such as photography, from a young age, but I never thought about making a living from it. It wasn’t until my undergraduate years that I realized I wanted to pursue a professional creative path, when I was introduced to the world of digital media. I was thrilled with the creative projects I was able to produce, whether it was graphic design, video editing, or animation. I realized that I truly enjoyed blending creativity with technology, and I realized this combination could not only express ideas but also innovate in ways that could deeply impact others.

At that moment, I knew I wanted to explore this field further, which eventually led me to pursue a master’s degree in Integrated Digital Media at New York University. During that time, I developed a passion for mixed reality, which broadened the scope of expression by bridging the gap between virtual and real world. This medium offers endless possibilities, allowing us to merge not only the virtual and the real, but also the past and the future, and Eastern and Western cultures.

Inspired by this potential, I created projects like “The Rhythm of Tai Chi,” which blends traditional Eastern practices with cutting-edge technology. This project won international awards, including the Red Dot Award. These experiences also guided my journey to working at Apple, where I continue to push the boundaries of creative technology.

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’m Xianghan (Sharon) Wang, a digital designer and creative technologist based in Los Angeles, with over 5 years of experience in the digital media industry. Throughout my career, I’ve worked across multiple creative disciplines, including motion design, video production, and mixed reality. I’ve had the privilege of contributing to projects that range from advertising 2D/3D animation and design to immersive, interactive experiences that bridge the gap between the virtual and real worlds.

One of my key creative works is a VR project that merges traditional Eastern practices with modern virtual reality technology, which has earned international recognition, including the prestigious Red Dot Award. Additionally, I served as the lead motion designer for Apple Vision Pro Tips, where I crafted animations that guide users through Apple’s revolutionary spatial computing platform, making complex technology accessible and intuitive.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to bridge the past and the future, blending traditional cultural values with cutting-edge technology to create experiences that are not only transformative but also meaningful. I strive to make art and technology more accessible, using my work to push creative boundaries and inspire others.

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.

One thing that non-creatives might find hard to understand is where new ideas come from and how to continuously produce work. In reality, being a creative involves both looking inward and outward. Every project reflects the creator’s perspectives on culture, life, or the world. Designers not only learn about and express themselves through their work but also enhance their cultural understanding by constantly exploring and learning from the world around them.

For example, in my project “The Rhythm of Tai Chi,” the inspiration from my growing backgroud. My father is a traditional Chinese doctor, so I grew up immersed in Chinese culture. Plused my background in digital media, I wanted to show through my work how traditional culture can be revitalized using modern technology. It’s this blend of personal experience and external exploration that fuels my creativity.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One of the books that has significantly impacted me is Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. It’s one of my favorite books because it offers a broad perspective on human history, from the earliest stages of evolution to the development of modern societies. The book explores how human innovation, collaboration, and storytelling have shaped the world, and it’s influenced how I think about creativity and problem-solving in my own work.

As a creator Sapiens has helped me appreciate the power of ideas and narratives in shaping not just products, but entire cultures. It’s made me realize that innovation often comes from understanding deep-rooted cultural and societal forces, and it’s inspired me to approach my projects with a mindset that integrates history, technology, and human nature. This helps me craft more meaningful and impactful creative solutions.

Contact Info:

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

Image Credits

Xianghan Wang