We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Xinyi (cherry) Qu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Xinyi (Cherry), thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on was leading the design and marketing efforts for the Nomad Theater Summer Comedy Series, a Chinese-language improv initiative. At the time, Nomad Theater was still in its early stages, and this series was a key opportunity to grow its presence and build its community. I took on the role of Design Lead, where I was responsible for crafting the visual identity and marketing strategy for the entire series.

The series consisted of 9 classes and 2 shows, including a final class performance and a special Halloween-themed follow-up show. My work included designing all the promotional materials—posters, event graphics, and social media content—which were used across platforms like Instagram, Eventbrite, and Chinese-language media outlets. These efforts helped attract over 100 active members to the comedy community and significantly increased Nomad Theater’s visibility in the Chinese-speaking creative scene in New York.

This project was particularly meaningful to me because it allowed me to combine my creative skills with leadership. I was able to set the tone for the series’ branding and ensure every detail aligned with Nomad Theater’s mission. Seeing the community grow and thrive through my work was incredibly rewarding, both as a designer and as someone passionate about fostering creativity and connection.

Xinyi (Cherry), love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

About Cherry Qu: Designer, Creative Leader, and Advocate for Meaningful Connections

I’m Cherry Qu, a designer and project manager with a passion for using design to foster connections, solve problems, and create meaningful experiences. I hold dual Master’s degrees in Architecture and Real Estate Development from Columbia University, and my work focuses on combining aesthetics, functionality, and strategy to deliver impactful results. From high-end interior projects to creative campaigns, I bring a unique perspective that blends design, business acumen, and leadership.

What I Do and What Problems I Solve
I specialize in design-driven project management and brand strategy, focusing on helping clients and organizations identify their core values—their “why”—and transforming those values into cohesive designs, experiences, and solutions. Whether it’s developing branding for a creative initiative or managing complex interior design projects, I thrive on turning ambitious ideas into tangible outcomes that align with both user needs and client goals.

Through my work, I address challenges like:

Helping clients clearly define their identity and values.
Creating impactful visual identities and experiences that connect with their audience.
Bridging the gap between creative vision and practical execution, ensuring every project is both inspiring and achievable.
What Sets Me Apart
What sets me apart is my ability to combine an eye for aesthetics, strategic thinking, and executional leadership. I’m not just focused on “what” to design, but on “why” it matters. By starting with purpose, I create designs that inspire, resonate, and drive meaningful impact. I also have a strong ability to connect people and ideas—whether it’s fostering collaboration within a team or building relationships with audiences through thoughtful design.

My multicultural background and fluency in Mandarin and English allow me to connect with diverse communities and amplify underrepresented voices, as seen in the Nomad Theater project. This ability to navigate different perspectives has been instrumental in helping clients and organizations grow their reach and build stronger relationships with their audiences.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the moments where my work has helped foster growth—whether it’s building a vibrant community like the one at Nomad Theater or delivering a design solution that brings a client’s vision to life. Seeing how my designs and strategies can inspire people, connect communities, and make a lasting impact is what drives me forward.

For example, the Nomad Theater Summer Comedy Series wasn’t just about creating beautiful visuals—it was about helping a grassroots organization grow into a thriving creative community. By aligning the design language with their mission and values, I helped amplify their voice and expand their reach, which is the kind of work I strive to do in every project.

What I Want People to Know About My Work
I want people to know that my work is about creating meaningful connections—whether it’s between people, ideas, or values. I believe design is one of the most powerful tools for solving problems and fostering growth, and my goal is always to combine creativity with strategy to deliver results that are both beautiful and impactful. I’m passionate about helping organizations and individuals find their “why” and using that as a foundation to build something meaningful, whether it’s a product, a brand, or a community.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey has always been driven by a desire to break boundaries—both within myself and in the systems I work within. I’ve often felt that our pasts can define or even limit us, but I believe in continually growing beyond those boundaries, taking the best of what we’ve learned and combining it with new elements to create something transformative. To me, this is at the heart of design: it’s about taking what exists, adding new ideas, and combining them into something entirely unique—something that can continue to grow and evolve on its own.

This mentality is deeply embedded in my creative process. I see every problem as an opportunity, and I believe that solutions always outnumber challenges, no matter how complex the problem might seem. Design, in my view, isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about seeing potential, creating new systems, and allowing them to feed into each other to form innovative ideas or models.

My work with Nomad Theater Summer Comedy Series reflects this approach. Nomad started as a grassroots, Chinese-language improv community with no pre-defined design identity or marketing strategy. As Design Lead, I had the opportunity to craft a visual language that was not just aesthetically cohesive but also true to Nomad’s mission of fostering growth and connection. Through branding, design, and storytelling, I helped amplify their voice and create a platform where their values could thrive and resonate with others. For me, this journey is about constantly creating, combining, and evolving—showing that there is always another way forward, and always another answer waiting to be found.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the freedom to forge my own path. Creativity allows me to step away from conventional expectations and embrace individuality. I don’t have to worry about fitting in or being different—because in the creative world, being different is celebrated, and authenticity is rewarded. That freedom has allowed me to explore new ideas, take risks, and grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

This was especially true during my work with Nomad Theater Summer Comedy Series. As Design Lead, I was given an incredible amount of autonomy and trust. From day one, the team supported my vision and gave me the space to create something I truly believed in. They welcomed every idea, no matter how experimental, and empowered me to take on additional responsibilities when I felt inspired to contribute more. That mutual support created an environment where I could grow as an artist while also helping Nomad thrive as a platform.

What made this experience so rewarding was the sense of collaboration and shared growth. Nomad wasn’t just a small, grassroots theater group—it was a space that embraced the same values of freedom, experimentation, and connection that I hold dear. Together, we created something that wasn’t just about performance but about building a meaningful community. That sense of alignment and mutual encouragement is what makes being a creative so fulfilling to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cherryxinyiqu.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherry.qu/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherry-xinyi-qu-065b8414b/
• Other: RedNote: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/5ec98fec000000000100530c

Image Credits

NoMad Theater